In our hypercompetitive society, judgments and evaluations are frequent. And if, despite proven achievements and skills, you can’t believe in your true professional or personal worth? It may be a sign that you suffer from impostor syndrome. To better understand this phenomenon and learn how to deal with it, we will review:
- The characteristics of this syndrome
- The possible causes of underestimating oneself
- The consequences on your daily life
- Advice for overcoming this impostor feeling
What is impostor syndrome?
The term “impostor syndrome” was first used in 1978 by clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes to describe a specific phenomenon affecting certain people who have difficulty internalizing their successes and skills. Although it is not recognized as an official psychological disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it remains very prevalent in the lives of many people.
The main symptoms
Those suffering from imposter syndrome tend to exhibit certain behaviors and revealing signs:
- Underestimating their own skills: despite tangible evidence and objective achievements, these individuals struggle to attribute their successes to their own merits.
- Denial of praise: they do not feel worthy of the compliments given to them and believe that others are “not sincere” or “too kind”.
- Self-sabotage: Due to fear of being discovered as an “imposter”, they may unconsciously sabotage their efforts to confirm the negative image they have of themselves.
- Exacerbated perfectionism: In attempting to achieve excellence at all costs, they put immense pressure on themselves and judge themselves harshly in case of failure.
What are the possible causes?
Several factors can contribute to explaining the emergence of this impostor syndrome:
The family and school environment
A child who grows up in an environment where he is constantly underestimated, criticized, or compared to others, can develop a negative image of himself. This lack of recognition and self-love can persist into adulthood.
The lack of diversity in a professional sector
Some categories of people may have difficulty perceiving themselves as competent in a field where they are underrepresented. For example, a woman progressing in a predominantly male sector may feel illegitimate and doubt her abilities.
Cultural stereotypes
Our society often conveys the idea that certain qualities or skills are innate. Thus, those who do not meet these “idealized” criteria tend to minimize their own achievements and attribute their success to external factors such as luck.
What are the consequences for your daily life?
The impostor syndrome can cause:
- Chronic stress: the constant fear of being “exposed” leads to high stress levels that are difficult to withstand in the long term.
- Burnout (or burn-out): the superhuman efforts to prove oneself worthy of one’s position eventually take a toll on physical and mental health.
- Complicated interpersonal relationships: low self-esteem can harm romantic relationships, family or friendly relationships by creating a climate of dependence and constant need for validation.
How to overcome impostor syndrome?
To remedy impostor syndrome, here are some suggestions:
Learn to Accept Failure
Failing is part of the learning and development process. It is important to be aware of this to avoid the trap of perfectionism.
Keeping a Success Journal
Regularly note your successes, even the smallest ones. This allows you to put things into perspective and give credit where it’s due: to yourself!
Practice Self-Assertion
Learn to express your ideas, desires, and boundaries clearly and without guilt. Cultivating your assertiveness leads to better recognition of your own worth.
Surround yourself with kind people
Spending time with loved ones who support and respect you can help restore your personal self-esteem and quiet inner critical voices.
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize impostor syndrome and adopt a proactive attitude to confront it. Giving yourself permission to believe in yourself and your abilities is the first step towards personal and professional fulfilment.