Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt out of place, as if you do not belong? You fear the people around you will one day turn around and discover that you’re a fraud. You feel that you don’t deserve to be recognised for any achievements. You are not alone in this feeling.
It’s called imposter syndrome. Research has shown that up to 70% of people have experienced this feeling at some point in their lives. People with this syndrome believe that they have gotten places and succeeded through pure luck, and not due to their ability or any talents. It’s common for humans to experience feelings of doubt at times. However, when one cannot celebrate their own promotion without feeling a sense of dread that some one will ‘discover’ that they aren’t capable of fulfilling this new role, it could be something more than just doubt.  
Some people might cope with this feeling by altering their goals in life and losing their ambition and passion. They discredit themselves, and by doing this, limit their potential. Others may cope by overworking, or working even harder, if they feel thy need to better themselves.
You may notice some of these qualities, if you feel you are experiencing imposter syndrome.

• Feeling Inadequate
• Doubting your self
• Being a perfectionist
• Fearing the judgement of others
• Feeling guilt
• Fearing discovery or success – as it may be followed with a sense of dread
• Not acknowledging your success, or downplaying your successes.

So why does our brain think this way? Our brain finds it difficult to focus on the good things, because good things don’t do us any harm. Our brain takes on the job of protecting us and searching for potential threats. In the sense of imposter syndrome, the brain focuses on the threat that we might be considered by others as a ‘fake.’ Your brain will search for evidence to support this fear and dismiss the positive, but by doing this, it only feeds the syndrome. Any moment where you received feedback on something, you made a mistake, or you feel you just ‘got lucky’ in your achievements, can be stored in your memory, subconsciously causing you to feel like a fraud in any of your future successes.
However, it has been proven that you can overcome imposter syndrome with a few different strategies.
Firstly, don’t be afraid to talk to someone about how you are feeling. You may fear this because you are worried that your feelings are silly or perhaps that your fears might be confirmed. However, you will realise that you are not alone. At some point in their lives, many have experienced the same feeling. You can learn from others and receive some clarity and relief.
Collect evidence. Make it a goal to focus on the positive rather than the negative experience. Compliments from your boss, and other successes. Use this to combat in times of doubt.