Have you ever felt unworthy of the success you’ve achieved? Like at any moment the people around you will find out who you really are? Those feelings of anxiety are called imposter syndrome, and if you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong or not worthy of your achievements, you’re not alone.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the struggle to internalize your own success. For many individuals, this means feeling like an “imposter” or “fraud” who will eventually be found out by the people around them. Despite a number of successes, these individuals are worried they’ve “tricked” everyone and don’t feel worthy of rewards for their talent.
Imposter syndrome is most common during the moments you would expect someone to be celebrating — landing a new job, being accepted into their dream school, getting a significant promotion, or even receiving recognition from their boss. Instead of feeling proud at that moment, some individuals feel guilt and anxiety.
Impostor syndrome is most common among high-performing individuals. It sounds odd, but it actually makes a lot of sense. High-performers feel immense pressure to replicate past performance and success. This can lead to anxiety, perfectionism, and overwork – and eventually burnout and depression, feeding into cyclical feelings of inadequacy.
How Can I Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
While you may never entirely overcome imposter syndrome, there are two mindsets that are crucial to instilling your self-confidence and ensuring imposter syndrome doesn’t get in the way of your successes. First, we’ll address change and growth as a consistent fact of life, then we’ll explore the prevalence of imposter syndrome, even in highly accomplished individuals.
Change is a Constant in Life
Change is your steady companion through life. It can test your sense of competence and belonging. It’s in these moments that you discover the contours of your present abilities and uncover insights into the next version of yourself. So don’t be afraid.
The start of something new is always challenging, but you also have the capacity for mastering these new challenges. Recall some of the times that you found yourself in a new role or environment, whether it was starting college or your first job. You’ve adapted to every adversity. You’ve thrived and overcome. It’s led you to the next point in your journey. Remind yourself of your victories up to now as you begin to look forward.
Become Your NextSelf: Make a list of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced and the most significant achievements you’ve accomplished. Keep it somewhere you can reference it anytime you’re feeling low on self-confidence.
Successful Individuals Have Faced Imposter Syndrome
Ability informs a good chunk of our identity, but how we perceive ourselves may not always reflect our actual selves. Tina Fey, Natalie Portman, Lupita Nyong’o, Lady Gaga, and Sheryl Sandberg – an ensemble of trailblazers in their respective fields – have all shared their experiences with impostor syndrome, particularly during the high points of their careers.
Depending on the screening tool used, studies have reported up to 82% of individuals experiencing imposter syndrome. While you may feel like a fraud, as it turns out, most people do! Feeling out of place is common — even for those reaching great heights. Whenever you find yourself questioning your self-worth or belonging, remember that you’re in good company.
Become Your NextSelf: Save a few quotes from your favorite individuals who have experienced imposter syndrome. Revisit the quotes for inspiration when you’re struggling with self-worth.
Overcome Your Imposter Syndrome
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a marathon, not a race. While you’re working on building your self-confidence, there will likely be a few hiccups and low points along the way. Don’t let these deter you. Take comfort in knowing that highly successful individuals have felt the same way you have and remember to appreciate the successes you’ve achieved so far.
You’re not alone in experiencing imposter syndrome, and you don’t have to work through it alone either. NextSelf helps you live your most fulfilling life with courses designed to reach your personal growth goals, like overcoming imposter syndrome. Sign up for early access to the app.