Imposter Syndrome - Feeling like a Fraud

Do you ever feel like a fraud? Like you’re fooling everyone and they’ll soon find out you have no clue what you are doing? Or maybe you feel guilty; guilty because you don’t deserve the opportunities you’ve been given. Guilty because you’re secretly not good enough. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone, in fact there’s actually a name for this feeling … Imposter syndrome.Imposter syndrome is a term that was coined by two clinical psychologists – Pauline R. Blance and Suzanne A. Imes. Imposter syndrome describes a person who despite their intelligence, deservingness, hard work, talents and/or success is convinced that they are secretly a fraud. People who experience this way of thinking often put their successes down to luck, timing or their abilities to deceive others into believing they are more capable than they really are. While some research suggests that imposter syndrome is more prevalent in women, it can affect anyone from graduate students to the CEO of a large company.These negative thought patterns can often arise from feelings of perfectionism. The strive for perfectionism (as we have heard many times) is a never ending chase that can often cause one to feel as if they are always falling short and are never truly good enough. The achievements of the perfectionist are hardly acknowledged or appreciated and are instead dismissed as they could have always done better.Some may find themselves constantly comparing themselves against others within their work force, university, sports group etc. and feeling inadequate against this standard. These people may feel they are the fake in a group of real professionals and are in constant fear of being ‘caught out’.Others perhaps are referred to by their friends, family, peers or colleagues as the ‘smart one’ the ‘talented one’ or the ‘expert’ thus manifesting a state of obligatory self-success. These people may feel as if they cannot fail or others perceptions of them will diminish and they will be exposed for their true flawed self.There are a number of ways imposter syndrome may manifest in a person and congruently a number of feelings, thoughts, exterior circumstances and self-beliefs that accompany it. So how do we deal with imposter syndrome? Well while there hasn’t been much substantial research into this phenomenon there are a number of helpful suggestions that may be of assistance:Change your thinking: First and foremost a change of thinking must occur – while this is arguably the most important change that must occur it is also the most difficult to achieve. By letting go of the strive for perfectionism, comparing yourself, others judgments or your own self-judgments you are better able to see yourself realistically and accept both the positive and negative experiences that come with being human.Mentor: To be clear, a mentor doesn’t necessarily have to be a professional … while it most certainly can be manager or a team leader it can also be a colleague, friend or family member. This person should assist you to view yourself and your situation in a realistic and unbiased manner by offering a third party perspective.Recognise your strengths and weaknesses: We all have both strengths and weaknesses – it’s human to be imperfect. By understanding and recognising that we are not going to excel at every project, task or event in our lives we can take some of the self-inflicted pressure off ourselves.Reach out for help: Imposter syndrome while not a recognised mental disorder can still cause feelings of low self-esteem diminished self-efficacy, anxiety, stress and even feelings of sadness and depression. It is okay to seek out professional help in the form of a psychologist, counselor or other health-care provider should these feelings arise.Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? And how did you overcome it? Let us know in the comments below!