Thought-filled Thursday--Even The Best Feel Unsure
The imposter syndrome or fraud syndrome, is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments, talents, or skills and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud."
The problem is that feeling like a fraud can keep you from evolving because you are afraid to take a risk. So many people stay in their same, comfortable place hoping to never be “found out.”
Some characteristics of the imposter syndrome include:
Self-Doubt: They doubt their own abilities and feel like they don't deserve the success or recognition they've received.
Fear of exposure: There is a persistent fear of being "found out" or exposed as a fraud, leading to anxiety, stress and staying in the same position year after year.
Attributing success to external factors: They tend to attribute their success to things such as luck, timing, or other people's help rather than acknowledging their own skills and efforts.
Constant striving for perfection: A strong desire to excel and a fear of making mistakes or falling short of perfection can keep you from evolving.
It's important to note that imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of their level of success or competence. It is not limited to a specific gender, age group, or profession.
Here are some quotes from “people who have made it” yet still feel like a fraud at times. But unlike “ordinary” people they were willing to see past the stale imposter, take a chance and evolve.
The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of: "I'm a fraud! Oh God, they're on to me! I'm a fraud!" So you just try to ride the egomania when it comes and enjoy it, and then slide through the idea of fraud. --Tina Fey
It's helpful to have some arrogance with paranoia. If we were all paranoia, we'd never leave the house. If we were all arrogance, no one would want us to leave the house. --Chris Martin, Coldplay
When I won the Oscar, I thought it was a fluke. I thought everybody would find out, and they'd take it back. They'd come to my house, knocking on the door, ‘Excuse me, we meant to give that to someone else. That was going to Meryl Streep..’--Jodie Foster
I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. — Maya Angelou
The impostor syndrome comes from those who have succeeded and are scared of being discovered, and those who have failed and are scared of being discovered. Either way, it's a trap that can prevent you from reaching your true potential. --Seth Godin