Imposter Syndrome

Are your feelings the barrier?

Imposter syndrome can be difficult to identify because it often manifests as internal feelings that conflict with outward success. If you’re trying to understand how you’re feeling and suspect you may be dealing with imposter syndrome, it’s important to recognize some common signs and patterns.

At its core, imposter syndrome is rooted in a sense of unearned success or an inability to internalize achievements. You might find yourself questioning your worth or feeling like you don’t belong, despite having credentials or recognition that should suggest otherwise. This can lead to a constant cycle of self-doubt and anxiety, as you feel disconnected from your true accomplishments.

Understanding whether you have imposter syndrome can help you break free from feelings of inadequacy, improve your mental health, and promote healthier, more balanced personal and professional growth.

6 Key indicators of imposter syndrome might include:

Self-Doubt:
- No matter how much you’ve achieved, there’s a lingering belief that you aren’t quite good enough or that your success was just a fluke. You might question whether others have overestimated your abilities, leading to a sense that you don’t fully belong in your position.
Fear of Exposure:
- The fear that you’ll be “found out” or exposed as a fraud is a hallmark of imposter syndrome. Despite clear evidence of your competence, you might live with the underlying belief that people will eventually realize you’re not as capable as they think.
Discounting Your Successes:
- When you succeed, you may attribute your accomplishments to external factors like luck, timing, or the help of others, rather than recognizing your own skills and efforts. You might dismiss compliments or feel uncomfortable when praised for your work.
Perfectionism:
- Holding yourself to unrealistically high standards and feeling as though you’ll be judged for any imperfection can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. Even small mistakes can feel like major failures, which reinforce the belief that you’re not truly capable or deserving.
Overworking or Overcompensating:
- To combat feelings of inadequacy, you might go above and beyond, often overworking yourself to make sure you’re never “discovered” as incompetent. This can lead to burnout, as you continually push yourself to meet impossible standards in an effort to prove your worth.
Comparison to Others:
- Frequently comparing yourself to others in your field or workplace can amplify feelings of inadequacy. You might feel like everyone else is more skilled, intelligent, or deserving, contributing to the sense that you’re not truly part of the group.

To better understand if you’re experiencing imposter syndrome, reflect on how you respond to success. Do you feel genuine pride, or does it feel like you’ve somehow “tricked” others into thinking you’re capable? Often, people with imposter syndrome have difficulty accepting praise or acknowledging their own achievements because they feel like they don’t deserve it.

It’s important to recognize that imposter syndrome is a common experience, particularly among high achievers, people in competitive fields, or those starting new roles or businesses. You’re not alone in this feeling. Addressing imposter syndrome involves challenging those negative thoughts by recognizing the value of your experiences and successes. Remember, mistakes and setbacks are part of growth, and even high achievers face difficulties. Understanding and reframing these feelings is key to developing a more balanced and positive self-view.

Life can be complicated, messy, and rarely progresses in a straight line. At PeoplePsych, a Chicago-based psychotherapy group, we specialize in helping adults who seek profound change in their lives. We offer services that affirm the dignity, worth, and value of each individual, and we are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore the challenges they face, whether related to mental health, emotional struggles, or life transitions.

To take the next step toward positive change, please contact our Clinical Coordinator at (312) 252-5252 or intake@peoplepsych.com.