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9 Things People With Impostor Syndrome Do
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amymori...eople-with-impostor-syndrome-do/#5b78cea2928a
Amy Morin ,
CONTRIBUTOR
I write about the psychological aspects of business.
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
While impostor syndrome isn’t an official diagnosis, most mental health professionals have likely treated someone with it one time or another. In fact, many mental health professionals likely have first-hand experience with impostor syndrome.
Some studies estimate that as many as 70% of the population experiences impostor syndrome at one time or another. That means the vast majority of people walk around feeling like they aren’t good enough to be doing their jobs.
People with impostor syndrome experience specific thoughts and habits that reinforce the belief that they’re not good enough. Here are nine things people with impostor syndrome do:
1. They think their colleagues and supervisors overestimate them.
Studies consistently show people with impostor syndrome worry they won’t be able to meet other people’s expectations. People who feel like impostors likely exaggerate how much is expected from them and underestimate their ability to perform. They think things like, “My boss has no idea I’m not qualified to do that project.”
2. They create a perpetuating cycle of self-doubt.
Although achievement helps most people feel better about themselves, success leads to increased self-doubt in people with impostor syndrome. With each new accomplishment, their fear of being ‘found out’ actually increases. New levels of achievement cause them to feel as though they’re going to have put in more effort to keep up the ‘charade.’
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3. They sabotage themselves.
People with impostor syndrome have an immense fear of failure. But, at the same time, they’re terrified of success. They want to prove their worth but they worry they don’t deserve high levels of success. Studies have found this constant internal struggle leads to self-handicapping, which prevents them from reaching their full potential.
4. They remain dissatisfied with their jobs.
People with impostor syndrome don’t gain satisfaction from their work. Yet, they aren’t likely to strive for upward mobility. Instead, researchers have found they remain where they are because they don’t believe they can do any better.
5. They avoid asking for higher salaries.
People with impostor syndrome aren’t likely to ask for a raise. Since they don’t see themselves as competent, they don’t think they’re worth more money. They continuously minimize their contributions.
6. They work really hard.
In an effort to relieve their anxiety over their inadequacies, people with impostor syndrome tend to work really hard. They set high standards for themselves and try their best to reach them. But, no matter how much validation they receive for their performance, they never feel competent.
7. They decline opportunities outside their role.
People with impostor syndrome put all their effort into performing well within their roles. An individual with impostor syndrome would likely decline an invitation to join the party planning committee or an opportunity to show a new employee around the office. Studies show they view those extra duties as distractions that could derail them from getting their work done well.
8. They refuse to celebrate their successes.
Studies show success leads to increased anxiety for people with impostor syndrome. They fear they won’t be able to replicate their results again as they think any achievement must be due to good luck. Despite honors, awards, promotions, or special recognition, they are never able to fully internalize their success.
9. They remain stagnant in their careers.
People with impostor syndrome doubt their ability to get hired by other companies. Researchers suspect this is why they are less likely to explore the career market. They don’t recognize what skills they have and how other organizations may value their experience.
Getting Help for Impostor Syndrome
If you experience impostor syndrome, there are several things you can do to start feeling more competent. Getting a mentor—and mentoring someone else—can be a start. Using your skills in another way, such as by teaching a class or starting a blog, can remind you of the knowledge and skills you possess.
If your fear of being a fraud is debilitating, don’t hesitate to seek professional treatment. A mental health professional can help you identify strategies that can help you start seeing yourself in the same light that others see you.
Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and the author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amymori...eople-with-impostor-syndrome-do/#5b78cea2928a
Amy Morin ,
CONTRIBUTOR
I write about the psychological aspects of business.
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
While impostor syndrome isn’t an official diagnosis, most mental health professionals have likely treated someone with it one time or another. In fact, many mental health professionals likely have first-hand experience with impostor syndrome.
Some studies estimate that as many as 70% of the population experiences impostor syndrome at one time or another. That means the vast majority of people walk around feeling like they aren’t good enough to be doing their jobs.
People with impostor syndrome experience specific thoughts and habits that reinforce the belief that they’re not good enough. Here are nine things people with impostor syndrome do:
1. They think their colleagues and supervisors overestimate them.
Studies consistently show people with impostor syndrome worry they won’t be able to meet other people’s expectations. People who feel like impostors likely exaggerate how much is expected from them and underestimate their ability to perform. They think things like, “My boss has no idea I’m not qualified to do that project.”
2. They create a perpetuating cycle of self-doubt.
Although achievement helps most people feel better about themselves, success leads to increased self-doubt in people with impostor syndrome. With each new accomplishment, their fear of being ‘found out’ actually increases. New levels of achievement cause them to feel as though they’re going to have put in more effort to keep up the ‘charade.’
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3. They sabotage themselves.
People with impostor syndrome have an immense fear of failure. But, at the same time, they’re terrified of success. They want to prove their worth but they worry they don’t deserve high levels of success. Studies have found this constant internal struggle leads to self-handicapping, which prevents them from reaching their full potential.
4. They remain dissatisfied with their jobs.
People with impostor syndrome don’t gain satisfaction from their work. Yet, they aren’t likely to strive for upward mobility. Instead, researchers have found they remain where they are because they don’t believe they can do any better.
5. They avoid asking for higher salaries.
People with impostor syndrome aren’t likely to ask for a raise. Since they don’t see themselves as competent, they don’t think they’re worth more money. They continuously minimize their contributions.
6. They work really hard.
In an effort to relieve their anxiety over their inadequacies, people with impostor syndrome tend to work really hard. They set high standards for themselves and try their best to reach them. But, no matter how much validation they receive for their performance, they never feel competent.
7. They decline opportunities outside their role.
People with impostor syndrome put all their effort into performing well within their roles. An individual with impostor syndrome would likely decline an invitation to join the party planning committee or an opportunity to show a new employee around the office. Studies show they view those extra duties as distractions that could derail them from getting their work done well.
8. They refuse to celebrate their successes.
Studies show success leads to increased anxiety for people with impostor syndrome. They fear they won’t be able to replicate their results again as they think any achievement must be due to good luck. Despite honors, awards, promotions, or special recognition, they are never able to fully internalize their success.
9. They remain stagnant in their careers.
People with impostor syndrome doubt their ability to get hired by other companies. Researchers suspect this is why they are less likely to explore the career market. They don’t recognize what skills they have and how other organizations may value their experience.
Getting Help for Impostor Syndrome
If you experience impostor syndrome, there are several things you can do to start feeling more competent. Getting a mentor—and mentoring someone else—can be a start. Using your skills in another way, such as by teaching a class or starting a blog, can remind you of the knowledge and skills you possess.
If your fear of being a fraud is debilitating, don’t hesitate to seek professional treatment. A mental health professional can help you identify strategies that can help you start seeing yourself in the same light that others see you.
Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and the author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.