According to the International Journal of Behavioral Science , more than 70% of people around the world have experienced impostor syndrome at some point in their lives. This phenomenon can affect both personal and professional levels, generating doubts and anxiety in those who suffer from it. In this blog, we will explain what impostor syndrome is and why it occurs, we will also analyze some tips to overcome it and develop greater self-confidence.
This is a more common problem than you might think; there are more and more people who suffer from this situation. In Mexico there are hundreds of people, professionals and students, who fight against it every day.
What is impostor syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which successful people feel like they are not worthy of their achievements and feel like a fraud or an impostor. Impostor syndrome also creates a feeling of deception towards the people around you and makes you believe that you are not worthy of what you have achieved. Despite having obvious achievements and successes, a persistent feeling of not deserving the recognition or success that has been obtained is generated.
Those who experience this syndrome tend to attribute their achievements to luck or external factors, minimizing their own skills and abilities. They often fear that at some point they will be discovered as "frauds" or "imposters," which generates anxiety, insecurity when taking action, and above all, they also suffer from a constant search for external validation.
Why does impostor syndrome occur?
To combat this everyday phenomenon, it is not enough to know what impostor syndrome is. It is also important to know why this syndrome occurs, to be able to root out the problem.
Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem can trigger impostor syndrome, because people who experience it tend to underestimate themselves and fail to recognize their own abilities and achievements. When someone has a negative view of themselves, they are more likely to doubt their worth and capabilities, believing that they do not deserve the success they have achieved.
Excessive attention to criticism
People who experience impostor syndrome are highly sensitive to the negative opinions and evaluations of others. When they focus on criticism, they tend to ignore or downplay positive praise and recognition, which fuels feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. These individuals may feel constant pressure to be perfect and fear being judged or rejected by others. This leads them to devalue their own achievements and capabilities.
Gender stereotypes
Gender stereotypes can contribute to imposter syndrome by enforcing specific gender-based expectations and roles. These social stereotypes can create pressure on people to conform to certain characteristics or behaviors considered “appropriate” or “common” for their gender, which can lead to feeling like they don’t fit in or meet those expectations.
In work contexts, gender stereotypes can associate certain skills or roles with a specific gender. If a person is in a professional field where one gender is expected to predominate and she belongs to the other, she might question her worth and feel like an impostor, even if she has the necessary skills and experience.
Lack of recognition in childhood
By learning what impostor syndrome is, we discover that a lack of recognition in childhood can contribute to the syndrome, because during this crucial stage of development, children seek validation and support from their authority figures, such as parents, teachers or caregivers. When these important adults do not adequately recognize or value a child's achievements and efforts, it can lead to feelings of insecurity and doubt about their worth and capabilities.
Similarly, if a child does not receive the recognition he needs, he may develop the belief that he is not good enough or worthy of praise, and he may internalize this lack of recognition as proof that he is not as competent as others.
Distortion to accept success
Another factor that contributes to impostor syndrome is the distortion of accepting success. People who experience it tend to minimize or devalue their own achievements and successes. Despite obtaining positive results and external recognition, these people do not feel deserving of success and believe that they have been lucky or that others overestimate their abilities.
Distortion in accepting success can also be related to fear of failure or rejection. If a person has experienced criticism or negative judgment from others in the past, they may develop a tendency to minimize their achievements to avoid feeling vulnerable to judgment from others.
Practical tips to combat impostor syndrome
Now that you know what impostor syndrome is and what its main causes are, we also share with you some practical advice so that you can combat this great evil that affects many people. You don't have to live with insecurity and uncertainty; it is necessary to strengthen internal elements to maintain a healthy, full life and professional development that seeks constant success.
1- Learn to handle criticism constructively
Recognize that we all make mistakes, and that criticism does not define our worth, remember that impostor syndrome is a distorted perception of yourself and that your achievements and abilities are genuine.
2- Overcoming the impact of gender stereotypes
It is essential to question and challenge these limiting beliefs. It is important to recognize that gender does not determine a person's worth or abilities, and that we are all capable of achieving great things regardless of societal expectations.
3- Challenge your negative thoughts
Challenge negative beliefs about yourself and your abilities. Identify and replace negative thoughts with positive, realistic affirmations about your capabilities.
4- Work on your self-esteem
Regardless of what others think, work on building stronger confidence and learn to free yourself from the constant need for external validation. It can also be helpful to work with a therapist to address past experiences and develop greater self-acceptance and self-compassion.
5- Celebrate your successes
Don't underestimate your achievements. Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Recognize your efforts and merits to reinforce your self-confidence.
6- Learn to receive praise
Accept compliments and thank those who acknowledge your abilities. Learn to internalize and believe in praise rather than minimize or dismiss it.
7- Stay constantly prepared and learning
To combat impostor syndrome and not give in to thoughts that make you feel incapable or unprepared to face any situation, we advise you to keep learning constantly. The more professional preparation you develop, the less power impostor syndrome will have over you and your opportunities in the world of work will be greater.
Now that you know what impostor syndrome is, what its main causes are, and the advice you should apply to your daily life to combat this problem that has attacked professionals and students for years, we recommend that you continue with your professional development; a great option is a diploma. At the Anáhuac University Network, we have 400 diplomas in different areas of study, which will allow you to follow the path to success as a professional. Get to know our academic offer of diplomas!
