1. Introduction

So what is imposter syndrome? What are the causes of imposter syndrome? What are imposter syndrome symptoms? How can you overcome imposter syndrome and feel more confident?

What is imposter syndrome?

Truth be told, I have had imposter syndrome. It is that feeling or belief that you are not good enough or qualified enough to do something that you want to do. You also feel as if you are not as talented or successful as others believe you to be. There are times that I feel that way about running this blog and website. I sometimes ask myself: Who am I to be doing this? What can I really offer anyone else if I am not perfect myself.

But, I have come to realize addressing imposter syndrome is really important in overcoming it and has allowed me to move forward in my own personal growth journey. Which means if you are experiencing imposter syndrome, then it is also important for you to overcome it as well.

In this post, I will walk you through the following in regards to Imposter Syndrome:

• Common Misceptions About Imposter Syndrome
• Brief History of the Origins of Imposter Syndrome
• The Five(5) Common Types of Imposter Syndrome
• Signs You Might Be Experiencing Imposter Syndrome
• The Root Causes of Imposter Syndrome
• The Real Impact of Imposter Syndrome
• Proven Strategies to Overcome It
• Practical Habits to Build Confidence

2. Common Misconceptions About Imposter Syndrome

Here are seven(7) misconceptions about Imposter Syndrome. I was even guilty of assuming these until I fully understood this syndrome.

Misconception # 1: This syndrome is FAKE

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions that people feeling like they are an imposter is not really valid or real. The idea behind this is that they are just reacting negatively to having a lack of confidence. I used to think this way too until I experienced it and realized that it wasn't just myself going through this syndrome. The research behind it has created validity to its existence.

Misconception # 2: Only Females Experience it

This one implies that men don't ever feel insecure or that women represent the less confident sex. As I mentioned at the top of my post up to 82% of men and women experience Imposter Syndrome at one point or another in their life. The difference between men and women in identifying this syndrome is that women often create networks that allow them to verbalize what they are feeling. Whereas, men chalk it up to something else.

Misconception # 3: It's Only Affect Working Life

Imposter Syndrome rears its face more often in professional settings. But, It can show up in any situation. As a parent, I know it shows up in how I feel about parenting my kids. I have had people tell me that I am the best mom ever but deep down, there was a little voice telling me that I am a failure. Or I think "who are fooling? I don't know what I'm doing half the time.

Misconception # 4: Imposter Syndrome is Random

Imposter Syndrome is not random, it does have triggers. It can come out based on what is going on in your environment. The pressures that you put on yourself, the changes of life such as moving or losing your job or having perfectionistic tendencies or desires. The things around us shape the way we feel about ourselves and there is nothing random about that.

Misconception # 5: It's a Mental Health Condition

Imposter syndrome does not rise to the level of anxiety or depression but it can accelerate anxiety and depression in individuals who are prone to them. Since imposter syndrome often plays out in your mind, it can create a traffic jam of thoughts that can lead to mental health pile ups. For this reason, it is important to address Imposter Syndrome as part of your overall mental health strategy.

Misconception # 6: It only affects low self-esteem or incompetent people

I don't believe I have low self-esteem nor do I think I am incompetent, yet, I have been the victim of Imposter Syndrome. I am also willing to bet the farm that most if not all of the people reading this post are highly competent as well. In fact, highly accomplished celebrities, entertainers, entrepreneurs and athletes have also experienced this syndrome. If anything, it is like a little shadow that often follows you around when you start to make it in this world. It beckons you to look behind you to see something that is not even there- doubt!

Misconception # 7: Overcoming It Means You will Become Cocky

This myth assumes that when you drift away from self doubt and overcome Imposter Syndrome that you will somehow become full of yourself. That could not be farther from the truth. Overcoming it will bolster your ability to foster better self examination or self-assessment. It will allow you to accomplish more because you know you can.

3. The History of Imposter Syndrome

In writing about Imposter Syndrome, the curiosity inside me wanted to know more about where it came from. How was this syndrome identified? What was the history behind it?

Initial Origin

In 1978, Two Psychologists named Pauline Rose Clane and Suzanne Imes conducted research on The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women. They found that these women often attributed their successes to luck or timing instead of their own abilities or competencies.

Further Development

The initial research identified an "internal experience or Intellectual Phoniness" The idea that even highly accomplished individuals had this thought in their mind that they would be "found out" or seen as a "fraud."

