Impostor Syndrome: the fear of being exposed as a fraud.

LERNIQ
It's estimated that 70% of people will experience impostor syndrome at some point in their lives. And while it's more common among women, men can also suffer from this condition.

What is impostor syndrome and how do you know if you have it?
When it comes to success in your professional and personal life, do you ever feel like you're a fraud? Like someone will find out that you don't know what you're doing and expose you for the impostor that you are? If so, then there's a good chance that you're experiencing impostor syndrome.
But what is it, exactly? And how can you tell if it's something that's been holding you back from achieving your goals? Keep reading to find out. In 1978, a study was published by two psychologists that described a phenomenon they called impostor syndrome. The study found that despite their accomplishments, many high-achieving women experienced self-doubt and fraudulence.
Impostor syndrome can be very debilitating, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. So how do you know if you're suffering from it? 

The signs that you're struggling with impostor syndrome in the workplace

You may be wondering if you're dealing with impostor syndrome. Many people experience these feelings at some point in their lives, but they can be especially acute in the workplace. Here are four signs that you may be struggling with impostor syndrome.

1. You're a perfectionist
Do you find that you're never satisfied with your work? No matter how hard you try, it's never good enough in your eyes. This can be a sign that you're suffering from impostor syndrome. You may feel you have to be perfect to be competent. 
2. You're always self-critical
Do you find yourself constantly critiquing your performance? Are you your own worst critic? If you're finding it difficult to be kind to yourself, it may be a sign that impostor syndrome is affecting you. You may feel like you can never live up to your own standards. 
3. You're afraid of failure
Do you have a fear of failing? Are you afraid that if you make a mistake, it will be exposed and everyone will see that you're not as competent as they thought you were? This is a common feeling among people with impostor syndrome. 
4. You downplay your successes
Do you tend to downplay or brush it off when you accomplish something? Do you feel like you don't deserve the credit? It may be a sign of impostor syndrome if you find yourself constantly discounting your successes. 

How to start dealing with impostor syndrome in the workplace

If you're struggling with impostor syndrome in the workplace, it's important to find ways to deal with it. Left unchecked, it can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. But there are things you can do to start managing your impostor syndrome. 

1. Acknowledge your feelings
The first step is to acknowledge your feelings. It's normal to feel like you're not good enough or that you don't deserve your success. But it's important to recognize these feelings for what they are. Once you've identified them, you can start to deal with them. 

2. Talk to someone
It can be helpful to talk to someone about your feelings. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or coworker. Just talking about what you're going through can help to lessen the burden. 

3. Challenge your beliefs
One of the key things you can do to start managing impostor syndrome is to challenge your beliefs. Why do you feel like you're not good enough? What evidence do you have to support that belief? Once you start questioning your beliefs, you can start changing them. 

4. Practice self-compassion
It's also important to practice self-compassion. Be gentle with yourself. Cut yourself some slack. Everyone makes mistakes. It's okay to be imperfect. 

5. Celebrate your successes
Finally, make sure to celebrate your successes. Give yourself credit when you deserve it. Acknowledge your accomplishments. Doing so will help to boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of pride in your work. 

Impostor syndrome can be a difficult thing to deal with. But it's important to remember that you're not alone. Many people struggle with these same feelings. And there are things you can do to start managing your impostor syndrome. With some effort, you can start to feel more confident in your abilities and deserving of your success.

References

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-impostor/201609/4-signs-you-suffer-imposter-syndrome 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/AmyMorinLCSW/2017/05/15/how-to-stop-feeling-like-a-fraud-at-work/#2b4a66a93ad4
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-morin/how-to-overcome-imposter-s_b_6850274