Imposter Syndrome: What is It, and Do I Have It?

You've woke up in the morning, had your morning coffee, and got in your car to work. You arrive at work, greet your coworkers, sit at your desk, and open your laptop. However, a creeping feeling starts to set in, a feeling as if you don't belong. You begin to experience symptoms of anxiety from shaking to excessive worrying. Your boss walks in and hands you a list of tasks you're qualified to do, but for some reason, you're having a hard time processing if you're the right person for the job. You're suffering from imposter syndrome.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome goes by various names. Some call it fraud syndrome, while others call it an imposter phenomenon. Regardless of what you call it, it's a psychological condition field by fear and anxiety of feeling like a fraud. You may feel as if you're an imposter when your boss hands you a list of tasks that you're qualified to do, but the man or woman in the next room might feel as if they don't deserve their office, promotion, or general success in life. 

There is a lot of anxiety associated with imposter syndrome because there is a great deal of self-doubt. There is also a bit of self-sabotage linked with imposter syndrome. When you’ve reached a point where you’re afraid to be outed as a fraud to your peers or superiors, then you’ll get in the way of your own success. 

Some who live with imposter syndrome end up living a life of keeping on the edge of their toes to avoid potential rejection or exposure. Others who suffer from imposter syndrome anxiety end up working harder to create a facade for themselves, even though they're entirely qualified to be where they are. Imposter syndrome comes with its fair share of physiological symptoms as well.

What Are The Symptoms Of Imposter Syndrome?

Anxiety plays a prominent role in imposter syndrome, so it’s not surprising when many of the anxiety’s physiological effects are displayed. When someone is undergoing an intense episode of imposter syndrome, one could say they’re also suffering an anxiety attack. During an anxiety attack, the heart is racing, the palms are sweating, and the hands are shaking. 

Difficulty concentrating is another symptom of imposter syndrome that can end up unintentionally sabotaging your success. When you have trouble concentrating, then you’re potentially affecting your productivity. This can inadvertently self-sabotage your success. Anxiety is linked with the difficulty of retaining short-term information. 

You will have difficulty concentrating, and you're putting your personal and professional relationships at risk with mood swings and irritability. When you're suffering from imposter syndrome, you're on a high alert level, which means you're easily aroused or triggered by the smallest things. Irritability can self-sabotage your relationships with your peers or superiors at work. 

Mood fluctuations will also have you avoiding social situations out of fear of embarrassment or rejection. You’ll skip events held by friends or family or miss out on potential networking opportunities. 

The stress from these symptoms can lead to insomnia, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, or other debilitating health conditions. 

What’s The Difference Between Imposter Syndrome And Feeling Out Of Your League?

Some may think imposter syndrome is a fancy word for being "out of your league." However, people who enter situations where they're out of their league, do so consciously. They knowingly get into situations they know they're not qualified for. Imagine someone lying on their resume and somehow worming their way into a job. They eventually get to a point where they're going to get exposed and embarrassed when faced with a task they cannot complete because they do not know what they're doing.

Imposter syndrome is different because you're trained and qualified to be in the position you're in. You have the knowledge and skills to be where you are. Still, your anxiety and personality-type are keeping you from being in a position where your performance can be evaluated. You're often putting yourself in an intense amount of pressure when there's little to no pressure. People with anxiety will see other people in similar situations who look like they have their act together. People who suffer from imposter syndrome find themselves comparing themselves to other people, heightening their dive into self-doubt and low self-esteem. Fortunately, there are ways to treat or manage imposer syndrome.

How Do You Treat Imposter Syndrome?

After knowing what imposter syndrome is, what do you think is the obvious answer to treating imposter syndrome? If your answer is, "accept and acknowledge your success," you're on the right path. You have to accept the reality of your situation and acknowledge that you're not where you are due to sheer luck. You are in the position you're in because you have the skills and qualifications to be there.

Often, people who suffer from imposter syndrome don't celebrate their small successes along the way. That's why they wake up one day in a reality wondering why they are where they are. If you acknowledge your small victories along your journey, you'll have an easier time accepting your position because you won't believe it's luck that got you there.

Another tip for managing imposter syndrome is to not compare your situations to others. People have their own journeys for getting to the position they're in. Other people may look like they're competent in their place, but others might be looking at you the same exact way.

Finally, reach out to your friends, family, peers, or a professional to help keep you grounded in reality. Having people to rely on for support can help you keep realistic expectations while reminding you that you’re where you are because of your own hard work and tenacity.

Take ownership of your own success, manage your anxiety symptoms, and easily overcome imposter syndrome. 

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