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Dr. Eric Perry
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How to Identify & Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Written by Dr. Eric Perry
Image Credit: Pixabay

“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.’” ~Maya Angelou

At one time or another in life, we all have felt that perhaps we were not worthy of the life we have or the praise and recognition we receive from others. You wake up feeling that the shoes you walk in are too big or the suit you wear daily is too large and hangs on you like a child encased in a three-piece suit. You feel you are an imposter in your own life, an unpaid supporting actor playing the part of a successful adult. Research shows that these feeling are quite prevalent among highly successful individuals and has affected at one point or another up to 70 percent of the population. This is not seen as a mental illness but as a reaction to external stimuli that makes one feel unworthy of their lives. At the root of this belief is an unhealthy perception of the life others must lead. We know our deepest disturbing secrets but we only see others from the outside and perhaps the perfect image they present to the other world. We must realize others are just like us with the same or similar troubles, fears and regrets.

The term Imposter Syndrome was first used by clinical psychologist Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes. It affects both men and women in all walks of life. It is an over critical view where you see yourself as a phony and an actor in your life. Besides clear external evidence indicating the exact opposite, one lives life believing that at any moment they are going to be exposed as a fraud and undeserving of the success, they have achieved. The internal view of one’s self does not match up with the external view that others see. It is as if one’s inner child is very much aware that there is no way their 5-year-old self could possibly be the boss of a successful corporation.

The impostor experience can manifest itself in different ways. Some common signs are a prevalent fear of failure, the need for perfection in everything one does, overworking, undermining and talking down about yourself and discounting praise from others. People who suffer from impostor syndrome tend to reflect and dwell upon extreme failure, mistakes and negative feedback from others.

If left unchecked, impostor syndrome can limit the quality of a person’s life. A person’s courage to experience new challenges and experiences will become stunted. The fear of failure and constant thoughts that you will be exposed as a fraud will paralyze you from exploring and enjoying your life.

Some manifestations of imposter syndrome are:

1. Perfectionism
You strive for perfectionism so no one finds out you are a fraud. You work harder than anyone else for fear of others discovering you are not worthy of their praise. This hard work often will lead to more accolades and success which in turn leads to more feelings of being an imposter and anxiety that you will be found out. This need to over prepare and overwork to make sure everything is perfect may lead to a person feeling burned out, anxious and depressed.

2. Overwhelming feelings of being a phony
You feel like an actor in your life. You are a people pleaser and like a good actor often times give answers you believe others want to hear. These attempts to please everyone in order to feel good enough increases feelings of inauthenticity.

3. Avoid displaying confidence
You feel less confident in your abilities and intelligence and avoid displaying any confidence in your work. You fear being rejected by others and convince yourself you are less intelligent and are undeserving of your success. You believe it was all luck.

4. Excessive use of charm
You may appear to be using charm to manipulate others. Often individuals with imposter syndrome will use their charm to gain approval and praise from their supervisors or co-workers. Feeling unworthy, you seek out individuals in power to increase your abilities intellectually and creatively. As a result, you may indeed gain more recognition but will end up feeling insecure that this is not based on merit but from the charm you displayed and not your abilities.

Here are some steps that may help to alleviate these feelings of being an imposter in your life:

1. Acceptance
Accept that you do have something to do with your own success and it is not all luck. Realize that past failures do not make you incompetent or less worthy of your success. All successful people have failed at one point in their lives. You are not defined by your failures but your ability to get over these fallbacks and continue forward. Often time as we look back on our lives we realize that what we saw as a failure was simply life’s way of slowing us down so we wouldn’t miss the opportunity that was ahead of us.

2. Stop comparing yourself to others
It is important to not compare your life to others. We are all unique entities and we handle life experiences and challenges in our own way. The way others have achieved success or the way they live their life does not dictate the road we should take. For example, just because someone you admire is able to be successful at work and portray the perfect home and social life does not mean you are a failure because you may not be married or may not have children. There is no need to follow someone else’s path to success. It is ok to pave your own unique journey in life.

