Are you dealing with imposter syndrome? As the name implies, Imposter Syndrome is… well… feeling like an imposter. It’s the mix of “fraudy feelings” that cause you to doubt your own abilities and knowledge, reduce your successes to luck or external circumstance, and make it difficult to accept accolades or praise for your accomplishments.
Drs. Pauline Rose Clance and Susanne Immes were the first to study what they called “imposter phenomenon” in 1978. It’s estimated that 25-30% of high achievers frequently experience imposter phenomenon and 70% of the population has felt like a fraud at some point in their lifetime.
Take Dr. Clance’s Imposter Phenomenon Test for more insight.
Whether it’s running a business, starting a podcast, or something as seemingly small as feeling comfortable wearing red lipstick, we struggle with imposter syndrome daily at Make.Do.! We rattle off a laundry list of causes in this week’s podcast conversation. Here are a few that stick out:
We don't try because we don't want to fail. But when you're already doubting your ability, success feels like an accident.
Dealing with imposter syndrome can increase feelings of stress and anxiety, drain your energy through overworking or procrastination, and leave you wishing you were brave enough to try the things you really want to do. Here are a few ways we try to manage the “imposter lies.”
Start by asking yourself: Am I fraud or am I a beginner? Are you actually an imposter or are you just new?
Welcome! Make.Do. is a nonprofit in Searcy, Arkansas. We use creativity as a way to connect with community.
