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Writer's pictureLoris Haddad

Impostor Syndrome: Impact and Solutions

In my own experience, impostor syndrome wasn't something I recognized right away. Though I had heard the word sometimes, it only really connected once I saw the path taken by a close friend. In my opinion, she was doing rather well leading initiatives, getting praise, and continuously challenging herself to do better. However, underlying all the success was a persistent voice of uncertainty that she was never good enough and the fear that, at any moment, someone would discover she didn’t truly belong. At the time, I had no idea that her experience had a name or that it was a typical struggle at all. I didn't understand this was something so many of us experience something actual, known as imposter syndrome until I dug further into her conduct and then into my own. In this blog, we will discuss what impostor syndrome is, how it impacts our personal and professional lives, and how to overcome it so that each of us may begin to value our own achievements and skills.



What is Impostor Syndrome?

The psychological phenomenon known as "impostor syndrome" causes people to distrust their talents and performance, believing they are fooling others about their competency. Even when they achieve, they may credit chance or other circumstances rather than their abilities. It can be hard to truly appreciate one's accomplishments when there's a constant fear of being exposed as fraud. Although anybody can experience imposter syndrome, it usually results from people pushing outside their comfort zones that is, from beginning a project, taking on a leadership post, or starting a new job. These emotions show up as self-doubt, overworking to prove oneself, or avoidance of tasks because of failure-related anxiety. The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is realizing it exists. Understanding its patterns and recognizing the experience helps people change their inner conversations and fight the dread of inadequacy.


How Imposter Syndrome Affect Us 

Deeply impacting our personal and professional lives, impostor syndrome shapes our view of the world and ourselves.

  • Self-doubt and lack of confidence

    - People may feel unworthy of their achievements, worrying they may be revealed as frauds.

  • Impact on personal life

    - Impostor syndrome may cause loneliness, which would make it more difficult to interact with others or get help.

    - Self-scrutiny might cause anxiety, tension, and strains on personal relationships.

    - As people drive themselves past reasonable boundaries, the urge to be competent or flawless can lead to burnout.

  • Impact on professional life

    - People who feel they are not qualified may be reluctant to grab fresh chances or advancements.

    -  Even in cases of success, they may minimize their accomplishments by blaming chance or other circumstances.

    - Impostor Syndrome might influence performance and development. People with it could overwork or avoid activities involving risk, restricting their possibility of progress.

  • Limiting personal and career growth 

    - Impostor syndrome might keep people from fulfilling their potential.


How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome 

People who suffer from impostor syndrome might discover numerous useful techniques for overcoming self-doubt and boosting confidence:


  1. Challenge Negative Thoughts

One might begin by realizing and challenging own doubts. Emphasize the work and abilities that resulted in success rather than depending just on chance. Changing ideas such as "I'm not good enough" to more positive substitutes help change the viewpoint toward learning and growth.  


  1. Document Achievements 

Tracking personal achievements could offer tangible evidence of one's ability. Examining this list during times of uncertainty helps to boost self-confidence and fight inadequacy.


  1. Focus on Growth Over Perfection

Impostor syndrome can drive people toward excellence. Instead, focusing on personal development and learning from failures might help to ease the pressure of always striving for excellence.


Compass Coaching Approach 

In conclusion, impostor syndrome may profoundly influence our perspective on our skills and ourselves, therefore preventing us from appreciating our successes both emotionally and professionally. We may start to overcome this self-doubt and go ahead with confidence, though, by realizing it, questioning negative ideas, and emphasizing development instead of perfection.

To allow you to connect with the coach most relevant to you, Compass Coaching is providing a 30-minute complimentary session. Our coaches are here to help you with anything you need to attain your objectives and flourish in your personal and professional life clarity, direction, or personal growth. Book your session right now to start your journey to releasing your potential!

What are your thoughts on impostor syndrome? Have you experienced it yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!


References

Abdelaal, G. . (2020). Coping with imposter syndrome in academia and research. . The Biochemist, 42(3), 62-64.


Bravata, D. M., Watts, S. A., Keefer, A. L., Madhusudhan, D. K., Taylor, K. T., Clark, D. M., ... & Hagg, H. K. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review. Journal of general internal medicine, 35, 1252-1275.


Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, research & practice, 15(3), 241.


Parkman, A. (2016). The imposter phenomenon in higher education: Incidence and impact. . Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 16(1).


Vergauwe, J., Wille, B., Feys, M., De Fruyt, F., & Anseel, F. (2015). Fear of being exposed: The trait-relatedness of the impostor phenomenon and its relevance in the work context. Journal of Business and Psychology, 30, 565-581.

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