3. Journal
Write down concrete evidence to present to your inner critic that you are worthy of the praise you receive and the life you live. By writing down your accomplishments you will remind yourself that you have worked hard to achieve your success. Also, write down the nice things friends and family say about you to bolster your ego when needed. Learn to accept praise as a gift from the people who truly know you.

4. Support Group
Close friends and family can share life experiences that prove we all have the same hang-ups, fears, uncertainties, and failures in life. By having a mentally and emotionally supportive group of people to rely on you will feel less isolated and know that others feel just like you.

5. Read Biographies
Take some time and read the life stories of others. Often times we only see the outward success and fail to realize that successful individuals are human just like us. By reading about their internal fears and doubts you will see that they are just like you and have the same feelings of self-doubt arise from time to time. Many of the world’s great leaders and thinkers did not always know what they were doing 100 percent of the time but they managed to overcome their fears and attain success.

6. Seek help
If the feelings associated with imposter syndrome are having a negative impact on your daily life it is important to seek help. Often times the fear of being exposed as a phony may lead to the experience of crippling anxiety and depression. You do not have to face this challenge alone and with the help of a qualified mental health professional, you can learn effective ways to challenge these thoughts as they arise.

It is important to acknowledge feelings that we are not good enough and understand that these thoughts are not uncommon. Everyone at some point or another feels this way and it may be part of internal growth. The discomfort we face when experiencing a new life challenge is a signal that we are entering a new area where growth is needed.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please feel free to share in the comments section below.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. This post is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis but for educational purposes only.

The thoughts expressed in this blog post are my own and are not meant to create a professional relationship with the reader. This blog does not replace or substitute the help of a medical professional. Please note, I am unable to answer your specific questions as I am not fully aware of all of the circumstances.

Kindly,
Dr. Perry

Copy of Dr. Eric Perry

“I help ambitious and high achieving individuals manifest a life of success and fulfillment in order to achieve the life they truly desire.”

Dr. Eric Perry | drericperry.com

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137 responses to How to Identify & Overcome Imposter Syndrome

  1. King Ben's Grandma says:

    When I read the title of this post, I thought “this is totally me” but my feelings of being an imposter don’t come from success, they’re about my disability.
    I’m one hundred percent disabled by an invisible illness. Even though a social security judge and many doctors have agreed that I not only have this condition, but that it’s completely diabling, I still sometimes question myself.

    Would this also be a form of Imposter Syndrome?

    Liked by 16 people

  2. Micki Allen says:

    Me to a T, Dr. P. I actually keep my certificates and credintials on a bookshelf in my line of sight from my desk in front of me rather than on my wall so that I can see them to remind me that I’ve worked very hard to get where I am as a sex and relationship coach and sexual health educator because, somehow, it still doesn’t feel like a “real” job. I know it’s silly, but it’s true. Thank you so very much for sharing your encouragment and wisdom. xox

    Liked by 18 people

    • Clicking for Cash from Home says:

      Don’t be so hard on yourself. Myself, when I go into a professionals office, i.e. doctor, lawyer, stockbroker, therapist, I want to see the practitioners credentials on their walls. It shows me the person cares about being the best they can be in order to help their clients.

      Liked by 5 people

  3. meximinnesotana says:

    I was surprised to see a quote from Maya Angelou on this post! But if even she suffers from that feeling now and then, probably the rest of us have nothing to worry about. Very helpful advice, thank you.

    Liked by 16 people

  4. Rebecca Fegan says:

    It’s funny that I have a blog that focuses on Leadership. I KNOW I am an impostor. I couldn’t lead a cat if I had a fish in my pocket. People assume I am a leader and I’m put into that position; then I fail miserably regardless of the effort I put into it. Yet I know every step and every nuance and every action that needs to be taken in order for a person or a group to be successful. When I delegate, the person doesn’t step up. When I put up a vision for the group, they seem to buy in and then don’t do anything that would be required to reach the goals. When I inquire about the progress toward the goals, I get confused looks.

