How Do You Know if You Are Experiencing Imposter Syndrome?
May 16, 2024
Imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially among women striving for personal development and success. It's characterized by feelings of self-doubt and a sense of being a "fraud," despite evident success and competence. Here are some signs that you might be experiencing imposter syndrome:
1. Persistent Self-Doubt: Despite having skills and experience, she constantly doubts her abilities and feels she's not as competent as others perceive her to be.
2. Attributing Success to External Factors: She attributes her success to luck, timing, or thinking that she deceived others into believing she is more competent than she actually is, rather than acknowledging her own hard work and abilities.
3. Fear of Being Exposed as a "Fraud": There's an ongoing fear that others will eventually "find out" she isn't as capable or knowledgeable as they think.
4. Overworking: To compensate for perceived inadequacies, she might work much longer hours than necessary, striving for perfection in an attempt to cover up her fear of being exposed as an imposter.
5. Undermining Achievements: She downplays her accomplishments, believing she doesn't deserve praise or recognition for her efforts.
6. Avoiding New Opportunities: Due to fear of failure or exposure, she might avoid taking on new challenges or stepping out of her comfort zone, even when these opportunities could lead to significant personal or professional growth.
7. Chronic Comparison: Constantly comparing herself to others, feeling like everyone else is more qualified or capable.
8. Difficulty Accepting Praise: She feels uncomfortable when praised and might brush off compliments or accolades, attributing them to being "nice" rather than acknowledging her own merit.
9. Setting Extremely High Standards: Often setting impossibly high standards for herself and experiencing significant stress or feelings of failure when those standards are not met.
10. Feeling Like a Perpetual Learner: While being a lifelong learner is positive, in the context of imposter syndrome, it might mean she never feels like she knows "enough" to be truly competent or authoritative in her field.
If you identify with these signs, it's important to recognize that imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon and not a reflection of your actual abilities or worth. Seeking support through mentoring or coaching can be incredibly beneficial. Additionally, connecting with others who have experienced similar feelings can provide perspective and strategies to overcome these self-doubt challenges, fostering a more confident and empowered approach to personal and professional endeavors. Jen Guidry (that's me!) can also help you with this through her coaching. Book a free intro call with her today: https://calendly.com/jenguidry/intro-zoom-or-phone-call-with-jen-guidry