What is impostor syndrome?

Do you feel your knowledge is never good enough? Do you feel like you didn’t deserve it when your boss or your supervisor praises you? Do you sum up every project you realized with the phrase: “I didn’t think I’d make it”. Note: It’s the impostor syndrome working.

The impostor syndrome is a phenomenon which makes you doubt your own capabilities, competencies, skills and expertise. It can affect anyone, including those in a managerial positions or board members. If you believe all your successes result form luck rather than your own merit, experience or skills – it’s a sign that the impostor syndrome may have affected you.

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– The impostor syndrome can paralyze you. This inner voice makes achieving success, getting a promotion or spreading your wings in your professional career so much harder. It can and should be fought – says Marta Kamińska from Solutions.rent.

Did you know…

Impostor syndrome was first recognized in 1978 by Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes.

Where does it come from?

It usually manifests with those who felt overshadowed in some areas by their siblings when they were children, or whose school grades where never good enough for their parents. Such experience left them feeling that in order to be loved one needs to deserve it – in other words: achieve success. Such people feel a strong need to please and impress others.

The fact that everyone has internet access today, and all the information that comes with, is also of significance. This can make you feel like you never know enough.

Do you have the impostor syndrome?

Those suffering from the impostor syndrome are usually overly perfectionist, ambitious, they don’t take criticism well and their successes don’t give them satisfaction. Are you not sure if this concerns you too? Answer the following questions:

– Do you worry you’ll fail to meet expectations?

– Do you believe your successes come from blind luck?

– Do you overly focus on your mistakes?

– Do you feel you are not good enough in your field?

– Do you think you don’t have any special skills?

If your answer to most of the above is “yes”, it is a sign that you can suffer from the impostor syndrome.

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Did you know…

The following celebrities publicly admitted to suffering from the impostor syndrome: Sheryl Sandberg (chief operating officer of Facebook), Michelle Obama (the US first lady), Jodie Foster (actress), Katarzyna Nosowska (singer).

How to deal with the impostor syndrome?

The first step would be to realize how widespread it is. According to research, as much as 70% of the society may suffer form the impostor syndrome, so there is nothing wrong with you – personally.

Try writing down all your successes and competencies on a piece of paper. This will help you see how much you have achieved. Is it all simply a blind luck? Absolutely not! Don’t compare yourself with others – it’s really not worth it. While working focus on the realization of your goal rather than on what others think of you.

Remember – we all make mistakes. It’s hardly a reason to be ashamed, or to give up your career. What’s important is to learn form them. Nobody’s perfect, so achieving perfection shouldn’t be your primary objective. Learn to sometimes let go and keep a healthy distance to your professional career.

If you feel like your impostor syndrome overwhelms you, consider seeking psychological assistance.

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