    Liked by 11 people

  7. Pamela says:

    I appreciate this information so much! I look at all syndromes as a scale or range, and your concise summary about this helps me identify where I may fall on that range. I love the specific steps to combat the symptoms–so much more helpful than laying out the problem and stopping!

    Liked by 12 people

  8. lunarpoet says:

    I first read about this in Amanda Palmer’s “The Art of Asking”. For me I often felt, that I’m not doing enough. Or I feel like I have to always give 1000% in every aspect of my life. And when I was doing good, I was always waiting for someone to tell me: “Well, you just got lucky!” Finding one thing I really love doing (creating poetry) helped me to reevaluate a lot of stuff. Because if I put myself under intense pressure I can’t write at all. So in order to find the right mindset I need to fulfill my needs and take time and care for myself and silence the “fraud police” (As they are called in this book). And even if I haven’t published a book yet, it does feel like a sucess, because writing is a self-rewarding activity for me. At my day job I’m learning every day that mistakes are extremely important and so I become aware that my perfectionism has its limits. I work with kids from the ages between 4 and 7 and basically my job is to allow them to grow and learn from experience and mistakes, which allows me to grow myself in the process (if that makes sense). Great post!

    Liked by 11 people

    • Ranjita says:

      Oh!! How well you have put down here all that I feel about the same!! Writing is seriously self rewarding!
      And I think when people start doing things which they love to do they will able to put a pat on their shoulders themselves for their effort to live life on their own terms and thus will not expect anything in return from anyone whatever they do and howsoever they do!!

      Liked by 6 people

  10. Mike P says:

    I feel like you wrote this post for me Dr. Perry. I experience this but didn’t even know this is what I was feeling. Thank you for shedding light on this topic and giving me some guidance on what to do from here. I am thankful to be following your blog. -Mike

    Liked by 10 people

  12. Tamara says:

    Thank you for another helpful and clearly written post Dr. Perry. I don’t think I have this but it is still interesting to learn about. Hope you are well💜

    Liked by 8 people

  13. intricatebeginnings says:

    I appreciate you writing about this topic. I believe it is something we can all relate to.
    For me, I started calling myself a Writer a year ago. With much trepidation I joined a Writing Community because I had this unstoppable urge to learn the craft. I voiced my feeling of imposter-ship. (I don’t have an MFA or whatever the piece of paper is called; I did’nt graduate in that field; don’t even know the different terms to use) Yet I wanted to belong.
    I am a Writer because I WRITE every day!!
    I’ve been telling myself that and now I feel it.
    I enjoyed your post immensely. Thanks for posting it.
    I Wish You Miracles, Selma Writes.

    Liked by 11 people

  14. reeseshell12 says:

    Thank you for this post. I am still a work in progress freeing myself from this kind of syndrome albeit progressing, one step at a time. I have already turn my back from talking to myself negatively but working on patting my back from some work well done.

    Some of your items here were mere descriptions of what I’ve gone through prior to seeing myself as an individual with potential, that I have the power to change my life which will start from the way I talk to myself.

    I am still trying to encourage myself that I can publish my work one day. One day. I just have to believe that.

    Thank you.

    Keep on writing.

    Liked by 8 people

  15. Simply Hina says:

    Although I don’t think I fully suffer with this label of Imposter Syndrome, I did find helpful your points on Acceptance & Stop Comparing yourself to others & support netwiork. Within these areas I am relearning to reapply my skills; cbt/dbt of which assertive communication & self belief & trust towards my support network again.
    These are areas are vital to a recovery path to better self esteem and refinding your voice.

    Liked by 8 people

  16. Oluwakemi says:

    Thank you for this write up Dr. P. I can totally relate to it. I am a work in progress and hope to one day, look back and know I have earned whatever my achievements have been.

    Liked by 9 people

  17. Carlene W. says:

    Comparing ourselves to others is an easy trap to fall into. Many expectations we perceive are placed on us are usually unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves.
    My opinion of failure(s), although no one likes to admit them, are actually helpful as they can show what doesn’t work and help us to grow personally and professionally.
    I totally agree that if the comparison/perfection/I’m a failure loop starts running in your mind and negativity becomes the forerunner to your daily life, then seeking professional help or counsel is very important.
    Thank you for your insight.

