Imposter Syndrome is a condition that became popularised in the 1970s as an experiential phenomenon rather than a mental disorder. It is not included in any disease classifications but recognised as a psychological state of inability to accept one’s accomplishments despite evidence of competence. Sufferers of this condition remain convinced that they do not deserve the success achieved and dismiss proof of success as pure fluke, lucky timing or the result of deceiving others into thinking that they are more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves to be.
Some of the best minds are very hard on themselves and feel like interlopers amidst other celebrities, but a perpetual sense of inadequacy can be crippling. Someone will always score higher on a quiz, run faster or get promoted quicker. That doesn’t mean that you don’t belong.
Imposter Syndrome is quite common and even the great Einstein felt ill at ease with the esteem in which he was held and thought of himself as an ‘involuntary swindler’. Astronaut Neil Armstrong felt out of place in gatherings of accomplished people.
To overcome this, one must continue to do what one must do, while accepting the lack of confidence and fear of failure. When one asks oneself “Am I really good at anything?”, the chances are that you already are. Nothing can harm us as much as our own thoughts.
Imposter Syndrome sufferers are commonly high achievers but are unable to internalise accomplishments while remaining persistently fearful of ‘being exposed’. It affects women more than men, and fear of failure and perfectionism exist in equal measure. Self-doubt about their capabilities, discounting successes despite tangible evidence, berating good performances and fear of not living up to expectations are the main features. Award-winning author Valerie Young (‘The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women’) reckons that there are internal barriers to self-acceptance.
Sufferers secretly believe that the ‘talent police’ will come to arrest them. For them achievements look undeserved, rather than earned. They think success is for other people and not for them. No matter how well they blend in and say the right words, they feel out of place.
The remedy is a liberal dose of inspiration to choose excellence over perfection, believe mistakes are normal learning opportunities, value the process more than outcome and be flexible. Reframe thoughts to include a feeling of belonging, that you are what someone needs, that you possess unique skills and that you are good enough.
To overcome Imposter Syndrome, (1) acknowledge that you have what it takes; make friends with yourself; (2) reconcile and be honest with yourself; stop making excuses; (3) take incremental steps to know what success looks like; don’t move to next step before acknowledging success of previous challenges; (4) manage expectations realistically; when one target is reached, acknowledge success; (5) regularly take stock, reflecting on success achieved; replace fear of ‘being exposed’ with evidence of progress; (6) continually remember that you are human and not knowing everything is okay; when you don’t know, say so; (7) sharing concerns is courageous; avoid feeling embarrassed; don't whinge, just explain; and (8) expect success but accept failure with grit and grace; see failures as learning opportunities.
Relentless criticism in childhood causes internalisation of self-scorn and loathing that later life success cannot silence. Failures happen all the time. What makes the difference is knowing how to react. Cultivate beliefs of self-worthiness, talent and competence. Life isn’t about avoiding bruises. Never be ashamed to show the scars to prove that you showed up. The irony is, Imposter Syndrome is in the province of successful high-achievers and perfectionists.
The author is a retired Emeritus Consultant Psychiatrist from London and the former Founding Medical Director, Cygnet Hospital Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, UK. You can write to him at docgjohn@aol.com