TW: discussion on anxiety, perfectionism and high stress mentality.
Imposter syndrome, let’s talk about it.
Being a student, worker, or even just being young comes with its share of pressure and emotional difficulties. What I will be
discussing today is one I deal with personally, that is imposter syndrome.
The imposter phenomenon (now more so referred to as imposter syndrome) was found through a 1970s study by psychologist Suzanne Imes, PhD and Pauline Rose Clance, PhD. Through their study they used a focus group of highly successful women, many who had achieved incredible academic achievements such as a PhD. The psychologists described that:
Those who experience imposter syndrome don’t feel an internal sense of success, constantly questioning their own abilities, in fear that one-day people will discover that they aren’t as smart as they perceive to be. While the study found that imposter syndrome is prominent in women, men can also be susceptible to the mentality. While imposter syndrome is not an official diagnosis is coincides with generalized anxiety, low self-confidence, depression, and frustration with the inability to achieve one owns goals[1].
Family dynamics can also be a factor in those of us who deal with imposter syndrome. American psychological association discuss how those who grew up in families with high emphasise on success and achievement can lead to having the imposter mentality[2].
Being stuck in an imposter mindset can work hand in hand with perfectionism. Another issue myself and I’m sure most of you can relate to. For those who have never heard of this term before let me provide a little summary.
Perfectionism isn’t a mental diagnosis, more so a state of mind. Those who would define themselves as a perfectionist must achieve perfection, whether it be in academics, sports, work or the everyday. An intense ‘all or nothing’ mentally that sees anything other than perfect as a failure. Perfectionists are highly critical of their behaviour and set unrealistic standards on themselves. In some cases perfectionists can fall into a habit of procrastination, with worrying so much on doing an upcoming task perfectly that they become ‘immobilized’ and fail to complete anything[3].
While being a perfectionist can sometimes help, to get tasks done on time and have good organizational skills. Being highly critical on yourself can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
The good news is that feelings of being an imposter can be changed. Unfortunately, like any other mentally issue there is no magically cure. Fixing how we might feel like an imposter in our abilities, comes from how we think about our abilities[4].
Understanding that the only person who believes these myths, is ourselves. We are our own worst enemy and harshest critic. Growing from imposter syndrome is allowing yourself to accept your success and learn from your mistakes, not be highly critical of them. You have earnt your success, it’s time to start embracing it.
Big hugs, take care, and drink water x
- Shannon <3
^ see Support Resources page for available help.
[1] P, Rose Clance & S, Imes, 1978, The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention, viewed 21 Oct 2021, <https://www.paulineroseclance.com/pdf/ip_high_achieving_women.pdf> [2] K, Weir, pg. 24, Feel like a Fraud?, American Psychological Association, viewed 21 October 2021, < https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2013/11/fraud> [3]E, Scott, 2020, Perfectionist Traits: Do These Sound Familiar?, verywellmind, viewed 21 October 2021, <https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-you-may-be-a-perfectionist-3145233> [4] V, Young, 2015, 10 Steps you can use to overcome Imposter Syndrome, ImposterSyndrome.com, viewed 23 October 2021, < https://impostorsyndrome.com/10-steps-overcome-impostor/>
- photo: @shannon.blyth on Instagram
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