    Liked by 9 people

  18. MotivationalCandy says:

    Yes! While I feel confident in many things, when I gain praise for things that I’m not 100% comfortable with, I feel exposed. I’ll quickly explain, “I’m okay, but I’m still learning.” It does feel like it is all a well-kept secret that is going to be revealed at any moment.

    Liked by 10 people

  23. Hels says:

    I completely relate to this… Including the seeking praise bit which I’d not realised before reading your blog. Thank you for sharing, it was very helpful

    Liked by 10 people

  24. Clicking for Cash from Home says:

    Thank you for another informative and enlightening article. Myself, back in the day I had a bit of the imposter syndrome which was caused by flat out insecurity. But once I woke up spiritually and understood we are always limited by the restrictions we encase our brains in-I broke free and started living my life mission and haven’t looked back.

    Liked by 7 people

  26. Amy says:

    Reblogged this on learningtobeenough and commented:
    Thank you for this post! Great content. I’ve struggled with Imposter Syndrome ever since I can remember. But it has really reared it’s ugly head recently as I am trying to change my career and my life!

    Liked by 8 people

  27. Victor Love Secrets says:

    this was really helpful to me sir. I hope I overcome this syndrome quickly so I can share a testimonial on it.

    Liked by 9 people

  31. Anne-Sophie says:

    I find that if I spend too much time on social media I start to feel bad about my own life. I begin to feel like I am not enough. I started limiting my exposure to this filtered world seen through perfection glasses. I am enough and part of being human is having flaws and making mistakes. I am enough and I can do anything I strive for! Thank you so much for this post and for your contribution to the blogsphere.

    Liked by 8 people

  33. truthfortheday says:

    Wow man this described me to a tee. I’ve learned a lot of your tips but often still struggle with it. Its definitely No way to live. Pretty much lived like this my whole life

    Liked by 10 people

  35. Bob says:

    I believe I suffer from this. Afraid to do anything outside of my comfort zone. Just want to stay below the radar. Working on this. Thank you for all you do for the blog community.

    Liked by 9 people

  36. Alyosha Barnes says:

    I think I would split imposter syndrome into two separate experiences.

    The first involves the character whom I consider to be the best in a given situation; a friend
    or family member who may do well in a situation. This person, once understood can become part of your own character on a temporary basis, it is never possible to become this character for long because in understanding them you don’t only take the positive but you take the negative, which means that your balance is forced. A persons experience must be their own and this makes any internal behavioural change unnatural. But perhaps some people are able to flex this (metaphorical) muscle with practice. However, using this imposter does create problems in the long run and creating relationships without it allow for more meaningful experiences to develop – this can also arise when responsibility is a driving force.

    The second imposter is the one that acts differently in different situations; in one environment they may speak to everyone (allowing for relationship building) and in the next they may wait for others to make a move. This is a strange one as communication allows for a greater understanding of people around and in future it means that interactions will be much simpler and often quite interesting as there is then a narrative. The alternative indifference scenario involves the imposter ignoring the crowd (or being ignored by the crowd), preferring in a sense to lay low; fear, reflection, but also care, tolerance and independence playing a strong role. There’s a great deal of self-doubt and without independence this would be a terrible state to be in. Both are imposters because it is the feeling within that tricks the individual into believing something that is not true.

    Liked by 7 people

  37. dreamingofabroad says:

    This is something I never realized I was dealing with until graduate school. Despite my classmates being older and having far more experience, I still compared myself to them. They were all tri- and bilingual, they had all had formal positions before, and they were highly intelligent/well read. So when I got higher grades then some of them I convinced myself that the teacher was going easy on me or somehow giving me a pass. It was only when a friend in the program I looked up to expressed her constant insecurities and berated herself for her failures as she got her second masters in a foreign county that I realized I needed to work on this. I refused to keep this up into my late twenties or thirties because it would go on forever and it would hold me back the way I saw it holding her back. It’s so important to keep trying because what else is there to do?