Expansion

The 1980's saw a replacement of the term Imposter Phenomenon to Imposer Syndrome. An expansion of the original term to include the development of the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale(CIPS). Used to measure the variances in different individuals.

Modern Take

Imposter Syndrome is now recognized as a behavioural pattern, not a psychiatric condition. A condition that includes fear of failure, overpreparation and perfectionism.

4. Five Common Types of Imposter Syndrome

Just like anything in life, Imposter Syndrome comes in different forms or types. Here are 5 common types associated with this syndrome:

The Perfectionist

If you think that you have to be perfect at everything that you do, then you fall under this type of Imposter Syndrome. Nothing is ever good enough for you unless it is perfect. Whether it be your sport achievement or your academic achievements. You feel this burning desire to live this flawless existence or you think you will be "found out"

The Super Human

The Super Human believes that they should be able to do everything and excel at it too.. They think that mistakes are not human. Or the idea that if they aren't seen as strong and courageous then they are not worthy. The super human thinks that they must have an excessive workload in order for them not to be seen as a fraud. There is this false narrative that if they can't do it all then they are not good enough. It affects their career, their parenting, and their relationships.

The Natural Genius

The natural genius thinks that if they have to struggle at anything then they must not be the genius everyone thinks they are. Naturally, they feel like they are a fraud.

The Soloist

I think I fall into this category sometimes. The soloist falsely believes that they can do everything by themselves. If they ask for help then their weaknesses are exposed and people will see them as a failure or as a fake.

The Expert

The expert feels as if what they have to offer or their expertise is not good enough. They avoid taking on positions that will allow them to exert their expertise, believing that their knowledge is not sufficient. They constantly feel as if someone will walk up to them one day and say "you sir" or "you madam" is a fraud. When you run a self-development site like I do, this type plays with my head the most. Constantly asking myself: who do I think I am to be giving advice?

5. What Are Signs You Might Be Experiencing Imposter Syndrome?

I have already alluded to some of the signs by establishing some of the myths and also going over the 5 types of imposter syndromes. But here is a list for you. Think about where you stand on this list or how many of these you check off as you read:

• Constantly feeling as if your success is based on luck or good timing
• Difficulty internalizing your accomplishments or wins
• Overcompensating or overworking to prove that you are competent or worthy
• Fear of being "found out" or being seen as a fake
• Avoiding getting help because you feel you can do it all- otherwise it is not real
• Avoiding going for promotions or positions of power because you think you are not good enough
• You constantly question your abilities and skills and doubt everything about yourself

6. What are the root causes of Imposter Syndrome?

Now that you have a pretty good idea of what imposter syndrome is or characteristics of it. Let's explore some root causes.

Childhood Experiences or Your Upbringing

Let's face it- mostly everything can be traced back to your childhood experiences or your upbringing. I'm sure you can remember back to that big achievement where you thought you did great, only to hear from mom or dad or both that it wasn't good at all. If you experience enough of this feeling of disappointment from your parents or even siblings, you then start to internalize your own path to self-doubt. Or feeling of not being good enough. I remember as a child getting 95% on my math test and my mom not congratulating me but asking me what about the other 5%. "How come you didn't get perfect?" This sets the stage for future perfectionist behavior. Take a moment to think back into your own childhood to see where imposter syndrome started for you.

Workplace Culture and Societal Pressures

Sometimes imposter syndrome can pop up based on the kind of work environment you are in. Is it a competitive culture? Are you often shamed for making mistakes? Do you feel like you have to take on more than you can handle to prove yourself? Is delegation or help discouraged? Do you always feel like you have to be the hero at work? An environment in which self-doubt and lack of confidence is made to foster will result in imposter syndrome and oftentimes leads to burnout. Society also adds to this by creating a culture of shaming others or making them feel as if they are not good enough. I'm sure you see if all the time. "mommy shaming" or "body shaming" or "job shaming"

Comparison Culture

When you start to compare yourself to others, then their measuring stick becomes your measuring stick. Comparison always leads to feelings of failure when you fall short. There is also this pretend happiness that some people are pursuing just because they saw it on social media. The fantasy that is presented online can sometimes make you feel as if you haven't accomplished anything. Oftentimes, they are just faking it.

