{"id":7832,"date":"2022-12-29T17:21:29","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T09:21:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scc.sg\/e\/?p=7832"},"modified":"2022-12-30T09:34:01","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T01:34:01","slug":"dealing-with-imposter-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scc.sg\/e\/dealing-with-imposter-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with Imposter Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is Imposter Syndrome?<\/h2>
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Imposter syndrome is known as a phenomenon where individuals feel a great sense of self-doubt and perceived fraudulence in spite of their training, experience, and accomplishments [1<\/a>]. However, it is not considered a clinical mental condition [1<\/a>] but simply a term used to validate and express a common mental health struggle. It is most commonly experienced among high-achieving individuals [2<\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Recognising signs of Imposter Syndrome<\/h2>
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Unrealistic perceptions of own competence and success<\/h3>
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We may have experienced a string of accomplishments in the past, leading to us defining our self-worth based on our successes. This can eventually develop into a belief that if and when we are to meet with any sort of failure or shortcoming, we may not be as \u201ccompetent\u201d as others might have assumed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Pressure to work harder to make up for our supposed shortcomings<\/h3>
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Due to our own unrealistic perceptions of competence, we tend to find ourselves compensating, or sometimes overcompensating in aspects we believe ourselves to be lacking in. For example, we may spend more time than others on a task to ensure that it matches the standards that have brought about our previous successes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Often hesitant to reach out for help or ask questions for fear of exposing what we do not know <\/h3>
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It may have stemmed from us being recognised as an individual who always had continuous success without requiring any help or assistance from other resources. Therefore, it can be difficult for us to ask for help as it may be viewed as a form of weakness and may even expose us as a “fraud”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Often highly critical about our own flaws<\/h3>
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We may equate our success to experiencing zero oversights and achieving perfect results. Hence, we tend to condemn ourselves when we are to fall short in any aspects despite our often-unrealistic standards.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Frequent strong feelings of guilt and self-doubt<\/h3>
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We believe ourselves to have \u201ctricked\u201d others into thinking we are \u201ctalented\u201d or \u201csuccessful\u201d hence our guilt. Additionally, if we are unable to maintain our streak of success, we may begin to doubt ourselves and our abilities.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Often sabotage our success to protect our self-esteem<\/h3>
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Alternatively, for some of us, we may find ourselves putting in minimal effort into our tasks to prove our persistent belief that we are not as “competent\u201d as we are known for. Therefore, if we are to fall short in our accomplishments, our self-esteem is protected since we have set expectations to fare poorly. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Effects of Imposter Syndrome<\/h2>
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Implications on our self-esteem <\/h3>
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We may constantly feel as though we are \u201cnot good enough\u201d so we may hide our flaws as a way to guard our reputations. Additionally, we may even attribute our successes to external factors, leading to a lack of recognition for our efforts and achievements [3<\/a>]. This can eventually hinder ourselves and others to accept who we really are.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Implications on our mental and physical health<\/h3>
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Due to our “imposter” feelings, we often experience feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. As a result, we may become more prone to overthinking and worrying and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression [3<\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n

Not to mention, it can cause us to work doubly hard to compensate for our perceived fraudulence, subsequently resulting in the deterioration of our physical health due to poor self-care [3<\/a>].<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Factors contributing to Imposter Syndrome<\/h2>
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Having to assume new responsibilities<\/h3>
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With new opportunities and responsibilities come new expectations. However, we may have difficulty accepting that it is common for us to face a learning curve, especially when we are still picking up new skills or adjusting to new roles. We may compare ourselves with people who have been doing it for a long time. Eventually, our “imposter” feelings can worsen, especially if we are unable to receive adequate encouragement and support from others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Family upbringing or background<\/h3>
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Growing up, we may have constantly struggled to meet our parents\u2019 expectations, or we have to match up to our siblings\u2019 success. Thus, it can create a self-concept of \u201cnot being good enough\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Facing academic success in childhood<\/h3>
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We may have always maintained a streak of success, or we were frequently praised for achievements when we were younger. As a result, when we struggle to keep up with the similar level of success as we get older, we may experience these \u201cimposter\u201d feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Symptoms of pre-existing mental health conditions<\/h3>
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Those diagnosed with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression are already experiencing low self-esteem and self-doubt. With imposter syndrome, the symptoms of such mental health conditions can potentially worsen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Derived from personality traits<\/h3>
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Certain personality traits can contribute to our \u201cimposter\u201d feelings, for instance, being high in neuroticism and having perfectionistic tendencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

An individual who is high in neuroticism, may be more prone to overthinking. They may also be constantly worried about others\u2019 perception of ourselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for an individual with perfectionistic tendencies, they may aim for impossibly high standards in most, if not all aspects of their life. If they were met with failures and drawbacks, it affirms their beliefs about being an \u201cimposter\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Types of Imposters<\/h2>
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1. The Perfectionist<\/h3>
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As a “perfectionist”, they hold a belief that being \u201ccompetent\u201d means to be \u201cperfect\u201d and they may even feel ashamed of their \u201cfailures\u201d. They tend to be hard on themselves in order to meet their high standards for perfection. If they are unable to get something right the first time, they may avoid doing it since they believe that it will prove that they are not \u201cgood enough\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

2. The Natural Genius <\/h3>
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A “natural genius”<\/span> believes that in order to be considered “competent”, they must have the ability to naturally and intuitively know most things and be good at many things. Therefore, they may perceive themselves to be a \u201cfraud\u201d when they take too long to learn a skill that they suppose is \u201ceasy\u201d to achieve. They may even become ashamed when they are unable to master it the first try or within a short period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

3. The Soloist<\/h3>
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As a “soloist”, they equate their ability to manage everything, without anyone\u2019s help or support to their level of competence. Hence, they may be less than willing to accept assistance from others due to their belief that help-seeking is a form of weakness which might prove themselves to be a \u201cfailure\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

4. The Expert<\/h3>
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An “expert” believes that being \u201ccompetent\u201d means knowing everything there is to know. Hence, they may consider themselves to be a \u201cfraud\u201d when they struggle to reach or maintain the \u201cexpert\u201d level. They can even get uncomfortable in admitting they do not know something.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

5. The Superhero<\/h3>
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They believe that competence comes from being good at many areas and commitments. As a result, these individuals might find themselves swarmed with commitments in order to feel a level of competence and value. Eventually, they may have difficulty putting in their best efforts in all areas, leading to disillusionment, poor self-esteem, and\/or burnout.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Coping with Imposter Syndrome<\/h2>
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Imposter syndrome originates from our distorted beliefs about our skills and abilities. In order to cope with our \u201cimposter\u201d feelings, we can strive to understand how to manage our perceptions to be more helpful for us. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

Find time for self-evaluation<\/h3>
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We can work towards recognising possible blindspots we might have that resulted from our unrealistic perceptions of our accomplishments. For instance, we may have forgotten that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, we can try to acknowledge that:<\/span><\/p>\n