Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome (I.S.) is a commonly reported and experienced phenomenon that affects high-achieving individuals that struggle with perfectionism, shame, and external validation.

This is most commonly seen in women who are rated high on neuroticism, or were born into a controlling, or overprotective family, although men struggle with it as well. 

It is often tied to areas related to academics, relationships, and career advancements. It is characterized by a struggle to internalize achievements, low self worth, anxiety, and an intense focus on accomplishments one has to meet to feel successful, reinforcing a detrimental positive feedback loop. 

According to Brigham Young University 20 percent of college students struggle with I.S. fall under one of the two categories: over preparation, or procrastination. Individuals who have the habit of over preparation feel as if they “must work harder than others to achieve the same goal” and because of this have a skewed false perception that they are an imposter because they have to put in effort.

The mental obstacle of feeling as if one isn’t “naturally gifted” continues to trap the user in self doubt and depression overall decreasing mental health and enforcing overly strict boundaries around other areas of life.

On the flip side, those with I.S. that fall under procrastination feel inadequate due to their hurried ‘last-minute’ preparation toward academics and have an intense fear around being exposed for who they think they are internally, a fraud.

Although this is a difficult phenomenon many struggle with, it is not impossible to overcome. 

Using tools such as reframing your thoughts, validating your experiences, talking it out with a trustworthy peer when it gets overwhelming, therapy, and keeping track of the goals you have accomplished can aid in negating Imposter Syndrome. 

It is important to understand that perfectionism ultimately cannot be reached and staying in this detrimental cycle can harbor your growth instead of helping it. 

It is crucial to incorporate healthy habits in your day to day as you mature so you feel confident in the decisions you make and the effort you put in. 

We often overlook our achievements, write off setbacks as failures, change and new direction as incompetence, and  continuously think in binary black and white structures. Altering the way we think about accomplishments, and shifting the weight of mistakes or errors allows self compassion and is a crucial way to pursue healthier habits.