Imposter Syndrome (IS) refers to an internal belief that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be.
It’s the voice echoing in your head that you are not enough or you are not qualified despite your competence and ability.
You can do something, but there is just your gut telling you otherwise.
So naturally, you have considered yourself less qualified, while your skills say otherwise.
One thing about this syndrome is that once you have it, it makes you set unrealistic goals for yourself.
For example, you are starting on YouTube with goals of having 1 million views in the first month. That is unrealistic.
And when you don’t achieve them, you become frustrated. Because you pressure yourself to do things that would naturally take time, effort and training.
So imposter syndrome can cause harm to your mental self and the surrounding people.
Before we discuss on the types, let’s see potential signs and symptoms it brings.
Imposter Syndrome Symptoms
Here are some common signs that you are experiencing imposter syndrome:
- Self-Doubt:
The “I can’t” voice in your head.
The voice that makes you doubt yourself and your abilities and even limits your potential just because ‘you’ think you are not enough.
Here is the truth: You are more than enough.
- Fear:
You notice you lack the ability to showcase your expertise and competence.
And this is because you are afraid you will underperform. Imposter syndrome using fears will only make you complicate things.
Here is the best guide to overcoming your fears, both spiritually and psychologically.
- Comparison:
Another symptom of imposter syndrome is that it makes you compare yourself with others.
You focus on what others have, forgetting the many more that you have.
They that compare themselves with themselves are not wise.
- Degrading:
The greatest battle a man can ever lose is the battle with himself.
Once you denounce your performance no matter the applause, none can make you fulfill again.
If you find yourself in this situation, then you have it.
Below are the imposter syndrome types common in our society.
Imposter Syndrome Types
1. Perfectionists
These people have exceedingly high expectations of themselves and they want to produce the best, even when they don’t have enough experience to produce their expectations.
They don’t believe in mistakes, have no error policy, and are always feeling something is missing.
If any mistake occurs, they question their abilities.
They are always commanding or love to work alone because they don’t trust in the effectiveness of other people’s work.
2. Assurance
This set of people feels the need to know every piece of information before they start a project.
They constantly look for new certifications or training to improve their skills.
While this is very good, they go overboard with it.
They are the type that won’t apply for a job if they don’t meet all the criteria needed because of the fear of rejection.
They are the all-knowing set of people mistaking imposter syndrome for knowledge.
3. Superheros
Because these individuals feel inadequate, they feel compelled to push themselves to work as hard as possible.
They set excessively lofty goals for themselves, and then feel crushed when they don’t succeed on their first try.
No matter how they work, there is always a need to step out of the space to gain new experience.
So, they are everywhere doing all jobs to please people who don’t care.
Everyone knows work is good, but much more rest is important.
Their achievement defines their worth, so they often reject external help, even to the point of dying.
To them, receiving help is a sign of weakness or incompetence.
Here are a few ways to deal with imposter syndrome:
How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome
1. Talk To Others:
Sometimes, self-appraisal isn’t just enough to boost your adrenaline. A little encouragement from someone can make all the difference.
2. Take It Easy:
Life is a long marathon full of shorter races. Take baby steps. You won’t achieve everything in a day. You can only get better.
3. Push Them Out:
Push out your content even if you see them as rubbish. Write on Spotile to share your ideas and air your opinions.
4. Question Your Thoughts.
What are those thoughts that make you less of yourself? What are those things that make you question your ability? Tackle them and speak positively to yourself.
Here are personal development questions you can ask yourself daily to become better.
Conclusion On Imposter Syndrome And How To Overcome
The problem with impostor syndrome is that the experience of doing well at something does nothing to change your beliefs or perception about your ability.
Similar to it is the Last Paper Syndromn affecting students in exams
You will always have doubts about everything you do, even though people around you rate you 5 stars.
No matter how good or skillful you are, once you cannot overcome that gut or the voice discouraging you in your head, you can’t win.
This is no curse (In case if it sounded like one).
So, let nothing stop you from believing in yourself because you are more than enough.