Ever catch yourself feeling like a fraud, even when you’re nailing it at work or school? Maybe you think everyone else has it all figured out, and you’re just faking it until you make it. This sneaky feeling is called imposter syndrome, and it can be surprisingly common, even among the most successful people. But how can you spot it in yourself or others? Here are some habits that might secretly give away those battling imposter syndrome.
1. You avoid expressing your true opinions.
Maybe you keep quiet instead of disagreeing with someone in a meeting, or you nod along with a friend’s opinion even if you don’t genuinely feel the same way. While a little diplomacy is important, constantly censoring your true thoughts might be a sign you’re afraid of being judged or disliked if people knew what you really believed.
2. You downplay your accomplishments.
Someone compliments your work, and you brush it off as “no big deal” or attribute your success to “just being lucky.” If this sounds familiar, you might be downplaying your achievements because you don’t truly believe you deserve them, Harvard Business Review explains. Deep down, you worry that if people see the “real” you, they’ll realize you’re not as talented or intelligent as they think.
3. You overprepare for everything.
Staying prepared is a good thing, but people with imposter syndrome often take it to the extreme. Do you spend hours rehearsing for a presentation that most people would wing? Or maybe you create backup plans for your backup plans, just in case. While being thorough has its benefits, overpreparing can stem from the fear of being caught off guard and exposed as a fraud.
4. You compare yourself to other people constantly.
Scrolling through social media and feeling inadequate because everyone else seems to be living their best lives? Or maybe you constantly measure yourself against your colleagues, friends, or even strangers. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially in today’s hyper-connected world. But if you find yourself constantly feeling like you don’t measure up, it could be a sign of imposter syndrome lurking beneath the surface.
5. You’re a chronic people-pleaser.
Do you bend over backward to make everyone happy, even if it means sacrificing your own needs or desires? People-pleasing can be a way to mask imposter syndrome by seeking validation and approval from others. But constantly putting everyone else’s needs before your own can be exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being is crucial for overcoming imposter syndrome.
6. You attribute your success to external factors.
Did you land a promotion but attribute it to “being in the right place at the right time”? Or maybe you aced an exam but believe it was just because the questions were easy. People with imposter syndrome often downplay their own abilities and attribute their successes to luck, timing, or other external factors. This can prevent you from acknowledging your true capabilities and owning your accomplishments.
7. You fear asking for help.
Asking for help can be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence, especially for those struggling with imposter syndrome. But the truth is, everyone needs help sometimes. Refusing to seek assistance can actually hinder your growth and make you more susceptible to burnout. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of failure; it’s a smart strategy for success.
8. You’re overly sensitive to criticism.
Do you take even constructive feedback personally? Or, maybe you dwell on negative comments and ignore positive ones. If you’re overly sensitive to criticism, it could be because you already harbor doubts about your abilities. Learning to separate constructive criticism from personal attacks and focusing on your strengths can help you overcome this sensitivity.
9. You set impossibly high standards for yourself.
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. While striving for excellence is admirable, setting unattainable standards for yourself can lead to chronic stress and self-doubt. If you find yourself constantly feeling like you’re not good enough, no matter how hard you try, it might be time to re-evaluate your expectations and embrace a more balanced approach to success.
10. You fear failure more than you crave success.
Imposter syndrome can create a paralyzing fear of failure. This fear can hold you back from taking risks, pursuing your dreams, and reaching your full potential. Shifting your mindset to focus on growth and learning from your mistakes can help you overcome this fear and embrace the challenges that come with pursuing success.
11. You’re hesitant to try new things.
Stepping outside your comfort zone can be intimidating, especially when you’re battling imposter syndrome. But avoiding new experiences can limit your growth and prevent you from discovering hidden talents and passions, Psychology Today explains. Embracing a “growth mindset” – the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication and hard work – can help you overcome this hesitation and open yourself up to new possibilities.
12. You experience “imposter moments” even after achieving success.
You might think that imposter syndrome disappears once you achieve a certain level of success, but that’s not always the case. In fact, many people continue to experience “imposter moments” even after reaching significant milestones. These moments can be triggered by new challenges, increased responsibilities, or even positive feedback. Recognizing these moments for what they are – fleeting feelings rather than reflections of your true abilities – can help you navigate them with grace and resilience.
13. You feel like you’re “faking it” all the time.
One of the hallmark signs of imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of being a fraud. No matter how much you achieve or how much positive feedback you receive, you can’t shake the feeling that you’re just pretending to be competent. This feeling can be incredibly isolating and disheartening. But remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many successful people struggle with imposter syndrome, and acknowledging this feeling is the first step towards overcoming it.
14. You’re overly focused on what everybody else thinks of you.
While it’s natural to care about what other people think, people with imposter syndrome often become overly preoccupied with external validation. You might constantly seek reassurance from people or worry excessively about making mistakes or appearing incompetent. Learning to trust your own judgment and value your own opinions can help you break free from this dependence on external validation.
15. You procrastinate important tasks.
Procrastination can be a way to avoid facing the fear of failure that often accompanies imposter syndrome. Putting off important tasks can temporarily relieve anxiety, but it ultimately leads to more stress and self-doubt. Developing effective time management strategies and breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can help you overcome procrastination and tackle challenges head-on.
