In previous weeks, we have covered on how to manage our own emotions. Following along the same vein, let us talk about Imposter Syndrome. This is a syndrome that has gained more popularity over the years. It is a feeling of unreasonable self-doubt and low self-esteem. While the cause behind this increased self-doubt or deteriorated self-esteem remains a mystery to be investigated, people with Imposter Syndrome find it difficult to receive and accept feedback. In fact, they constantly have this feeling of getting exposed for being a fraud even when they are not one.
To understand how it works, let us make use of a common scenario that happens to people with Imposter Syndrome. Let’s take the example of getting promoted. Your solid performance is the reason for your promotion. Yet in some cases, instead of feeling jubilant, we are apprehensive and experience a feeling of disbelief. We question our own abilities, and we prevent ourselves from feeling good about positive recognition and appreciation.
People with Imposter Syndrome tend to feel that their skills, talents or achievements are exaggerated by outsiders. They feel that they are unnecessarily appreciated or presented accolades for their contributions. The fear of getting exposed as a fraud makes them set an unrealistically high expectation of themselves. They also tend to get excessively self-critical even over minor mistakes.
They also tend to have a perfectionist approach and set extremely high standards for everything they do. They can get restless seeing situations spin out of their control. They may not take-up new tasks or forsake opportunities as they fear that they may not be able to meet their own standards in a new environment.
Furthermore, they also feel that great people are great because they can do any task effortlessly without much struggle or that great people don’t face setbacks. On the other hand, since they, themselves, are struggling or feeling stuck, it signifies their incompetence causing them to believe that they are good for nothing.
Lastly, people with Imposter Syndrome also believe that one should succeed in each and every role that they play. They should be ready and capable to face any and every challenge. Only then, do they believe they deserve to receive appreciation.
Reasons how people can develop Imposter Syndrome:
- Achievements and recognitions in early years of life
- Critical and strict parenting
- Intense punishments for simple mistakes/shortcomings
- Unreasonable comparisons between them and others
- Less outdoor/social exposures
- High societal standards
How to overcome Imposter Syndrome:
- One can broaden their horizons to see things beyond their own perspective. It will aid in rational evaluation.
- When being appreciated for your talents and skills sets, don’t be so quick to deny it, try seeing it from the other person’s standpoint.
- Discern between minor and serious mistakes and allow for the acceptance of oneself. Lower unrealistic standards and learn to feel at ease over minor mistakes.
Generally, Imposter Syndrome is a common mindset that most people find themselves trapped in, but it normally does not impede with normal functioning in our daily lives. It is always good to gain more confidence and find ways to do away with the syndrome.
However, there are times when dealing with Imposter Syndrome requires psychological interventions to identify other debilitating factors like childhood trauma, personality factors and anxiety levels.
Hence, if you feel that this article resonates with you and that you are in doubt, please do not hesitate to contact our in-house counsellor, Harshali Kotekar.
