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Ever feel like a total fraud? Like any minute now, someone is going to burst through the door, point dramatically, and yell, “Aha! We have caught you! You have no idea what you are doing!” If so, congratulations—you have met Imposter Syndrome, that annoying little voice that loves to undermine your accomplishments and make you question whether you belong.
The Science-y Bit
Imposter Syndrome (IS) isn’t just a passing case of self-doubt. It is a deep-rooted psychological phenomenon where people—often high-achievers—believe they have only succeeded due to luck, timing, or other people’s generosity. Meanwhile, their failures? Oh, those are entirely their own fault. IS doesn’t discriminate; it affects students, CEOs, artists, and even people who are objectively brilliant. Maya Angelou, Tom Hanks, and Albert Einstein all reportedly experienced it.
The Many Faces of Imposter Syndrome
Dr. Valerie Young, an IS expert, categorised sufferers into five types:
- The Perfectionist – If it is not flawless, it is a failure.
- The Superhero – Works 25/8 to prove their worth.
- The Natural Genius – Believes success should come effortlessly.
- The Soloist – Thinks asking for help equals incompetence.
- The Expert – Feels they never know enough, no matter how much they learn.
How to Outsmart the Imposter in Your Head
- Talk Back: Next time your brain tells you you are a fraud, ask for proof. What actual evidence do you have that you tricked your way into your achievements? Spoiler: You won’t find any.
- Reframe Failure: Didn’t get that promotion? Messed up a project? That is not fraudulence; that is learning. Even Beyoncé has off days.
- Accept Compliments (Without Cringing): Instead of deflecting praise like a ninja, try saying, “Thank you.” You earned it.
- Collect Receipts: Keep a “Wins Folder” (emails, notes, achievements). On bad days, read through it and remind yourself you are competent.
- Share the Struggle: Everyone is faking it a little. The secret is: nobody actually knows what they are doing 100% of the time.
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