Impostor syndrome is an experience of persistent feelings of failure and low self-esteem despite success. This feeling is common among high achieving women, who are often referred to as “impostors.” The term was first coined by psychologist, Dr. Pauline Rose Clance, in her book “The Imposter Syndrome: How Women Can Overcome the Fear & Feel Successful in Life” (1991).
Impostor Syndrome is defined as the fear of being exposed as a “fraud” or “impostor”. It is a feeling that people are not good enough to do the things they do. The following are some of the most common signs of Impostor Syndrome:
- Imposter syndrome leads to lower self-esteem, which leads to people trying harder to prove themselves.
- People with Impostor Syndrome often struggle in their careers, relationships, and personal lives.
- People with Impostor Syndrome often feel like they don’t deserve success because they didn’t earn it through hard work. This leads them to underachievement and poor performance.
How to Recognize Impostor Symptoms in Yourself
Impostor Syndrome is common among people who feel like they don’t deserve the opportunities that they have. It can often be debilitating and lead to self-sabotage. It’s important to take note of the warning signs that could be signals for Impostor Syndrome. These include:
– Feeling like a fraud, especially when things go wrong
– Wanting to fail, but not being able to let go of success
– Being too hard on yourself when others are praising you
3 Simple Ways to Beat Impostor Syndrome
While you can beat impostor syndrome by surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and championing your success, there are also simple strategies that you can implement for yourself to beat impostor syndrome.
The first tip is simply to acknowledge your accomplishments. The second tip is to take pride in the work you produce while also taking pride in your failures because both are equally important. Lastly, put yourself out there by joining a group or instructor who will provide feedback on your work and give you support on whether you are getting better at your craft.