What Exactly is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome, also known as Imposter Phenomenon, was first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes. They discovered that women, in particular, often grapple with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, despite clear evidence of their accomplishments. They live in fear of being exposed as imposters.

Although often discussed in the context of women, men can also fall victim to these feelings. A significant issue that transcends gender is the reluctance to talk about these experiences, which may be exactly what is needed.

Women of color, particularly in male-dominated fields, may feel this pressure even more acutely. Additionally, minority students in college frequently report experiencing Imposter Syndrome more than their white peers.

Have You Ever Felt Like an Imposter?

I first learned about Imposter Syndrome while discussing my feelings of inadequacy with a friend during my transition from a long nursing career to freelance writing. “It sounds like you have imposter syndrome,” she said, and it struck a chord. “Wait, there's a name for this?” We both laughed, but it was a serious realization.

She shared that she had experienced similar thoughts throughout her life, even in her roles as a wife and mother. “I never would have thought that about you,” I remarked. She responded, “Maybe we need to talk about it more.”

However, many of us remain silent due to feelings of shame, which only feeds the belief that we are imposters. This can lead to self-sabotage, procrastination, and an overwhelming fear of failure.

During my time as a new mother and a recent graduate from nursing and culinary school, I felt undeserving of my accomplishments. In the late ’90s, I was offered an internship at a prestigious hotel in Las Vegas, but I turned it down, using my role as a single mother as an excuse. Years later, I still ponder whether that was truly the reason.

In my current writing career, I often face similar doubts, especially when submitting pitches to new editors. The dreaded silence after sending what I believed was an outstanding pitch can be disheartening. However, I’ve realized that this silence doesn’t reflect my abilities but rather the fit of my proposal.

It’s comforting to know that even well-known figures, like Maya Angelou and Tina Fey, have shared similar experiences. Angelou once remarked, “I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody and they’re going to find me out.’” Fey humorously stated, “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!’”

Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

“Discussing feelings of being an imposter is a good starting point, but it’s not the only solution,” says Dr. Valerie Young, an expert in this field. In her TED Talk, she emphasizes that the key is to change the way we think.

“Everyone loses when talented individuals downplay their abilities.”

— Dr. Valerie Young

According to Young, it’s crucial to stop thinking like an imposter if you want to stop feeling like one. This can be challenging, but reaching out to friends for support can be incredibly beneficial.

We can help each other reshape our narratives. If you notice a friend expressing self-doubt, remind them of their achievements. I keep a “brag file” filled with positive feedback from editors and readers who appreciate my work.

It’s perfectly fine to seek reassurance from friends when you feel uncertain. You might be surprised by how ready they are to uplift you. Often, we fail to see ourselves as others do, and it’s vital to remember how truly exceptional you are!

Monica Romano, a writer with a background in nursing and culinary arts, contributes health and wellness articles to various publications. She aims to provide informative content and uncover valuable insights for her readers.