Imposter Syndrome: The three myths that make it worse.

“Every actor in his heart believes everything bad that’s printed about him.”
― Orson Welles

What is Imposter Syndrome?

The term ‘Imposter Syndrome’, as first used in the 1970s, describes private feelings of self- doubt in otherwise successful people. With Imposter Syndrome you secretly feel like a fraud. You doubt your abilities and hold yourself back from opportunities and promotions. You attribute your successes to luck more than skill, and when people are impressed with your performance, you are convinced it’s because they don’t know the real you. Your ‘inner critic’ tells you you’re a phoney.

Three myths about imposter syndrome

There are three common myths about imposter syndrome which, very unfortunately, make it worse than it needs to be.

1. It’s Me.

The first myth about imposter syndrome is we think it is rare. We think “it’s just me.” Our work colleagues seem more confident and capable, leaving us alone in our insecurities. And the loneliness caused by these assumptions make the experience worse.

So you need to know the facts.

Studies show imposter syndrome is experienced by almost everyone. More than 80% of professionals admit to experiencing imposter syndrome, and the rates are higher in surveys where the participants can remain anonymous.
 
You need to remember it is not just you. You need to draw comfort from knowing you belong to a very big club.

2. Imposter Syndrome is unique to work

The second myth about imposter syndrome is that it only happens at work. In fact, the same ‘inner critic’ that undermines your success at work is the same voice that discourages you from attending social functions, or enrolling in Spanish classes or learning Judo. It is the same reason you hesitate from joining your child’s school board or starting your own business. Imposter syndrome exists everywhere there are humans.

Therefore, imposter syndrome is better understood as a more general hesitation to life. Any endeavour that takes you out of your comfort zone will aggravate your inner critic. You could fail. You could look stupid. Better to stay where you are. Better to ‘play safe’.

The tragic result is a life half lived!

3. I must overcome imposter syndrome

If imposter syndrome is so bad, I should overcome it, right?

Wrong.

As a psychologist I am supposed to offer hope. So this goes against the grain. But the fact is your inner critic is with you for good. It’s how our brains are hardwired. There are good evolutionary reasons for the constant mental ‘warnings’ sent by our brains. Our brains want
us to avoid new risks and new dangers. Our brains want us to worry, to remain vigilant, and to run back to the safety of our comfort zone. Evolution offers no prizes for getting above ourselves.

So instead of trying to silence your inner critic, try this instead. Just like a chronic physical issue, your real job is to manage it. To work around it. You can’t silence the beast, but you can tame it. You certainly don’t have to take orders from it.

Your inner critic is going to accompany you on your next job interview or presentation, so make sure it’s you who’s in charge. Bring it along with you, without reacting to it as if it shouldn’t be there.

*Ironically, making peace with your inner critic in this way will go a long way to turning the volume down in the long term. But don’t put the cart before the horse.