Imposter Syndrome: Am I a Fraud?

“Do I have the competence for this position?”, “Do I deserve this report?”, “I shouldn’t be here!” …

If you feel uncomfortable every time you get a compliment, leave everything for later, find it hard to say no to others, want to please everyone or always think that good things and opportunities are just luck that comes into your life, be careful . well beware: you may suffer from the call Imposter Syndrome.

The impostor syndrome is characterized by people prone to self-sabotage. And this is very serious, especially in difficult times. It is that recurring dissatisfaction with one’s performance, which is added to the lack of appreciation of one’s results.

According to studies by psychologist Gail Matthews, of the Dominican University of California, in the United States, the condition is linked to the high competitiveness of the market and affects 70% of professionals.

People with this self-perception attribute the success of their results to factors such as helping others, opportune moments, connections, coincidences, charisma and other elements that have nothing to do with your personal endeavor.

This can occur in all aspects of your life, be it in the social, professional, personal or in constant learning, getting in the way and much in prosperity.

The fear of being a scammer

Something quite interesting – hence the name “impostor” – is that those who develop this syndrome “fear being found out as scammers”. Because they do not trust their own abilities and intellect, they believe that others may come to the conclusion that, in fact, they are unable to achieve the level of excellence attributed to them. Therefore, they will be accused of deceiving everyone.

Who does not believe in positive things and is always expecting the worst from yourself, without realizing it, they sabotage themselves and tend to fail to complete their projects or simple tasks, thus entering a cycle of constant negativity.

Those who do not see their value end up not feeling worthy of the good things that life brings. It’s like receiving a divine blessing, but instead of being happy, you feel undeserving and end up suffering.

The Imposter Syndrome causes its victims not to realize the value of their abilities and skills and end up putting themselves in a kind of negative wakefulness, in an intermittent fear of being considered “a fraud”.

Some features are always present

Imposter syndrome has many symptoms, which can be found below.

• Make comparisons
This gets in the way of anyone, but in the case of the impostor, the comparison supports his theories that the other is always better. Comparisons are constant in people with this syndrome. They cannot be satisfied with themselves, so they compare their talents, achievements and career with those of others. Look at his life and that of others at all times and in all fields.

• Procrastination
Always leave things for later. This is one of the most common symptoms. Postpone appointments and tasks, letting them complete at the last minute. It may seem normal to many, but in the case of the impostor he has an intention: leaving it at the last minute prevents the moment from being criticized or evaluated. On the other hand, it also reduces the quality of work. Something very common is also the abandonment of homework. Because of the fear of not being able to achieve a good result, they stop doing the task.

• Overworking
It may seem like an endless cycle, but in the case of the impostor, it goes a long way to not feel good enough. To try to achieve the ideal in their minds and fight the possible suspicions of others about their dignity, these people spend a lot of time working. In this way, they end up being more susceptible to psychological exhaustion.

• Fear of being criticized
Imposter Syndrome causes people to shy away from occasions when they might be criticized or valued. They “hide”. They can often put off starting a project or creative idea because they don’t want to be criticized for it. They always live with the internal voice that condemns itself.

• Willingness to please everyone
If they receive criticism, they will work tirelessly to please that person. Fear of being exposed can lead people with this syndrome to try to please everyone around them. They may also undergo degrading situations to gain approval from others.

• Self-sabotage
All symptoms are the result of an arduous, unconscious (or not) and continuous attempt at self-sabotage. He is never good enough. Because he thinks he is “discovered”.

You have to give up bad habits

To prevent and even tackle the impostor syndrome you have to give up bad habits. For example, instead of presenting yourself to the world as a lazy person, do the opposite and think that you are a successful person, remembering your positive traits and things that have already worked for you.

Simply shifting your attention will help you enter a cycle of positivity. The biggest challenge is realizing that impostor syndrome happens to you to a greater or lesser extent. Now, if you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you can start working to change that reality.

Another positive habit to create is accept the compliments that are addressed to us. If you have been praised, it is because you deserve it and for it you have gained recognition. It is a sign that the other has seen a value in you that at times you have not even noticed. Receive that praise. Coming to terms with what good people say about you is an exercise. You may only be programmed to accept criticism, insults, swearing, and when a compliment comes, it can be weird. Do the opposite, thank and mentalize: I deserve it, I receive it and I thank you.

And when you receive criticism, remember that we are all in a constant learning process and that making mistakes is part of the journey. Nothing is persecution or criticism of just yourself. When we accept and identify what can be improved, we adopt a more assertive posture and avoid putting ourselves in the position of victims.

What makes impostor syndrome worse is the following: those who suffer from the undeserving end up settling for a life far below what they could really have. And this has nothing to do with the comfort zone. Precisely because the “impostor” demands a lot of himself, but he thinks he is never good enough. Insecurity causes a person to not believe they are capable of doing a job or even being accepted by others.

Think that the best results are saved for those who deserve to be loved and valued more, that is, everyone can have more and better, except himself.

Those looking for a perfection that does not exist needs to take immediate actions, like letting go of thoughts that overestimate your importance and cultivate self-esteem. As I explained, there are small but important steps that define his new posture: that of a winner. Accept more that it’s really good, stop comparing yourself to others, take some time for yourself.

Open the doors to the good things that are coming, remember that happiness knocks on your door, but she is so polite that she waits for you to invite her in.

Celebrities who admitted they had impostor syndrome

Waking up, looking in the mirror and feeling like an imposter. Living tormented by feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. Recently reported by personalities like Juliette and Adele, and already openly recalled by names like Michelle Obama and Meryl Streep, this sensation, which afflicts most women, has a name: the “Imposter Syndrome”.

Imposter Syndrome is an illusory and distorted self-perception of one’s abilities, leading individuals to believe that they are not qualified to perform tasks for which they are fully competent.

William Sanches is a therapist andauthor of more than 25 books

. Human Behavior and Neuro-Linguistic Reprogramming Specialist.

Source: Terra

Benjamin

Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.