Wellness
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
An explainer on imposter syndrome, the psychological pattern of doubting your accomplishments and fearing you'll be exposed as a "fraud."
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What is it?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological experience where individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and have a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud." Despite external evidence of their competence, those affected are unable to internalize their success, often attributing it to luck or deceiving others. It's not a recognized mental disorder but rather a pattern of thinking that can result in feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This phenomenon is particularly common among high-achieving individuals who may feel they ended up in esteemed roles by chance rather than competence.
Why is it trending?
Awareness of imposter syndrome has grown significantly, partly due to discussions on social media platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #impostersyndrome has millions of views. Increased dialogue in workplaces about mental health and burnout has also brought the topic to the forefront. Recent surveys show a high prevalence, with a significant percentage of business leaders reporting they have experienced it. The pressures of new roles, performance reviews, and public praise can trigger these feelings, making the conversation highly relevant in today's competitive professional environments.
How does it affect people?
Imposter syndrome can have a considerable negative impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. It is strongly linked to increased anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Professionally, it can lead to burnout from over-preparing or working harder than necessary to avoid being "found out." It may also cause individuals to shy away from new opportunities or challenges for fear of failure. This cycle of self-doubt can hinder career progression, strain relationships, and ultimately prevent people from reaching their full potential.