It's no secret that the journey to success is often paved with challenges, but there's one hurdle that many of us stumble upon - imposter syndrome... It's real, and it sucks. But, you're not alone! Let's dive into the world of imposter syndrome, unpack its origins, and explore some strategies to kick it to the curb.
Defining Imposter Syndrome:
Imposter syndrome is like that unexpected houseguest who overstays their welcome - always lingering, making you doubt your abilities and believe you're 'just lucky', not skilled. Dr. Pauline Rose Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes first coined the term in the 1970s after observing this phenomenon among high-achieving women.
Picture this: You secure that dream job or accomplishment, but instead of celebrating, you're consumed by the fear of being exposed as a fraud.
The cycle begins - you overwork, downplay achievements, and attribute success to external factors. The more success you achieve, the more you feel like an imposter. It's a never-ending loop, a vicious cycle.
Even some of the greatest and wisest minds struggle with Imposter Syndrome...
The amazing Maya Angelou once said, "I have written eleven books, but each time I think, 'Uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody, and they're going to find me out.'"
And then we have Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's COO, who revealed, "There are still days when I wake up feeling like a fraud, not sure I should be where I am."
But where does it stem from, what is the root cause of the issue?
Imposter syndrome often stems from perfectionism, the fear of failure, or societal expectations.
Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on imposter syndrome, categorizes it into
five subtypes: the Perfectionist, the Superwoman/man, the Natural Genius, the Soloist, and the Expert. Recognizing which subtype resonates with you is the first step toward overcoming it.
Let's delve deeper...
The Perfectionist:
The Perfectionist sets excessively high goals for themselves and engages in an all-or-nothing mindset. They often struggle to accept anything less than perfection, leading to stress and burnout. Mistakes are perceived as personal failures, intensifying the imposter feelings.
Tip: Embrace the concept of 'good enough' and recognize that perfection is unattainable. Celebrate achievements and learn from mistakes without viewing them as reflections of your worth.
The Superwoman/man:
This subtype feels the need to excel in every aspect of life – be it in their career, relationships, or personal life. The Superwoman/man puts immense pressure on themselves to maintain a flawless image, often neglecting their well-being in the process.
Tip: Prioritize self-care and set realistic expectations. Understand that balance is key, and it's okay not to excel at everything all the time.
The Natural Genius:
Individuals in this category believe that they should effortlessly excel in every endeavor without putting in much effort. They often attribute success to innate abilities rather than hard work. Struggling or needing to put in extra effort can trigger feelings of inadequacy.
Tip: Embrace the learning process and understand that everyone faces challenges. Effort and perseverance are essential components of success.
The Soloist:
The Soloist prefers to work alone, believing that asking for help or collaboration is a sign of weakness. They fear being exposed as an imposter if they seek assistance, often leading to isolation and unnecessary stress.
Tip: Recognize the value of collaboration and seeking support. Understand that asking for help doesn't diminish your capabilities; it enhances them.
The Expert:
The Expert constantly seeks to know everything before taking on a task. They believe that they should have all the answers and fear being exposed if they lack knowledge on a particular subject.
Tip: Embrace the idea that continuous learning is natural, and it's okay not to know everything. Focus on acquiring the skills needed for the task at hand and be open to ongoing learning.
Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome:
Normalize Imperfection:
Embrace the fact that perfection is an illusion. As Brene Brown wisely puts it, "Perfectionism is a self-destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame."
Talk About It:
Share your feelings with a mentor, colleague, or friend. Odds are, they've battled imposter syndrome too. Open conversations about self-doubt can shatter the stigma and create a supportive environment.
Set Realistic Goals:
Break down your big goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Celebrate the small wins along the way. Remember, success is a journey, not just a destination.
In conclusion, Imposter syndrome may be a stubborn houseguest, but with self-awareness and strategic tactics, you can show it the door. As you navigate your path to success, keep in mind that you're not alone in your struggles. Embrace your achievements, acknowledge your worth, and let the world see the incredible professional, and person, that you are.
Staff Training is a South African soft skills training provider with more than 80 workshops on offer.
Email us at
info@StaffTraining.co.za for more info or give us a call at 0861 996 660
