In new environments where everything feels unfamiliar, there can be pressure to perform. Anyone can experience this feeling, even high achievers, and it is actually quite common among them. The difference with successful people is that they don’t let this hold them back. Instead, they face the challenge with strong determination.
Why does imposter syndrome happen?
The feeling of inadequacy, or not feeling good enough, is a common psychological phenomenon caused by several different factors. However, the root cause can vary for each individual. It could be from personal traits, upbringing, or online influence. For example, during childhood, someone may have felt their high achievements were never enough for those they viewed as important, such as parental figures.
A recent study found that women often feel impostor syndrome more than men. This might happen because of stereotypes that suggest women are less capable in jobs usually dominated by men. These beliefs can make women underestimate their achievements and doubt their skills, increasing their feelings of self-doubt.
Imposter syndrome also comes in various forms and has been categorized into five types by researcher Dr. Valerie Young. She explains that some individuals feel they could always do better, believe they have more to learn, doubt their intelligence, feel inadequate for needing help, or think they must work extremely hard to be successful. Which one do you feel resonates the most?
What makes successful people stand out more?
What distinguishes them from other people is that they will take a moment to sit back and reflect on their thinking pattern. This comes from self-awareness and is often combined with a strong mindset
What sets them apart from others is their ability to pause and reflect on their thought patterns. This reflective practice stems from a deep sense of self-awareness, allowing them to recognize when negative or unhelpful thoughts arise. They take the time to assess their feelings and beliefs critically, understanding how these thoughts can influence their actions and overall well-being.
This process is often supported by a strong, resilient mindset, which helps them maintain a positive outlook even in challenging situations. By being aware of their thoughts, they can challenge any feelings of inadequacy and replace them with empowering beliefs. This combination of self-awareness and a growth-oriented mindset enables them to navigate their challenges more effectively and fosters a sense of confidence in their abilities.
Things that they don’t bother to do
Successful people who struggle with imposter syndrome often take steps to cope with their feelings of not being good enough. While each individual can experience things differently, here are some important things they usually avoid to achieve success:
- Dismissing achievements
- Isolating themselves from others
- Overcommitting
- Engaging in negative self-talk
- Comparing themselves to others
- Avoiding reflection on success
- Ignoring professional development
What they would do instead
With self-awareness and a strong mindset, they can overcome feelings of imposter syndrome. While there’s no guarantee that someone can completely avoid these feelings, this approach helps them manage them, even if it’s just for a while. Since imposter syndrome is often linked to low self-esteem, there are practices they can adopt to build their self-esteem. By combining self-awareness, a strong mindset, and ongoing self-esteem development, the following practices can be done:
- They take self-acceptance and self-compassion seriously. People with this syndrome are in a constant state of denial and are less likely to embrace their own strengths and achievements. This also includes doubts, insecurities, failures and any negative feeling that arises. When they realize this feeling, they forgive themselves for mistakes and treat themselves kindly, knowing that everyone makes errors. This act makes them more likely to be more at ease with themselves.
- They celebrate themselves. They recognize and celebrate their contributions to their success, no matter how small it is. Other forms of celebration could include engaging in positive self-talk, where you’re affirming your strengths, acknowledging your achievements, and reinforcing self-worth. It is an effort to recognize your own successes.
- They seek improvements. Instead of isolating, they are more open to talking about their feelings with mentors, friends, or therapists who can help. They would also love to view feedback as a way to improve, not as proof of their failure.
- Setting clear goals. They ensure the goals can be achieved and realistic. Even more, it should match their skills and interests, giving them a sense of purpose.
- They keep going. With a strong determination to succeed, they use setbacks as motivation to move ahead. They understand the importance of knowing when to pause for a moment and recharge, ensuring they take care of their well-being while continuing on their journey.
Conclusions
Dealing with imposter syndrome can be tough for many people, especially high achievers in new situations. Feelings of not being good enough can come from personal experiences and pressure from society. However, successful individuals stand out by being self-aware and having a strong mindset. They take steps to accept themselves, celebrate their achievements, and welcome helpful feedback, which helps turn their self-doubt into motivation. Understanding and addressing imposter syndrome is not just about getting over self-doubt; it’s about empowering oneself to succeed despite challenges and recognizing that everyone’s journey is different.