    Liked by 6 people

  40. Ranjita says:

    This is something worth knowing about! I have come across this term now and then. Your simple yet thought-provoking explaination to this imposter syndrome taught me one thing and that’s it’s okay not be perfect sometimes!! I always have this urge to be perfect in whatever I do even of it’s a trivial task!! So this has helped to perceive that kind of feeling in a different perspective!!
    Thank you!!

    Liked by 6 people

  44. Vearna says:

    Needed this! Am supposed to be meeting some strangers who think highly of me by what another friend of theirs and an acquaintance of mine shared with them about me, but I am not feeling as that ‘bright’ and keep putting off meeting them. So this post really got me thinking some. Thank you

    Liked by 8 people

  46. valleygirlwalking says:

    This is so interesting…the way we view ourselves internally and the way that others view us externally. It’s so easy fall into the habit of comparing our lives with others. Really enjoyed reading this. Thanks 🙂

    Liked by 7 people

  47. Jayaare says:

    I went through phases, first realizing that I was this amazing, stupendous person, with even more amazingly stupendous ideas. Then realizing that I knew nothing, was just an impostor, and who was I to be here (insert place of study and work respectively) in the first place. Then I worked with some people who – sad to say – were completely incompetent. And I realized something, if they could do it, I most definitely could. 🙂

    Liked by 7 people

  48. E. P. says:

    It’s so interesting that we can appear to have everything and inside we are just insecure little children. Great post

    Liked by 8 people

  49. Dixon says:

    Great post! I think we all suffer from this even if just to small degree. Social media makes us compare ourselves to others even if only subconsciously. I know I feel horrible after I look at Facebook. Like I am not enough.

    Liked by 8 people

    • Dr. Perry says:
      Author

      I agree. It’s very important to take breaks from social media especially if it is having a negative impact on you. Wishing you well✨

      Liked by 3 people

  50. rdsv says:

    Great post. Enjoyed reading it. I have been reprimanded by my close friends as I have this syndrome especially about my creative side. I won’t believe their praise !! thanks for explaining it so nicely.

    Liked by 9 people

    • Dr. Perry says:
      Author

      You’re welcome. I am very happy you like the post. Start believing in yourself and your friends✨

      Liked by 3 people

  52. Nadine says:

    Really helpful. I love what you said about journalling. I’m trying to figure out what to do about my journalling these days. On the one hand I think purging negative thoughts is a great help (certainly has been, for me), on the other hand it’s good to focus on, and make concrete by writing down, the positive. I like your tips on that topic. Also, perhaps this is the most important thing I should remember from this post: “Learn to accept praise as a gift from the people who truly know you.” Beautiful. Thank you.

    Liked by 9 people

  53. Ronald Milburn says:

    I have often seen Christians come to a place like this. At some point they feel inadequate and view others as superior. Often it is the most dedicated Christian who questions their worthiness in God’s eyes. Though humbleness is a Christian virtue, affirmation empowers the soul for greater service.
    Your suggestions apply to our spiritual self-perception, too.

    Liked by 7 people

  54. Journey-For-Life says:

    This was a great post, with great advice to combat. I do battle this at times, especially when i look at all of my failures. More than feeling like an imposter, though, I feel as if, because of the things I’ve done wrong, I’m not worthy to help others do right… more like. Hypocrite than an imposter.

    Liked by 6 people

  55. Gernus Oosthuizen says:

    This was very enlightening. I was intrigued by the silver thread that was woven between many of these manifestations of behaviour… and what fabric it then formed part of. Thank you sharing this piece of knowledge.

