What is imposter syndrome and how to combat it?

The class cheers for you as you reach the podium to give your valedictorian speech, your parents are proud in the crowd and the teachers elated but you feel like a fraud, a cheater, who got here because of sheer, dumb luck. Well, this feeling of unworthiness is what is termed as Imposter Syndrome.

What exactly is it and its consequences

Pauline Rose Glance was the first to study it and along with Suzanne Inas, they coined it Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is described as the fear, commonly found in high-achieving individuals, that they are unworthy of the recognition or reward they are getting and the world would sooner or later find their con behaviour. This general conception of the high-achieving individual doesn’t align with the perception of others towards that individual.

This behaviour enables them to overwork themselves so as to prove their worthiness just to fail in this scenario created only in their own mind. They only get more and more burnt out in the process and live constantly in a state of dissatisfaction and self-doubt. Other consequences include anxiety, depression, by living in this constant paranoia of getting exposed.

Where does it come from?

This feeling is not foreign to a few individuals but a 2019 study had revealed that it can be found in 9 to 82% of the individuals depending on a lot of factors but was majorly found in ethnic minority groups.

Coming to its root cause, it can be variety of reasons like parental pressure, perfectionist personality trait, mental issues of the past, new burdening responsibilities and others.

This feeling of alienation and continuous unworthiness cannot be undermined by achieving more, as it can be seen in people loved and respected around the world like Maya Angelou, and even Einstein!

How to combat it?

The most effective way to combat this feeling is to talk about it, but here are some of the other ways that can help a person relieve themselves of this doubt:

• Challenge your fears with facts. Whenever, the feelings creeps in, just think why you stand out and think about all the affirmations you have got in your line of doubt.
• Make better networks and friends who help you grow out of your doubtful behaviour. Talk to them about this feeling and they will provide reassurance that will boost your confidence.
• Stop the comparison pulley that constantly pulls more and more doubtfulness towards you.

Finally, Imposter Syndrome can be helped by seeking help and going to therapy or talking about your honest feelings with others who feel the same.