Imposter Syndrome… a weird term you might have seen floating around on the internet. But what does it mean? Is it something we make up in our heads ? Or an actual mental illness that people of all ages deal with everyday.

WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME

According to Healthline, “Imposter syndrome, also called perceived fraudulence, involves feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that persist despite your education, experience, and accomplishments.”

Although it is not a diagnosable disease it is a psychological problem that both men and women deal with whether you know it or not. And it is usually the people that are high-achievers that feel like complete frauds. 

Imposter syndrome can show up in all areas of your life like from school and work to your love life and relationships with friends and family. Unsure if Imposter Syndrome is something you are struggling with? Here are some signs on how it might be showing up in your life:

• You constantly downplay your abilities and knowledge – no matter how often people praise you, you brush it off as if it was lucky or anyone could have done it. 
• You constantly seek feedback – you are unable to feel confident in your decisions unless someone else agrees or confirms what you are doing.
• You are seen as a perfectionist – you hold yourself to an impossible standard; taking longer than necessary to complete tasks because they have to be “just right”. 
• You lack self confidence – you never speak up or put yourself out there because of the fear of looking silly or stupid. 
• You feel as if you are fake and going to be “found out” – when you do show off your work or speak your mind. You feel as if you will be found out for being a fraud.
• You frequently think to yourself that you don’t deserve certain things such as a raise or getting into grad school. 

WHERE IT COMES FROM

There is no one cause that makes you feel like an imposter but usually multiple different reasons combined. Some common underlying causes can be:

• People with overbearing parents that pushed for perfection and probably often compared you to your siblings
• People with deadbeat parents that may have given up on you at a young age. Making you feel inadequate or not deserving. 
• People with perfectionist personality

HOW TO OVERCOME IMPOSTER SYNDROME

On the bright side, Imposter Syndrome is not something that you have to be stuck with. Being mindful of your feelings and what triggers these inadequate thoughts is important. Feel the feelings and know that they are just that… internal feelings. 

The reality of it is, people are not analyzing and thinking about us as much as we think they are. 

Challenge the thoughts that make you feel like you are a fraud or undeserving. Look for facts that prove that you are indeed worthy of and qualified for the praise.

WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT

Always be kind to yourself and understand that perfection does not equal success. You do not have to be perfect to be worthy and 9 times out of 10, you are not the only person in the room feeling this way. Take a deep breath and know it is all in your head.