Settle for Less Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the internal psychological experience of feeling like a phony in some area of your life, despite any success that you have achieved in that area.

While not an official diagnosis, Psychology Today estimates

Around 25 to 30 percent of high achievers may suffer from imposter syndrome. And around 70 percent of adults may experience impostorism at least once in their lifetime, research suggests.

PSYCHOM reported this checklist of common indicators:

Imposter syndrome is frequently associated with trait anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety disorder.

Pervasive self-doubt characterizes your past, current, and future experiences.

You experience a persistent fear that you’re going to be “found out” or discovered as a fraud, in spite of objective successes.

When you achieve success, you attribute it to luck or describe it as a fluke. You might feel relief or even distress in place of happiness and pride.

You look for validation in authority figures—such as a boss or family member—and give them the power to dictate whether you are successful or not.

There is no one cause of imposter syndrome and no quick fix. However, how we talk to ourselves makes a difference (Yes, we, I suffer from imposter syndrome.)

Imposter syndrome's power comes from negative self-talk. I will settle for less imposter syndrome by telling myself the better story (why I am deserving), practicing gratitude, and treating myself as I would a friend.

Settle for less imposter syndrome so you can write and enjoy your story.