Imposter Syndrome: Common Traits, And Tips To Deal With It

Bertrand Russell wrote that "The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts."

One of the common areas of challenge for successful executives that I coach is a form of self-doubt.

A lot of these executives struggle with their success, growth and the power that accompanies it. Often, they believe they don’t deserve it, or that there’s nothing special about what they've achieved, and attribute their success to luck or being in the right place at the right time or a mentor helping them. This often inhibits their belief that they could perhaps aim even higher! Read more-

Wikipedia defines imposter syndrome as a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud." It is often accompanied by feelings of self-doubt, fear of success or failure or self-sabotage.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you attribute your success to luck or timing or some error?

• Do you believe “If I can do it, anybody can”?

• Are you crushed by even constructive criticism, seeing it as evidence of your incompetence?

• Do you worry that it’s a matter of time before you’re “found out”?

If your answer is yes to one or more of the above, you have been experiencing imposter syndrome. The irony is, only accomplished people can feel like they don’t deserve it or haven't fully earned it.

A recent study by KPMG found that:

• As much as 75% of female executives have personally experienced imposter syndrome at certain points in their career.

• 74% of female executives believe their male colleagues don't experience self-doubt as much as female leaders do.

So, women experience imposter syndrome more often and perhaps more intensely, but men aren’t immune to it.

A few common traits in people who might be more prone to suffering from imposter syndrome are described below. See which of these apply to you or someone you know.

Tips: Stop trying to get every certification related to your work; rather, focus on learning through actually doing it. Mentor Coaching India, Focus on learning what you need, when you need it — beyond what is necessary to function well in most of the areas. Accept you can’t and don’t need to know everything — you can collaborate and rely on others. Try teaching others what you know; it’s a great reinforcement of your strengths and knowledge.

Learn to accept yourself, including what you see as potential flaws. Stop seeking external validation. Work with the feedback you receive without taking it personally or focusing on the messenger.

Believe if you have accomplished what you have, you deserve it and can accomplish more.