Devin Jacobs
If you have moments where praise makes you squirm, that could be imposter syndrome, a persistent fear of being “found out” despite real achievements. It can creep into work or even personal life, leaving you second-guessing every win and increasing your stress levels. So, keep reading to learn how to spot the signs and what you can do to overcome them.
Perfectionist Type
Perfectionists live in a world of sky-high standards they can never quite reach. Success feels temporary, but a single misstep feels catastrophic. Their self-worth becomes tied to flawless execution, so even small mistakes fuel shame. The endless chase for “perfect” deepens the nagging voice of imposter syndrome.
Soloist Type
Do you hesitate to ask for help because it feels like weakness? Well, many people wrestle with this mindset, even the most accomplished. Michelle Obama and Maya Angelou have both spoken openly about their own struggles with imposter syndrome—and how isolating it can feel.
The Superhuman Type
If people say you work like a boss and parent like a pro, you could be reeling with this syndrome. Superhuman types think competence means acing every role at once. The cost? Burnout and the nagging belief that one slip proves they’re a fraud.
The Natural Genius Type
The pressure to succeed instantly defines Natural Genius types, who view long-term effort as weakness rather than growth. While mastery requires practice, these individuals often consider themselves a fraud when achievements don’t come naturally to them.
The Expert Type
Expert types believe they must know everything before they’re qualified to contribute. They fear being exposed as inexperienced or underprepared, even when they’re highly capable. Asking questions or admitting gaps in knowledge feels risky, so they over-prepare and still feel like they’re falling short.
Now, it’s time to learn the ways you can fix your weaknesses.
Keep A Record Of Every Win, Big Or Small
Psychologists suggest documenting your achievements as proof. It works against imposter thoughts by creating a visible trail of success you can revisit when doubt creeps in. It can be anything, like a compliment from a colleague, a finished project, or a personal milestone. Just write it down.
Reframe Negative Self-Talk
That harsh inner voice can make even the brightest achievements feel small. So, learn to reframe such thoughts. This can change everything. With practice, you can swap “I’m not good enough” for “I’m still learning.” A simple shift like this lightens imposter feelings and builds a healthier sense of confidence.
Share Feelings With Trusted Mentors Or Peers
Over time, staying silent can make every single one of your imposter feelings unbearable. The moment you share them with a trusted person, the walls start to crack. Mentors and peers not only normalize the struggle, they hand you perspective, showing you that doubt never has to define you.
Practice Self-Compassion
Self-compassion techniques are a powerful tool for managing self-doubt. These methods help individuals treat themselves with kindness during setbacks, while reducing shame and anxiety linked to imposter syndrome. It also builds greater emotional resilience and helps you be compassionate even when you make mistakes.
Seek Professional Therapy Or Coaching
Professional therapy is a great way to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. Mental health professionals utilize evidence-based approaches, such as CBT or CPT. Speaking with one always helps those who have deep feelings of imposter syndrome through tailored strategies that address their specific challenges.