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Self-Doubt: How Impostor Syndrome Silently Steals Confidence

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If so, then, like me, you might be dealing with something called Impostor Syndrome.

In this article, we look at why impostor syndrome happens, and the ways to overcome it. But first, we will try to understand the important concept of labelling.

Image of a child labelled as "Gifted", emphasizing that labelling can lead to self-doubt and the impostor syndrome.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Albert Einstein

As I mentioned earlier, as a student I was labelled as “the top of the class“. It was something very positive and pleasing for me and made my parents very proud. But soon, I started feeling the intense pressure to maintain the status.

This wasn’t a pressure that I received externally from my teachers or my parents. It was internal, something which I was placing on myself!

When I was in the 8th grade, my grades slipped that year. I remember feeling the intense fear of losing my reputation. A great deal of stress and anxiety followed. From being a very confident student, I had internalized the label into self-doubt. I even began to question my ability to succeed ever again.

When self-doubt takes hold, it can sometimes grow into something bigger, known as impostor syndrome. This often stems from the internal pressure of living up to the labels we carry, as we just discussed. It can result in feeling like a fake, or a pretender, despite previous achievements.

The dictionary meaning of the word impostor (imposter syndrome & self-doubt).

The Trap of Perfectionism

A word cloud of "Impostor Syndrome", the cloud is shaped as the mask of a smiling face to show self-doubt.
  • Feeling like your success is due to luck rather than your skills or effort.
  • Fear of being exposed as a fraud, even though you’re capable.
  • Difficulty accepting praise or success, thinking you don’t really deserve it.
  • Overworking to make up for “imperfections”, believing you need to prove yourself.

Self-reflection is a helpful way to notice these feelings. But do remember that these signs can also overlap with other issues like anxiety or depression.

So, talking to a professional if you are feeling confused or worried should also help you understand what’s really going on.

Impostor syndrome often affects many high achievers. So, you are definitely not alone if you relate to any of these feelings.

Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS)

During my research for this article, I came across a free self-assessment tool, which can prove to be quite useful.

You can take the free assessment here.

Image of Tom Hanks, showcasing his struggles with the impostor syndrome and self-doubt.

Here are three of them which I would like to share.

A graph representing the Dunning-Kruger Effect as a way to overcome the impostor syndrome.

Think about it!

Here are some interesting and insightful articles and books that I came across while doing the research for this blog post.

They are highly recommended to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed in this blog.

Research Articles

  1. Impostor Syndrome and Its Surprising Upside | MIT Sloan
  2. Unskilled and unaware of it: How difficulties in recognizing one’s own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessments. (apa.org)
  3. Distanced self-talk increases rational self-interest – PMC (nih.gov)
  4. Dr. Pauline Rose Clance – IMPOSTOR PHENOMENON

Recommended Books

  1. The Imposter Cure: Beat insecurities and gain self-belief by Dr Jessamy Hibberd
  2. Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life by Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin & Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin
  3. The Imposter Syndrome Workbook: Exercises to Boost Your Confidence, Own Your Success, and Embrace Your Brilliance by Athina Danilo LMFT
  4. The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ Harris
  5. The Self-Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem by Barbara Markway & Celia Ampel

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“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

With that, I will wrap up this post and look forward to seeing you soon in another one!

Stay connected!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

A: Impostor Syndrome is the feeling of self-doubt where a person believes they don’t deserve their success. Despite their achievements, they feel like a fraud and fear being “found out” as unqualified.

A: Self-doubt is a key part of Impostor Syndrome. People with Impostor Syndrome constantly question their abilities, even when there is evidence that they are capable.

A: In small amounts, self-doubt can make you work harder and improve. But when it becomes intense, it can lead to Impostor Syndrome, causing stress and stopping you from enjoying your successes.

A: If you often feel that your success is due to luck or worry that others will find out you’re not as capable as they think, these may be signs of Impostor Syndrome. The Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) can also help you assess these feelings.

Gaurav R

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