Imposter Syndrome
Check out my suggestions in U.S. News and World Report’s What Imposter Syndrome Is – and How to Overcome It
As humans, we are hard-wired to be self-critical.
We have a built-in system for detecting threats called a “negativity bias”, which sensitizes us to negative experiences and attunes us to our mistakes and shortcomings.
Our self-critical thought patterns can become like grooves in the brain.
However, thanks to our brain’s neuroplasticity, we also have the power to rewire our minds. We have the freedom to choose – moment by moment – to look compassionately and honestly at our own mind and disentangle from the imposter syndrome thoughts that keep us stuck.
What are some common signs of imposter syndrome?
The first common sign is a recurring sense of doubt in your own capabilities and self-worth. This can look like ongoing anxiety about not living up to expectations or never feeling “good enough”.
Another sign is persistently feeling inadequate or fearful that you’ll be exposed as a fraud. People experiencing imposter syndrome tend to devalue their skills, efforts, and achievements.
A third sign is low self-esteem. People with imposter syndrome may fixate on their flaws, failures, and mistakes, while discounting their efforts and what they’ve done well. They may rarely feel good about their work or accomplishments.
How can therapy help me with imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is often linked to deeper self-defeating beliefs about not being good enough, which can start in childhood and show up in many areas of your life.
Therapy is a space to share your doubts, concerns, and fears without being judged. Practicing methods from cognitive behavioral therapy can offer you a chance to challenge the automatic negative thoughts about yourself and your abilities that keep you stuck.
I’ve helped hundreds of people overcome imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. It’s possible to stop believing the inner critic in your head and develop unshakable confidence - at work and in the world.