What Is Impostor Syndrome?

What Is Impostor Syndrome?

Impostor Syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt, insecurity, or fraudulence despite often overwhelming evidence to the contrary.  It strikes smart, successful individuals.  It often rears its head after an especially notable accomplishment, like admission to a prestigious university, public acclaim, winning an award, or earning a promotion. 

Impostor Syndrome doesn’t discriminate: people of every demographic suffer from feeling like a fraud, though minorities and women are hardest-hit.   

Impostor syndrome comes in 3 flavors:

Type #1: “I’m a fake.”

The fundamental fear is being discovered or unmasked.  Achievers often feel like they’ve made it thus far under wraps, but the day will come when their cover is blown and they will be revealed as a fake.

For example, Adelaide is a tenured professor at a prestigious university.  She is regarded as one of the leading researchers in her field and frequently travels to conferences and workshops, often in a leadership role.  Recently, Adelaide attended a high-powered meeting.  She remembers feeling intimidated as introductions took place in the book-lined, richly-paneled, high-ceilinged room.   Someone was introduced as an “esteemed professor.” Adelaide looked around and realized, with a start, they meant her.  “Internally, I was terrified,” she remembers.  “I just knew that everyone at that table knew what they were doing, had earned their place, and that a giant mistake had been made in inviting me.  I felt like any minute a spotlight would shine on me and I would be asked to leave.”

Not only accomplished professionals feel the sting. Take 18-year-old Don for example. He graduated high school at the top of his class and is headed off to an Ivy League university in the fall.  He’s terrified.  “I’m convinced the admissions department made a mistake.  That place is for geniuses, not for people like me.  I don’t belong there.”

Type #2: “I got lucky.” 

The second flavor of Impostor Syndrome attributes achievements to luck.  A twist on this is “I’m not smart/talented/gifted. I just work hard.”Take Gerald as an example. He is an investigative reporter for one of the last-standing well-regarded city newspapers.  He has cracked several national stories and numerous awards hang on the wall of his office.  Yet he says, “Every time a feature story goes to print, I’m convinced it will be the end of my career.  I got my other stories—and these honors—through sheer luck.  I was just in...

Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips