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Imposter syndrome is best described as a constant feeling of inadequacy; feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external, objective ways. An imposter believes that they aren’t as competent or intelligent as others assume they are and that pretty soon, the truth will come out and they’ll be exposed as the fraud they know themselves to be.
Imposter syndrome has little to do with humility or modesty but has the potential to cause real damage, and prevents you from taking genuine pleasure in your own success. For some, it marks the beginning of sabotaging hard-fought careers. No matter how high up you go on that corporate ladder, if you don’t give yourself the permission to fully acknowledge and savour your own achievements, you increase your risk of feeling devoid of all confidence whilst simultaneously living in fear that you’re going to get caught out for being a phoney.
It’s primarily a feeling; which is what makes it so difficult to identify and, more notably, all too easy to hide. It’s insidious and often shows up at a time when you decide to take on new roles or responsibilities, with you ending up obsessing over little mistakes or working twice as hard to prove yourself.
The question remains; why do those of us with imposter syndrome feel like total frauds when there’s an abundance of evidence pointing to the contrary? The honest answer is that no amount of success, promotions or approval will ever satisfy those doubts once they take hold. When you feel it, you believe it.
Most of the time, it’s all in your head. The perfectionist in you is simply terrified of failing and so, the next time you observe it, try and recall a time when you pushed yourself beyond your comfort zone and succeeded. Challenge your negative thoughts by asking what was it that you did before and, importantly, how did it make you feel? If it worked then, why not now?
The reality is, we’re all just winging it. We each have our own safe areas where everything feels familiar; which also implies that there are areas we diligently avoid rather than be seen to fail. Imposters always feel like they don’t truly belong where they are, which is why acknowledging your own accomplishments and expertise is necessary for you to believe that you’ve fully earned your right to be exactly where you are.
Maybe it’s finally time for you to stop focusing so much on what you are not and celebrate what you are, what you have achieved and who you are becoming.
Imposter syndrome can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
1. Perfectionism
Setting excessively high standards for yourself and feeling inadequate or like a failure when you’re unable to reach them.
2. Fear of failure
Avoiding taking risks and being afraid of making mistakes due to a deep-seated fear of being exposed as a fraud.
3. Overworking
Feeling the need to always work harder and longer to prove your worth which often results in burnout.
4. Comparison to others
Constantly comparing yourself to others and forever coming up short, while also experiencing feelings of inferiority and insecurity.
5. Discounting success
Dismissing your personal achievements, attributing them to good fortune rather than to your own abilities and skills.
Niamh Ennis is Ireland’s leading transformation coach, author of Get Unstuck and host of the Tough Love Energy podcast.
The Winter issue of IMAGE is here, and festive sparkles are on our mind, from our fashion shoot full of party-ready pieces to the home of jeweller Chupi Sweetman-Durney which is full of glinting gold. Plus, we learn how to make the most of festive leftovers, and are planning a winter break to remember. Plus: * Big knits * Cool corduroy * In studio with Pearl Reddington * Audrey Hepburn’s Irish connections * Confidence at work * A Kilimanjaro adventure * Beauty gifts to give yourself * Practical magic * A ski retreat with a difference * Weekend escapes * and so much more…
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