It's the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications.

Impostor syndrome

We have no idea what causes the impostor syndrome. But we all suffer from it It may have to with:
<ul>
<li>Personality traits, like anxiety or neuroticism</li>
<li>Family or behavioral causes, like childhood memories (such as feeling that your grades were never good enough for your parents)</li>
<li>The environment or institutionalized discrimination.</li>
</ul>

What causes the impostor syndrome

<ul>
<li>Acknowledge the thoughts and put them in perspective: Simply observing that thought as opposed to engaging it can be helpful. </li>
<li>Reframe your thoughts: The difference between someone who experiences impostor syndrome and someone who does not is how they respond to challenges. </li>
<li>Share what you’re feeling with trusted friends or mentors: People who have more experience can reassure you that what you’re feeling is normal.</li>
</ul>

How to deal with impostor syndrome

<div>
Impostor syndrome—the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications—was first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes. In their paper, they theorized that women were uniquely affected by impostor syndrome.
There’s no single answer. Some experts believe it has to do with personality traits—like anxiety or neuroticism—while others focus on family or behavioral causes, Ervin explains. Sometimes childhood memories, such as feeling that your grades were never good enough for your parents or that your siblings outshone you in certain areas, can leave a lasting impact. “People often internalize these ideas: that in order to be loved or be lovable, ‘I need to achieve,’” says Ervin. “It becomes a self-perpetuating cycle.”
Factors outside of a person, such as their environment or institutionalized discrimination, can also play a major role in spurring impostor feelings. “A sense of belonging fosters confidence,” says Young. “The more people who look or sound like you, the more confident you feel. And conversely, the fewer people who look or sound like you, it can and does for many people impact their confidence.”
One of the first steps to overcoming impostor feelings is to acknowledge the thoughts and put them in perspective. “Simply observing that thought as opposed to engaging it” can be helpful, says Ervin. “We can help teach people to let go and more critically question those thoughts. I encourage clients to ask ‘Does that thought help or hinder me?’”

You can also reframe your thoughts. Young says she reminds people that the only difference between someone who experiences impostor syndrome and someone who does not is how they respond to challenges. “People who don’t feel like impostors are no more intelligent or competent or capable than the rest of us,” Young says. “It’s very good news, because it means we just have to learn to think like non-impostors.” Learning to value constructive criticism, understanding that you’re actually slowing your team down when you don’t ask for help, or remembering that the more you practice a skill, the better you will get at it can all help.
It can also be helpful to share what you’re feeling with trusted friends or mentors. People who have more experience can reassure you that what you’re feeling is normal, and knowing others have been in your position can make it seem less scary. If you want to delve more deeply into these feelings, Ervin recommends seeking out a professional psychologist.
</div>

Impostor syndrome is associated with feelings of fraud, like you're inadequate or a failure. But you can overcome it with these expert tips.

Yes, Impostor Syndrome is Real. Here's How to Deal With It

Impostor syndrome

What causes the impostor syndrome

How to deal with impostor syndrome

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