I'm not good enough for this. Who am I fooling?

Many people, even the most talented, have a fear. It’s the fear of being “found out” , being regarded as less capable than we actually are. This is known as Imposter Syndrome, a pattern of self-doubt that affects professionals, as well  as younger people. Those who experience Imposter Syndrome often believe  that their success is due to luck or good timing rather than as a result of hard work , discipline and  abilities.

If I can be just like her

Imposter Syndrome can appear in different ways. Some people overwork to prove themselves, while others hold back from or avoid opportunities, afraid  that they will fail  or are not  good enough. It often begins early in life when approval  and achievement , or lack of,  becomes linked to feelings of self-worth. Social media comparisons and high expectations at work can make or  exacerbate this feeling of Imposter Syndrome. 

"I am an involutary swindler!"

It may come as a surprise to you but  many well-known and very successful  people have spoken openly about having these feelings. The actress Emma Watson once said she felt like “an imposter” after the huge success of Harry Potter. Michelle Obama , wife of ex president Barack Obama, admitted  that she still wonders if she is “good enough”  as she stands and addresses  rooms full of world leaders. Albert Einstein called himself an “involuntary swindler.” These examples remind us that the feeling is absolutely not founded on any logic or true reflection of real competence. All of the aforementioned people are or were , in the case of Albert Einstein, high achievers and hugely successful in their fields.

I am still learning.Rome wasn't built in a day

Advice from the experts ,following deep research  into the condition, over many decades , suggests  that the first step in  overcoming Imposter Syndrome is awareness. To name the feeling helps reduce its power. If someone begins to feel Imposter Syndrome setting in, being able to identify it and call it out for what it really is helps to reduce and even nullify it's  influence and effect on confidence and mental well being. Also,speaking honestly with friends, mentors, or colleagues can also help people's misaligned perspective of themselves. Most people have felt the same thing at some point in their lives. Research also links keeping a record of  personal achievements, however small,  as this can  help the mind accept that  these achievements are not mere good fortune or luck, but evidence of hard earned success. Lastly, it is advised by experts that we should replace thoughts like “I don’t deserve this” with “I am still learning, and that’s normal.” Growth, not perfection, is what matters at any moment in time when a person begins to doubt themselves. It simply cannot be any other way and the learning process is the same for everyone.

Recognize and honour your achievements

We all experience self-doubt, but it does not define who we actually are. Confidence grows when you recognise your worth and continue learning without the fear of being called out as a fraud.