Where to start?

First, let’s take a look at what Imposter Syndrome is. In simple terms, it is the feeling that either your professional or personal abilities are not as good as others see them to be. This isn’t something that just happens to older people, it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or income status, and it can be really challenging to get on top of.

Does any of this sound familiar?

• Do you never feel as good as the person your coworkers think and say you are?
• Is the ideal version of yourself in a professional or personal setting never how you truly feel?

If so, you may be experiencing a cultural phenomenon known as Imposter Syndrome.

To fully understand Imposter Syndrome and how it can impact your life and the lives of others, it’s good to know the history of it, and how it manifests.

Where Did Imposter Syndrome Begin?

Imposter Syndrome was a concept identified by two psychologists, Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, in 1970. Initially, it was thought to be only present in women. However, as our knowledge and research have improved over time, it is now seen as a condition that can affect anyone.

Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome

The signs and hints that you may be suffering from Imposter Syndrome can be if you are experiencing one or more of the following traits.

• Do you obsess over tiny mistakes at work or doing other tasks?
• Are you often “too humble” or undersell your skills in situations where you may be extremely competent and capable?
• Are you always looking over your shoulder wondering when someone will label you the phony you believe you are?
• Do you react negatively to small or relevant criticism?
• Do you play down and undervalue your success as simply luck and fortunate circumstances?

How Does It Start?

Before you can look at solutions, and how to overcome, Imposter Syndrome, identifying the reasons why it can creep up in your life can be paramount. What exactly begins the potentially damaging cycle of Imposter Syndrome can be determined with many different factors in mind.

• Family background of high parental expectations.
• Getting that promotion or new job you have been looking for and wanted so much.
• Coming from dysfunctional or low socioeconomic conditions may contribute.
• Having social phobias and/or social anxiety can induce Imposter Syndrome.
• Lacking a strong sense of self, and not understanding who you are or why you are doing your current job.

The Bottom Line

Imposter Syndrome can make you feel like you don’t belong or are unworthy of improving your life or striving for new heights. It can be classified as an inability to see yourself and your skillsets similarly to how other people see them.

This phenomenon can have a damaging impact on the personal and professional lives of many. This is why understanding what imposter syndrome is and how it begins can be vital to overcoming its effects.

Hopefully, you found this useful.  If so, please check out this other article titled “Fixing The Pain Of Imposter Syndrome: Master Belief In Your Ability“