    Liked by 6 people

  56. Emily says:

    Fascinating subject. I think I have this. I always find a way to sabatoge myself. Thank you so much for writing this.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Dr. Perry says:
      Author

      You are most welcome! Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Like

  59. Ash says:

    This is really helpful. I can totally relate to that maya Angelou quote. My issue is with perfectionism but it’s to my own detriment as I end up not getting things done. It’s never good enough. I think journaling would really help me with this one and just talking to loved ones about my fears. Great post ☺️

    Liked by 6 people

    • Dr. Perry says:
      Author

      I’m happy you found my post helpful. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts✨

      Liked by 4 people

  62. Rah says:

    Interesting….. I think I could see myself on the flip side of this in some areas, self-sabotaging success because of a hidden fear of feeling undeserving of the achievement. Hmm, definitely something to keep an eye out for… Great article!!

    Liked by 5 people

  63. joanne the geek says:

    I’ve had to deal with Impostor Syndrome for a large chunk of my life. I put a lot of effort into my writing, but I always feel like I don’t deserve any praise. That Maya Angelou quote at the beginning sums up how I often feel as well, that eventually I’ll be exposed as a fraud. These days it’s not so bad, but occasionally it still creeps in.

    Liked by 5 people

  64. Mrs. J. Hernandez says:

    Hi Dr. Perry I think you are absolutely correct. I also believe a big factor in us not feeling good enough is social media. There is no way anyone can complete or compare with the filtered lives we see on there. Thank you

    Liked by 5 people

  65. Eternal Ocean says:

    Totally feel this.

    I do think it can affect men and women in unique ways… being a woman in academia I find myself being questioned much more frequently than my male colleagues. I am sure this contributes to my own imposter syndrome complex.

    Liked by 5 people

  66. The Mindful Gingernut says:

    I had never heard of imposter syndrome until just over a year ago. I started to receive some professional coaching, and even before the end of our first session, my coach mentioned imposter syndrome. When she started to talk me through the signs, it was as clear as day that it was something I was suffering from. As soon as I knew there was a name for how I was feeling, I almost instantly felt the fog lift. Whilst I now have it much more under control, it still raises its ugly head now and again, but I now have much more effective tools up my sleeve for dealing with those moments when they arise. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻

    Liked by 6 people

  67. The Mush from the Hill says:

    Very interesting Doc, I’m sure this will touch base with a lot of people, I confess, myself included. It’s good to know that I may not be all narcissistic 😁. Great read as always. Thank you.

    Liked by 5 people

  69. Jenn says:

    I am experiencing this right now in my career. Your tips give me hope that I’ll be able to get out of my own way and be confident in my abilities. Thanks!

    Liked by 5 people

  72. Ab says:

    I enjoyed reading this. I think it’s good to stay and be humble. But definitely agree that if left unchecked imposter syndrome can be incredibly crippling!

    Liked by 3 people

  73. Sana says:

    For those with minority or marginalized identities, imposter syndrome can reflect very real experiences of being excluded from certain spaces. For these people, especially, it’s critical to acknowledge how imposter syndrome may be affecting their self-worth and identity. Thanks for this!

    Liked by 4 people

  74. Kristi says:

    This is excellent! I’ve only just been reading about imposter syndrome the last year or so and this is great info. I especially appreciate the ideas on fighting it. ❤️

    Liked by 4 people

  75. Fenichi says:

    I never realized that there is something called Imposter Syndrome, let alone possibly having it. I’ve always wondered why I have such low self esteem despite achieving so much for the past years but thank you for the tips and reminders. This helps me a lot!

    Liked by 4 people

  77. jeremystrangestories says:

    This was a very thought-provoking post. The third paragraph where you mention possible signs hit home somewhat. I tend towards self-deprecating humor and thought that might come under talking down about one’s self; after a little more thought I realized it likely only counts if actually one actually believes what one is saying rather than going for laughs. I think your article is very true and we all feel that other people “have it more together” sometimes, especially older or more experienced people. Reading biographies or just talking to them would, I think, very much help as it allows you to realize that almost everyone else is figuring it out as they go too.

    Liked by 3 people

  79. ldinlove says:

    I go to AA meetings and people talk about what’s REALLY going on inside of them there. It’s then that I realize it’s not just me. It’s not the kind of conversation you have in the frozen food section of the grocery store.

