What is imposter syndrome and ways to navigate it?
Around 25 to 30 per cent of high achievers may suffer from imposter syndrome. And about 70 per cent of adults may experience impostorism at least once in their lifetime, research suggests. – Psychology Today
Have you ever felt undeserving of your achievement, or how about the high esteem that you are held at?
Individuals who wrestle with imposter syndrome feel that they aren’t as intelligent or competent as others might think they are. Soon enough, they will be discovered as a fraud, and people will know the truth about them while there is abundant evidence of their success and capabilities.
Those with imposter syndrome are often well accomplished; they may hold high office or have numerous academic degrees. Rather than acknowledging their capabilities and efforts, they may attribute their accomplishments to external or transient causes, such as good timing, luck or effort that they cannot regularly expend.
What causes imposter syndrome? According to Psychology Today, personality traits largely drive imposter syndrome. Those who experience it struggle with self-efficacy, perfectionism, and neuroticism. Competitive environments can also lay the groundwork. For example, many people who develop feelings of impostorism face intense pressure about academic achievement from their parents in childhood.
Navigating imposter syndrome involves changing a person’s perspective and mindset about their own abilities. Acknowledging their strengths and accomplishments is vital, reminding themselves of the facts that they are capable.
Focusing on one’s achievements instead of comparing themselves to others can also be helpful.
People with impostorism can often put a lot of pressure on themselves to complete every task flawlessly. Like someone struggling with perfectionism, they fear that any mistake will reveal to others that they aren’t good enough.
A helpful reminder is that no one is perfect and that one can only do their personal best!
Source: Psychology Today
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