If you believe that you are undeserving of your achievements, engage in negative self-talk, or experience frequent self-doubt, it could be imposter syndrome creeping in. These imposter feelings conflict with your self-perception and how others perceive you. It does not matter that others praise your talents. You consistently write off your achievements as mere timing and good fortune. You do not feel like you have earned anything; others also realize this. Characteristics of the syndrome include:

• Inability to assess your competence realistically
• Success attributed to external factors
• Berating self-performance
• Overachieving
• Sabotaging success
• Self-doubt

Imposter Types

Imposter syndrome can negatively affect your productivity and relationships at work. There are typically five types of imposter syndrome. See if any sound familiar:

• The Perfectionist. For the perfectionist, it must be perfect—every single time. Perfectionists feel like an imposter because these traits make them believe they are not as good as others think.
• The Expert. This person is an imposter because they do not know the whole shebang about what there is to know about a particular subject. There is more to learn, so they do not feel they qualify as experts.
• Natural Genius. This individual is not naturally intelligent or competent like everyone believes, and therefore they feel like frauds.
• Soloist. If they must ask for help, these individuals feel like imposters because they cannot get there independently. They question their competence and abilities.
• The Superperson. This type believes you must be the hardest worker or reach the top levels of achievement. If you fail, you are a fraud.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

To rid yourself of imposter syndrome and gain confidence, you must recognize your potential and take ownership of your achievements. Remember that success does not require perfection. Perfection is impossible, and failing to achieve it does not make you a fraud. Try these suggestions:

• Separate your feelings from the facts. Be prepared for the feelings, observe them, and be ready with your response. Just because a thought enters your head does not make it accurate. Remind yourself you know more than you think you do.
• Note your accomplishments. Have a tangible reminder of your successes. If your manager recognizes you in an email, keep it. If a child sends you a card about what a great parent you are, save it.
• Avoid making comparisons. Focus on measuring your achievements, not comparing them to the successes of others. It is wise, high-achieving people who deal with imposter syndrome, so it says a lot about you!
• Talk to friends. A good talk with a friend who knows and supports you can help you realize imposter feelings are normal, although irrational.
• Meet with a therapist. A therapist can help you recognize your imposter feelings and help you create new behaviors to get past the syndrome. Self-doubt is paralyzing, but recognizing and dealing with the emotions can help you move forward.

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