Recognizing Imposter Syndrome: Signs to Watch For
Have you ever felt like your friends or colleagues are going to discover that you’re a fraud, and you don’t actually deserve your job and accomplishments?
If you have that nagging feeling that you are not good enough, that you don’t belong, that you don’t deserve that job, the promotion, the seat at the table, chances are that you might be in the company of imposter syndrome.
People who struggle with imposter syndrome believe that they are undeserving of their achievements and high esteem. They feel that they aren’t as competent and intelligent as others might think-and that soon enough people will discover the truth about them.
Imposter Syndrome shows up for people in a lot of different ways.
It also has a lot of other behavioral symptoms that might be a little easier for you to catch. Here are some lesser-known signs of imposter syndrome:
Self-Doubt: Constantly questioning your abilities and feeling like you're not good enough, even when others praise your work.
Attributing Success to Luck: Believing that your achievements are due to luck or external factors, rather than your own skills and efforts.
Fear of Failure: A strong fear of failing, which can lead to perfectionism and procrastination.
Discounting Success: Downplaying your achievements and feeling that they are not significant.
Overworking: Feeling the need to work excessively hard to prove your worth, often at the expense of your health and well-being.
Fear of Being Exposed: Constantly worrying that others will discover you're not as competent as they think you are.
Comparing Yourself to Others: Frequently comparing yourself to others and feeling inferior as a result.
Difficulty Accepting Praise: Feeling uncomfortable or unworthy of praise and compliments from others.
Setting Unrealistic Goals: Setting impossibly high standards for yourself and feeling disappointed when you don't meet them.
It is important to recognize signs such as these so that you can get the help you need on time!