    Liked by 3 people

  80. DebDays says:

    I didn’t know it was a Syndrome, just my own sense of unworthiness for success. My Aunt told me, “you have really worked hard for all you have and experienced.” As I look back on life after retirement, those times fade into a life lesson. My journaling has been turned into two books and I see I was not an imposter at all. Thanks for a well thought out blog!

    Liked by 3 people

  82. Daniel Peace N. says:

    This is an amazing write up. I think a lot of us can connect with it because we have felt it at some point in our lives. Life is hard. Please don’t make it harder by carrying too much in

    Liked by 3 people

  86. robertsjessie says:

    This is so true, thank you for articulating this so beautifully and succinctly! I have been doing a lot of work on this lately, and it makes you realize although its not a good place to be sometimes, you are not alone! Thanks Dr Perry!

    Liked by 4 people

  87. Maeve Alejandro says:

    Two things hit me: being a people pleaser and the excessive use of charms. I’m afraid to admit and I may be blaming myself for the things I’m unconsciously doing… but it’s really scary.

    I did want people to feel okay while I’m around. This confuses me if I’m being a people pleaser or not… and I can be guilty of using my ‘charm’ but I’m not fully aware that I may be manipulating others by it. I thought they are just praising me too much and I kind of didn’t feel the sincerity… that’s why I think, I’ve done just an okay job.

    However, it was all in the past. I’ve come to accept who I am now. I am more confident of all the things I’m doing with my life and I just want to say how effective and helpful journaling has been for me. Also, prayer!

    Great post, Dr. Eric! I resonated a lot with it. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  88. Laura says:

    Dr Perry, have you been spying on me?! Very accurate. More self-compassion is needed, as well as recognising that it’s OK to not be OK instead of brushing over my feelings and soldering on. Thank you for the insightful post with practical insights. It’s the compassion I needed today.

    Liked by 4 people

  89. AP2 says:

    Very well written. I think the ego’s need to be constantly validated goes along way in explaining what you have said. I’ve regularly felt like I’m not worthy of the position I’m in, yet I know I’ve worked very hard to achieve. Hadn’t heard the term imposter syndrome but sums it up perfectly. Thanks for the advice!

    Liked by 4 people

  91. ERCWriting says:

    Perfectionism is my main problem. The way I fought against it was to just publish publicly what I’ve written – regardless of how I feel about it in the moment. Chances are that, in a few days, I’ll like it a lot more than I did when I first published it. And even if I don’t like it, I’ve at least cooled down to the extent that I can take a lesson from it.

    Liked by 3 people

  93. Rida J says:

    I was recently introduced to the term imposter syndrome and most definitely find myself slipping into this feeling. You work hard for something and then you get it and don’t think you deserve it. It’s such an exhausting cycle. Great article.

    Liked by 5 people

  95. Dino Falz says:

    Just quickly took to google to see impostor in Latin is deceiver. Personally I feel as though being deceived by others has led me to notice and see the deceit we burrow inside ourselves. Of course the deceit of others I am talking about are my own views of people that aren’t based in reality but rather the fantasy super person you build up in your head whether it’s talking to your boss or a crush. Thank you for the incite I like the journal prompt ideas you have given me to try tonight! Also excited to read more of your posts.

    Liked by 5 people

  96. dewofmay says:

    enjoying your work and writings as always. thank you!. I am so greatful to you for sharing these insights.. it is life changing.

    Liked by 3 people

  97. paulguisbournehiltonalifeworthgiving says:

    I think more so in today’s society we look for instant gratification from the things that we do but also comparing ourselves to others has become the new norm with the birth of social media, my brother for example would often share pictures of him enjoying a night out or even on more than one occasion a greasy spoon cafe breakfast and people would actually take the time to comment on it.
    I recognise many of the traits that you have highlighted from my own past experiences although I desired to succeed not because of my drive but I think more to prove my own family wrong.

    Liked by 3 people

  98. the_tovarysh_connection says:

    It all boils down to self-love doesn’t it? Can we accept ourselves for who we are and celebrate that we survived to this day? That all of our experiences brought us to this point in life. We all carry such baggage, still believing things said to us/about us a lifetime ago. We fail to see the strength, the courage, the goodness that is present within us. Thank you for a very informative and helpful post.