Your Personality

Do you have a certain personality type? Do you believe that everything has to be perfect? Do you see any ounce of weakness as the worst thing that can happen to you? Or are you always a doubtful person? Do you always fail to see yourself in any positive light? Your general personality trait can push you into imposter syndrome. Which means that some personalities are more prone to it than others. High achieving personalities being one of the biggest victims of imposter syndrome.

7. What is the Impact of Imposter Syndrome?

The impact of imposter syndrome can be seen in several areas of your life. Here are ways to understand the impact on your life:

Your mental health

As I mentioned, imposter syndrome is not a mental health disorder but by its nature it can push you into other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression or obsessive compulsive disorders. The more things that you internalize about yourself or your constant feeling that you are a fraud, or you are going to get found out can have devastating effects on your day to day psyche.

Your confidence

Imposter syndrome is fueled by lack of confidence. It becomes this cycle of not going for the things you want in life because you think you won't be good enough. It creates a whirlwind of cause and affect- " I lack confidence because I'm not good enough." or "I don't pursue opportunities because I lack confidence."

Your Performance

How can you possibly perform at your peak if you lack confidence or now have fragile mental health? When you suffer from The Super Human type of Imposter Syndrome, you also run the risk of burnout. Which leads to other issues in your life.

Furthermore, imposter syndrome will trickle into your personal and professional relationships. It can create isolation and fuel underachievement. It can create interpersonal dialogue that does not advance growth or accelerate strong personal development.

8. What Are Proven Strategies To Overcome Imposter Syndrome?

The good news is that you can overcome imposter syndrome with these proven strategies. Here is what you need to do!

Strategy # 1: Acknowledge and Label it

Acknowledge that this is in fact "imposter syndrome" Say: "I am suffering from imposter syndrome. This first strategy is crucial because if you don't name it, it will be harder to create a path out of it.

Strategy # 2: Change Your Internal Dialogue

Negative thoughts will come but you can overcome them by challenging them and reframing them. Turn your negative thoughts to speaking evidence of positive success. When it comes to negative internal dialogue, you have to bite back at it. Speak out loud to it if you have to. Tell that negative thought that there is "no vacancy" here. In my post: How To Improve Your Life: 6 Actionable tips to improve your life and feel better about your outlook, I talk about creating your Empowerment Shift Language(ESL). Positive internal dialogue is a whole other language.

7 Ways to Shift Your Mindset from Feeling Desperate to Feeling Prepared for Change

Strategy # 3: Track Achievements And Positive Feedback

Sometimes you need to see things on paper to be able to believe it or buy into it. I know I do! The numbers won't lie when you see all of your achievements and positive feedback that you have received.

Strategy # 4: Talk About it

Be open with your family, your mentors and your peers about what you are experiencing. They will sometimes be the ones who can and will help you to see how great you really are.

Strategy # 5: Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude

Gratitude is a game changer. A lot of people don't realize this. When you live in gratitude, it has the ability to shift your mindset. Read more about The Power Of Gratitude: How to transform your life with a simple shift- click here!

Strategy # 6: Replace Comparison with Growth

Forget about comparing yourself with others. Instead focus on your own learning and your growth. Also, identify your own lessons in every situation. Create goals that are based on your own lifestyle and your own capabilities..

Related content: SMART Goals Worksheet- Instant Download

9. Practical Habits to Build Confidence

Let's add some more ammunition to your growth tool box. Here are some additional ways to help build confidence:

Habit # 1: Daily Journaling and Affirmations- Write about positive things about yourself

Watch this video on 5 Easy Ways Journaling Can Calm Your Mind

Habit # 2: Practice Mindfulness and Honest Reflection- Train your mind to stay present and be aware without allowing self-judgement to creep into your thoughts. Then move towards acceptance of your thoughts. A good way to do this is through meditation.

Habit # 3: Celebrate Yourself-Take time to celebrate yourself. From the smallest wins to the biggest ones. See every win in your life as something to be celebrated. You don't have to celebrate everything publicly, just with yourself sometimes is just as good.

Habit # 4: Set Realistic Goals- Create goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. If you do this, then you will feel great once you accomplish them.

10. Final Thoughts

Imposter Syndrome does not and should not define your reality. Once you identify that you in fact have imposter syndrome, then the faster you can do something about it. I encourage you to practice mindfulness, which will expose you to better growth in your life. Remember mindfulness means not judging yourself. Which can be the root of your imposter syndrome.

Tell me how you were able to overcome your imposter syndrome.

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