What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the experience of believing you’re not good enough or competent enough to be in the job or position you are. Studies suggest that 70% of us experience it at some point but some other studies suggest that the real figure may be as high as 82% because it can be experienced by anyone, of any gender, background or profession, though it’s more often experienced by people in high level or specialist positions in work.
“I’m a fraud”
Imposter syndrome is often characterised by feeling like you’re a fraud, like you faked your way to where you are now and at some point you’re about to be exposed. It often causes people to play down or even dismiss their achievements because they believe that someone who wasn’t good enough couldn’t possibly achieve those things.
What are the signs?
You may find that people take on more work than they can handle in an attempt to prove their worth or competence. They might experience intense self-doubt and avoid promotion or increased responsibilities because they don’t feel good enough to be in their current position, never mind anything higher up.
The problem is that because people with imposter syndrome push themselves so hard and so much that they often experience burnout. This, combined with the feelings of low self-confidence, shame, frustration and low mood associated with imposter syndrome can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
The 5 types of imposter Syndrome
Dr Valerie Young, a specialist in Imposter Syndrome proposed 5 different types of it.
The Expert
The expert expects themselves to know everything all the time and doesn’t feel good enough until they do. Now knowing the answer to a question means they will be exposed as a fraud.
The Perfectionist
Good never feels good enough. This person experiences stress, anxiety, and doubt if they feel like something isn’t absolutely perfect. They will rarely praise themselves on what they have done well.
The Soloist
The soloist believes they should be able to do it alone. Asking for help would reveal their incompetence and may even turn down offers for help from others.
The Natural Genius
This person can’t make mistakes, they get it right first time, every time. Failing to master something quickly leaves them feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
The Superman/Woman
They measure competence based on how much they can handle and excel in. Falling short in any role, – parent, partner, worker etc means they have failed and don’t deserve success.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
A true imposter wouldn’t care about being an imposter. If you care and want to do right, then that’s a good sign that you’re not an imposter. Maybe ease the pressure on yourself.
