Last Updated: 24th July, 2022

Impostor Syndrome (IS): Merely, try to think of an achievement or about a relationship. Do you think it was all because you got fortunate? Do you distrust your abilities? This may be indicative of the Impostor Syndrome.

Around 70% of people might experience, at least one episode of impostor syndrome (IS) in their lives, most commonly when they are in their youth. Let us understand Impostor Syndrome, a psychological condition with high prevalence in young people.

What Is Impostor Syndrome (IS)?

Impostor syndrome (IS) refers to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and experience a persistent fear of being incompetent or getting exposed as a fraud.

Despite considering adequate external proof of accomplishments, people with impostor syndrome (IS) remain convinced that they don’t deserve the success they achieve.

What Are The Possible Symptoms Of Impostor Syndrome (IS)?

• Constantly feeling that you will not live up to the expectations
• Fear of failure
• Avoiding extra responsibilities and creative tasks
• Going overboard on tasks and eventually experiencing burn-out
• Undervaluing your skills, abilities and intelligence
• Job dissatisfaction

Find out if you may be struggling with IS with this research-backed test. Select the first response that enters your mind without dwelling over a question for long.

Is It Impostor Syndrome (IS) Bothersome?

Absolutely! Dealing with IS can be debilitating. It can cause excessive stress, anxiety, low self-confidence, guilt, shame and in some cases, even depression.

Many people experience symptoms for a limited time, such as in the first few weeks of a recent job. Others may battle with feelings of incompetency their whole lives.

Types Of Impostor Syndrome (IS)

The Superhero: “If I were extremely competent, I would do every bit of it- all by myself.”

The Natural Genius: “I judge myself on ease and speed. If I were extremely competent, it would come out definitely and quickly.”

The Perfectionist: “I should deliver superb work 100% of the time. There can be no flaws in my work.”

The Expert: “I don’t comprehend everything about the subject. I can’t undertake this task.”

The Soloist: “I must carry out each and every thing on my own. Taking help means being weak.”

How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome (IS)

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Whenever you experience feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy, try explaining it to yourself why you’re experiencing this way. When you implement this, the optimistic side of you will always counter the negative feelings.
2. Own Your Successes: When things go well, appreciate yourself, not the good fortune. When things go wicked, investigate internally before blaming yourself. When you achieve a goal or finish an ambitious project, acknowledge that it was your skill and talent that made it happen.
3. Develop a Quick Response Plan: It takes long-term effort and tactics to deal with incredibly frustrating moments. When the negative self takes over, try to confront it. Avoid being reckless.
4. Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Once you have a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, you won’t have to squander so much time worrying that you’re not qualified for certain tasks, projects or roles.
5. Overcome Perfectionism: Set realistic, challenging, but achievable goals. Treat your mistakes as discovering experiences.
6. Speak and Speak: Reach out to people you believe in and allow them illustrate you how your fears are unfounded. Try to devote more time with optimistic people.

Conclusion
Many people believe that the alternative is to become boastful and self-important, but this won’t be the case. If impostor syndrome (IS) is luring you down, get better guidance by discussing with an expert. Defy it out like a genuine hero!