Written by: Bahar Selman, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Imposter syndrome might make you feel like a fraud, but you're not. You deserve every accomplishment you have, and you are not where you are because of luck. Imposter syndrome can happen to anyone, but coaching can help you overcome it.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome (IS) is a psychological state in which you believe you are not as capable as others believe you are. Imposter syndrome is a sensation of being a fraud, as though you don't belong where you are and were just there by chance.
When it was first discovered by the psychologists Suzanna Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in the 1970s, it was believed to be seen in highly-successful women only. However, now it is clear that imposter syndrome can happen to anybody. Most estimates argue that 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at one point in their life.
What causes Imposter Syndrome?
There are several things that result in imposter syndrome in people. Looking into these might help you figure out the causes of imposter syndrome.
Parenting and childhood
If a person's parents are over-controlling, oppressive, and too disciplined, the said person might develop imposter syndrome. If your family over-values success, you might also have imposter syndrome.
Personality traits
The personality traits of a person can also influence the development of imposter syndrome. People who are perfectionists with lower self-esteem or low self-efficacy reportedly suffer more from imposter syndrome.
Mental health status
If a person has an ongoing mental disorder such as anxiety or depression, the chances of you developing imposter syndrome are relatively higher.
Social anxiety
People with social anxiety may feel incompetent in a social setting. They may feel like a fraud when they accomplish something in their professional life, and this can lead to imposter syndrome.
Social pressures
In addition to your family, the social circle you belong to may also cause imposter syndrome. If there are highly successful people all around you who also always get praises, you may feel like you are not enough.
Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
While it may be hard to tell, there are some clear-cut symptoms of imposter syndrome. If you are wondering whether you have it or not, ask yourself the questions below;
Do I feel inadequate in my work/school/home life?
Am I a perfectionist who is not satisfied with anything he/she has done?
Do I avoid criticism and fear judgment?
Do I show self-appreciation for my achievements?
Do I attribute my success to chance instead of hard work and personal achievement?
If your answers to these questions are more 'Yes' than 'No,' there is a good chance that you're experiencing imposter syndrome.
The Different Settings Where Imposter Syndrome Manifests Itself
Imposter syndrome is not necessarily exclusive to professional life. There are several settings in which imposter syndrome manifests itself.
Work environment
People with imposter syndrome usually relate their achievements to outside factors such as luck instead of their own capabilities and hard work. This may lead to holding back from asking for a well-deserved raise.
Home environment
Imposter syndrome can also manifest itself at home, especially in the parents. If you also don't believe yourself to be a good parent and you overlook your achievements and support as the father/mother of your child, you might be suffering from imposter syndrome.
School environment
Some students might fear that they don't know enough, or if they say something about a class, they will get mocked. This is a clear manifestation of imposter syndrome.
Relationships
People with imposter syndrome might feel unworthy of their lover's attention and care. They may always fear that their partners will find out they are incompetent and undeserving and will finally dump them.
Five Types of Imposter Syndrome
Five types of imposter syndrome were defined in Dr. Valerie Young's book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer.
The Superhero: This type thrives from appreciation from others, and they may voluntarily work overtime to prove they are capable of doing something.
The Natural Genius: This type of person needs to get something right on their first try. Criticism, judgment, or negative feedback are the things that this type cannot bear.
The Rugged Individualist: This type insists not to get help from others; they believe in achieving something all by themselves.
The Expert: This type feels compelled to have all of the necessary information and experience even before starting the work.
How Coaching Helps Overcoming Impostor Syndrome?
Getting help from a coach can be great to overcome imposter syndrome. If you wonder how coaching can benefit you, let's see what coaching can help you to get rid of imposter syndrome.
Discovering the reason that makes you feel like an imposter is crucial to overcoming the syndrome. A coach can help you to know the factors behind your imposter syndrome.
Self-doubt is a central feeling in imposter syndrome. Coaching can help you acknowledge these negative self feelings. Acknowledgment is one of the first steps to a solution.
Limiting beliefs restrict you from being the best of yourself. Coaching helps you understand and overcome them, which is also beneficial for imposter syndrome.
The opposite of an imposter mindset is a success mindset. You might not know how to cultivate a success mindset, and a coach can be a great help.
Setting goals and planning your future prevents you from feeling like your success is related to luck. Coaching can help you with both, and you can come up with great goals and future plans.
Imposter syndrome is a serious condition that requires professional help. Coaching can deliver you the professional response plan you need.
A coach can help you feel deserving and build self-confidence. Praising yourself is crucial to overcoming imposter syndrome, and a coach can guide you.
Fear is often disguised as humility, and it causes imposter syndrome. A coach can help you to distinguish one from another.
If you also want to get help from a coach to overcome imposter syndrome or learn more, you can directly contact me from the below-mentioned channels. You can also schedule a completely free strategy session from the link below.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baharselman/
Schedule a free strategy session with me: https://en.baharselman.com/stratejikongorusme
Email: info@baharselman.com
Bahar Selman, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Bahar Selman is an ICF accredited professional coach (ACC) and a master trainer focusing on personal and professional growth, building confidence, and leadership. Her mission is to help many millennials achieve success and fulfilment in both their careers and lives. She successfully managed brands and led professional teams in companies like Danone, Hayat, Diageo, and Red Bull for over a decade.
She has been serving clients globally with personal and business coaching, delivering training programs and workshops. Bahar has actively trained over 5.000 individuals worldwide through online and offline platforms.
Through her continued wide reaches, she can also help promote her passion for diversity and inclusion with a focus point on supporting women in their career paths.
