Imposter Syndrome

Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, and Albert Einstein. What do they have in common? Their ingenious capabilities? Field-pioneering works? Extensive influence? Yes, yes, and yes. But above all, they may have felt like a fraud–a victim to this nagging doubt that their achievements were not really… theirs.

All three figures were exceptionally smart, creative, and accomplished in their respective fields. However, the feeling of being a fraud or experiencing self-doubt about their achievements is not uncommon, even among highly successful individuals. People often find themselves questioning whether they truly deserved the recognition and success they received. This can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their level of intelligence or creativity.

Take a look at a typical story of someone experiencing this feeling. Sarah had always excelled in her career. She climbed the corporate ladder with confidence and competence, impressing her colleagues and superiors alike. Her journey was marked by one success after another, but it wasn't without its hidden challenges. As a marketing manager at a prestigious advertising agency, Sarah had faced various high-pressure situations, from launching successful campaigns to managing large teams. She had always been the go-to person for creative ideas, but deep down, a nagging doubt began to creep in. With each new project, she felt more pressure. The more responsibilities she shouldered, the more she felt like a fraud. Sarah used to love the thrill of tackling new challenges, but now she couldn't shake the feeling that she was merely faking her way through her accomplishments. Her inner monologue relentlessly questioned her qualifications and right to be in her position.

Luckily, there is a term to label this specific feeling: Imposter Syndrome (IS), a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals. These individuals cannot internalize their success and subsequently experience pervasive feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and/or apprehension of being exposed as a fraud in their work, despite verifiable and objective evidence of their success (Huecker et al.) While the initial study on IS focused on female college students and faculty, further research has proven that this phenomenon extends across gender, race, age, and a wide array of professions. So although it is widely known as Imposter Syndrome,’ referring to it as one is not quite accurate, as it can happen to anyone and therefore does not constitute a medical abnormality.

So how can we deal with it? Sometimes, we all doubt ourselves, and it can be tough to handle those feelings, especially when we see these emotions to be exclusive to ourselves. Usually, however, these negative thoughts are often not true. The best way to deal with Imposter Syndrome is to talk about it. Many people with IS are scared that upon asking about their performance, they will face a confirmation of their fears. Even positive feedback might seem untrue or merely sympathetic. On the other hand, hearing that someone they trust like mentors, guardians, or even peers also experienced Imposter Syndrome can help them recognize that this is a universal phenomenon. Simply learning that there's a term for these emotions can be a big relief.
We will have a hard time dealing with this feeling. You might feel alone. But if we share our concerns in a safe, empathetic environment, things will get better. You will be able to see yourself as a person deserving of happiness. More than that, as a person with limitless potential.