What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome occurs among high achievers who are unable to “own” their success. But did you know there are different types of imposter syndrome? 

This phenomenon was first described by psychologists Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in the 1970s. Current research tells us that at least 70% of people have experienced imposter syndrome (IS) at one time in their career.

If you’re curious, take a few minutes to answer the following questions.

Do you feel like a fraud sometimes? Like you’re playing the role of a successful person?

Do you have a fear that you won’t live up to expectations?

Do you find yourself thinking, I don’t belong here. I’m not smart or capable enough?

Do you suffer with self-doubt and beat yourself up for mistakes you’ve made -- even when they’re not your fault?

Do you often sabotage your own success? Or attribute your success to external factors?

Do you define yourself as an overachiever and set big bodacious, challenging goals that may be impossible to achieve?

Do you have trouble accepting compliments or positive feedback about your accomplishments?

If you’ve answered YES to most of these questions, you may very well have imposter syndrome.

Psychologists say there is no “cure” for it. However, by creating awareness around what type of imposter syndrome you have, it is possible to develop mindful coping mechanisms to better manage and deal with it effectively.

Take the time to diagnose your own IS type so the voices in your head don’t take you out and hold you back.

The following categories came from a learning workshop led by Carolyn Goerner, Professor Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. It is important to note that it’s possible to have a combination of the types.

1. The Perfectionist — any error convinces you that you are a fraud.

Questions:

• Do you have trouble letting go of mistakes?

• Are you generally overprepared for meetings or presentations?

• Do you have impossibly high expectations of yourself?

2. The Workaholic — have to be the superhero to be seen as competent.

Questions:

• Do you feel pressured to work longer and harder than everyone else?

• Do you seek out new responsibilities, even when your plate is already full

  Do you have trouble asking others for help because you see it as a sign of weakness?

3. The Natural Genius — believes things should be easy to learn.

Questions:

• Do you give up on things that don’t come easily?

• Are you ashamed to admit how long something took to learn? Feeling that if it takes time then you must have failed in some way.

4. The Expert — believes knowledge is power.

Questions:

• Do you think you need to know everything about a job before you do it?

• Do you seek new training even though others say you already have the credentials?

• Do you gather all the information you can, which only leads to procrastination? Feel like you’re constantly playing catch up?

 Tips to Manage Imposter Syndrome

• Know that you are absolutely not alone.

• Build an understanding of imposter syndrome. A recent article in the Harvard Business Review sheds new light on the fact that the “impact of systemic racism, classism, xenophobia, and other biases (were) categorically absent when the concept of imposter syndrome was developed.” These are critical considerations in 2021.

• Build on your self-awareness. Journaling and meditation can help.

• Understanding the triggers and the behaviour patterns. Think about situations when you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed, and experiencing some of the symptoms noted above. What happened? What triggered you? How did you manage the situation? What went well? What could you have done differently to feel more confident or worthy?

• Ask yourself: What would silence my inner imposter? What would I do if I were feeling confident? 

• Put things in perspective. Some with IS compare themselves to others. What stories are you telling yourself about others? Do you often exaggerate others accomplishments and downplay your own? Is this comparison real or perceived?

• Remind yourself that when you judge yourself, or think others are judging you unfavourably, it’s probably total fiction.

• Make a list of your accomplishments and talents and place it somewhere you can review it every morning before you start your day.

• Similarly, keep a list of positive feedback you receive from others and read it from time to time.

• Treat confidence as a skill that must be nurtured. There’s always something new to learn!

• Practice self-compassion. Search “self-compassion meditation” on YouTube for videos, or follow influencers like @gabbybernstein on Instagram.

I can tell you that these tips have worked wonders for my clients so I hope you find them helpful. Keep a journal of the IS experiences as they happen for you and remind yourself that nothing happens overnight. With time and awareness, you will find your mindset shifting for the better.

If you need more advice on how to stay in your zone of genius, don’t hesitate to reach out!