    Liked by 3 people

  99. sadiiiiiaaaaa says:

    Everything that you described in the post is so relatable for me besides I think I have an Imposter Syndrome which comes from a place of privilege. Like it’s the feeling of not deserving all the luxuries that I have in life or relationships and so many other things which I was born with. I did not work for any of these things in my capacity. Also thank you for sharing this, it was really insightful!

    Liked by 3 people

  102. MichelleMarie says:

    The feeling of being a phony or fake I know this one. At my previous job I stepped into a leadership role and daily I felt that the shoes I was filling, I felt I couldn’t possibly measure up to my mentor. I told him that when he retired and he said you just be tough and be me. I experienced a lot of stress when it came to creating art compositions from scratch. I did feel like a phony because my art was not like other graphic designer and illustrators. Then one day I realized that my art is my style and of course it would t be like anyone else’s. I’ve since moved on from that job where my role and title is Marketing Content Writer and Designer. The pressure to create the latest and greatest marketing campaign is heavy because still I have this feeling of I’m not an award winning artist like all my friends. I’m not sure where that feeling comes from but I’m surely willing to dig deeper and find out. Thank you for writing about this. I’ve been searching for a way to describe how I feel. It’s like my higher self knows I’m not phony or fake but somewhere is a little part of me that whispers . I hope no one find out that I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. 🤷🏼‍♀️

    Liked by 2 people

  103. Joseph R. Meyer says:

    Great advise as I too suffer through this in my career. For years I feel I am unworthy of success. Especially when I start a new job I constantly make comparisons to others around me. I hope in time I can overcome these feelings.

    Liked by 2 people

  105. Amorina Rose says:

    I understand that to fear you are not good enough is normal. Letting it cripple you is not. There is a fine line and I try hard to remember that fact.

    Liked by 2 people

  107. Vickie Noel says:

    It feels good to put a name to the feeling. From the first time I did, I realized that it’s quite peculiar among people, bordering on excessive modesty of sorts. Seriously working hard on combating this, thanks for the tips!

    Liked by 3 people

  108. The Strong Traveller says:

    These points on overcoming imposter syndrome is really very valuable and effective. Journaling especially is sometimes a life saver. Penning down thoughts clears the head so much and really helps a lot in decision making. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely article 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  110. Gypsy says:

    I feel like this sometimes. Your advice is really helpful. Especially the parts about letting go of comparison, journalling and reading biographies. It reminds me that we all have our issues and that doesn’t make us any less worthy as individuals.

    Liked by 3 people

  112. Shaun Bradford says:

    Read this before. Didn’t know how much I needed to read it today. I’ve definitely been feeling this way for a few months now. When I first resigned from my job, I felt like I could conquer the world. Then reality set in. I’m such an amateur entrepreneur. I become intimidated when I am around other entrepreneurs who seem to have it all together. I truly feel like an imposter. I needed to read this blog again because I have been trying to figure out what has been wrong with me and this is it – imposter syndrome! Thank you for sharing. Now that I know the root of the problem I believe I can finally move forward. Again, thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

  114. memyselftadaaa says:

    For the past 10 years, I am working with someone like this. She’s a brilliant entrepreneur, but a painful perfectionist. The work place is amazing. We are all successful, but it’s draining for all of us. Huge micromanagement! In each way all was addressed, denial is the key. Great article! 👍🏻😊

    Liked by 1 person

  115. talesfromyourlocalpubs says:

    One thing that helped me was seeing so many incompetent people in power, because if they can, so can I. Though I also believe in good leaders taking time out to mentor those in their groups. And exposing people to other cultures. Both my parents were raised in cultures where you just do not admit to any weakness. It really did a number on me for a long time, until I found something I was good at, which they knew nothing about. But then the impostor syndrome kicks in, and if I don’t remember what I wrote above it’s back to square one. The more we talk about it, the easier it gets though.

    Liked by 1 person

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