Imposter Syndrome: What It Is and How to Work Through It

Ever feel like you're faking it or are a "phony," and therefore undeserving of the praise, awards, success, or promotions given to you? It's estimated that 70% of people will experience at least one episode of imposter syndrome in their lives.

Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Imposter Syndrome: What It Is and How to Work Through It    Even the most talented, successful, and revered people can experience what's referred to as "imposter syndrome." It's the idea that you're faking it or are a "phony," and therefore undeserving of the praise, awards, success, or promotions given to you. It's estimated that 70% of people will experience at least one episode of imposter syndrome in their lives. Signs of Imposter Syndrome Common signs include a fear of being revealed as a "fraud," believing positive feedback wasn't earned but just said "to be nice," or feeling like you've found success due to good luck instead of hard work.   In more extreme cases, some people may deal with anxiety or depression, and they may even sabotage their own success due to feelings of unworthiness.     The negative thinking, self-doubt, and self-sabotage that often characterize imposter syndrome can have an effect on many areas of your life."  — ARLIN CUNCIC, MA   Working Through Imposter Syndrome It's important to address imposter syndrome at its core. To help move past these feelings, share your feelings with loved ones or a therapist. Irrational beliefs can fester in silence; bouncing thoughts off another can provide better perspective.   It also can help to write down your positive qualities and accomplishments, question your own thoughts of unworthiness, and cease comparison between yourself and others. Accept praise, awards, or promotions with the understanding that you earned them.       On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body  Today, take about 10 minutes to answer the following questions:   What core beliefs do I hold about myself? Without including approval from others, what does success mean to me?   What recent positive feedback did I receive about myself, and why was I deserving of those words? "Pretty Weird," written by Marissa Miller, takes readers through her own journey of overcoming imposter syndrome. Filled with honest, funny, and heart-wrenching stories, you'll learn why "you're worthy of success by virtue of you thinking you're not" and how to work through feelings of self-doubt in your personal and professional life.   Clare Josa is a leading authority on Imposter Syndrome in the United Kingdom. She's created a virtual masterclass to help spot early warning signs, turn your inner critic into a cheerleader, and to learn how to create lifelong change in your thought processes. The masterclass also comes with a downloadable workbook.     This Week on The Verywell Mind Podcast   Have you ever had times when you tried to ignore that little nagging voice in your head that suggested you might have a mental health issue? If so, you're not alone. It takes courage to acknowledge depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue.   Tune in to this week's episode when I talk to Olympic Gold Medalist Laurie Hernandez. She shares how she found the courage to face her depression and ADHD.   Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next How to Improve Your Self-Esteem When You Suffer From Anxiety READ NOW Why Raising Your Self Esteem Can Help Relieve Stress READ NOW 4 Ways to Respond to Compliments READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy