Unmasking Impostor Syndrome: The Inner Battle of Achievers

Impostor/Imposter syndrome [noun]: a psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one’s abilities or accomplishments accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one’s ongoing success (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

This psychological phenomenon, first introduced in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, has become increasingly prevalent, affecting people from all walks of life.

Few years ago, a bright under 30, double master’s degree in Economic and marketing senior manager at a fortune 100 company contacted me for a coaching session. I still remember her first sentence: “I feel like an impostor at my office, and with my teams, each day. I am scared to go my workplace in the morning. Can you help me?”. That was the first time I heard the term.

Michelle Obama earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a juris doctor degree from Harvard Law School. Before becoming the First Lady, she was assistant commissioner of planning and development in Chicago’s City Hall before becoming the founding executive director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies. She worked for the University of Chicago Medical Center, as the vice president of community and external affairs. So, it was surprising and at the same time inspiring to hear her sharing her battles and how she overcame impostor syndrome.

While scientifically gender-neutral, it seems to affect women more than men. It is the constant feeling of “am I good enough”. It is the inability to believe in one’s success as being a result of hard work, skills and efforts, the feeling that the success is not well-deserved and legitimately achieved. 

As per KPMG women leadership study report where 3000+ US women were surveyed, 67% said they need more support building confidence to feel like they can be leaders. More than half (56%) of all working women reported that as women, they are more cautious about taking steps toward leadership roles. When asked what advice they would give to future generations of women, more than two-thirds of respondents indicated confidence: being confident in their capabilities (75%).

Let’s look at some of the root causes:

1. Unrealistic Expectations: Often, women burden themselves with unrealistic expectations of perfection, leading them to believe that anything short of flawlessness is a failure.
2. Early Conditioning: Childhood experiences, such as excessive criticism or pressure to excel, leave lasting imprints on the minds of young girls’ psyche, creating a constant need to prove their worth.
3. Comparison and Social Media: The prevalent culture of comparison on social media platforms can amplify feelings of inadequacy as we constantly gauge our achievements against others.
4. Fear of Failure: The fear of failure can be paralyzing, causing individuals to downplay their successes and attribute them to luck rather than their skills.
5. Imposter Phenomenon Reinforcement: Last, but not the least, successes dismissed as merely “lucky breaks,” while failures internalized as proof of incompetence, reinforcing the impostor feelings.

Impostor Syndrome should not be taken lightly as it can have significant impacts on an one’s mental health and overall well-being:

• Increased Stress and Anxiety: The constant fear of being exposed as an imposter can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety, impacting both personal and professional life.
• Lack of Confidence: Impostor Syndrome erodes self-confidence, hindering individuals from taking on new challenges and reaching their full potential.
• Burnout: The continuous struggle to meet unrealistic standards and expectations can lead to burnout as individuals feel exhausted from their efforts to maintain the facade.
• Underachievement: Ironically, the fear of being exposed as a fraud can lead individuals to self-sabotage, resulting in underachievement despite their capabilities.

Fortunately, impostor syndrome can be overcome with these simple steps:

• Start by acknowledging: Let’s acknowledge and recognize that Impostor Syndrome is a common experience shared by many high achievers. Normalizing your feelings can alleviate some of the burden.
• Reframe Thinking: Challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more balanced and rational beliefs about your abilities and achievements.
• Celebrate Accomplishments: Instead of dismissing successes, take time to celebrate them and acknowledge the hard work and effort you put in to achieve them.
• Develop Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.
• Set Realistic Goals: Learn to set achievable goals and understand that perfection is not necessary for success.

Impostor Syndrome is a silent struggle that affects countless high achiever women worldwide. Remember, you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help on your journey to overcome Impostor Syndrome and embrace your true worth.