What is Imposter Syndrome?

Author: Mokshvi Shah, BS Northeastern University Student

Published: March 2024

Have you ever felt like a fraud, even when you're successful or accomplished? Like any moment, someone might figure out you're not as capable as they think you are? If so, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome. It's a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud." While not a clinical diagnosis, it's a common and often crippling experience for many, regardless of their qualifications or achievements.

Imposter syndrome typically affects high-achieving individuals who, despite their successes, believe they don't deserve the recognition they've received. They attribute their accomplishments to luck or external factors, not their own abilities or hard work. This mindset leads to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, even when there's clear evidence of their competence.

Some of the most common thoughts associated with imposter syndrome include:

• "I'm not really good at this."

• "I just got lucky."

• "If people knew how much I struggle, they'd realize I'm not qualified."

• "Everyone else knows what they're doing, I'm just winging it."

While these thoughts may seem irrational from the outside, they're incredibly powerful internally, often making it hard for individuals to accept praise or recognize their own achievements.

Who Experiences Imposter Syndrome?

Though it can affect anyone, imposter syndrome is particularly prevalent among:

• High achievers: People who are accustomed to excelling may set incredibly high standards for themselves, feeling that anything less than perfection proves they’re not truly competent.

• Women and minorities: Research suggests that women and people from minority backgrounds are more likely to experience imposter syndrome due to societal pressures and stereotypes. The underrepresentation in certain fields can intensify feelings of not belonging.

• Professionals in competitive fields: Doctors, academics, entrepreneurs, and other professionals in high-stakes, competitive industries often feel intense pressure to perform, leading to self-doubt.

Types of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can manifest in different ways. These types include:

1. The Perfectionist: You set excessively high goals and, when you fail to meet them, feel like a failure. Even small mistakes can trigger self-doubt.

2. The Superwoman/man: You push yourself to work harder and longer than others to prove your worth, often at the expense of your well-being.

3. The Natural Genius: If you don't excel at something on your first try, you believe you're not cut out for it, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

4. The Soloist: Asking for help feels like an admission of failure, so you prefer to work alone and struggle to collaborate effectively.

5. The Expert: You constantly seek out more knowledge and qualifications to prove your competence, feeling like you’ll never know “enough.”

The Impact of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression. It can stifle personal and professional growth, as individuals may avoid taking on new challenges for fear of failure. Over time, this can create a vicious cycle of self-doubt and underperformance, reinforcing the belief that you're not capable or worthy of success.

Here are some strategies to help you tackle it:

1. Acknowledge your feelings

2. Reframe your thoughts

3. Embrace imperfection

4. Share your feelings

5. Celebrate your successes

6. Ask for help when needed

Imposter syndrome can be a formidable obstacle, but it doesn’t have to define you. By understanding the root of these feelings and adopting strategies to combat them, you can break free from the cycle of self-doubt.