This document discusses imposter syndrome, which is when individuals experience self-doubt and feel like frauds, despite objectively performing at a high level. Imposter syndrome can manifest in different forms, such as perfectionism or not asking for help. It is often caused by demanding upbringings with an emphasis on accomplishments or facing biases and discrimination. Ways to deal with imposter syndrome include positive self-assessment, focusing on strengths over failures, self-compassion, mindfulness, and seeking feedback from trusted sources. Understanding and addressing imposter syndrome is important to overcoming self-doubt and fully achieving one's potential.

1. Self-Doubt Or Lack Of Confidence?
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
In this modern competitive world, it is necessary to prove oneself continuously at home,
relationships, work, social & business circle. What if it becomes engulfing, arduous, and toilsome to
face, accept and fulfill even the iota of demands at work, business, society or to oneself? What if
doubts and thoughts inundated with fear, worry, dearth of confidence & motivation pop up often?
For example, “My boss must be thinking that I am good for nothing & really did a mistake by hiring
me. I am sure they are already in the process of firing me”. When individuals label themselves as a
fraud or a phony due to self-doubt or fallacy, it often triggers a cascade of negative emotions, known
as “imposter syndrome.” They experience this kind of cognitive distortion, which is an internal
psychological experience of being unable to savor success despite objectively performing at a high
level, by frequently self-doubting their true abilities. Continuous feelings of restlessness,
nervousness, inadequacies, symptoms of anxiety/depression often convoy imposter syndrome at
home, workplace, vocation or business or social relationships.

2. The Imposter Phenomenon shows up in five different forms;
 The Perfectionist (hungry for success, higher prestige & feels unsatisfied no matter how
good they achieve),
 The Superwoman/man (not only willing to work overtime but also trying to prove of being
capable of handling anything to get endorsement at workplace),
 The Soloist (not willing to ask for help & resent others, as seeking help makes them feel
getting exposed of not knowing enough),
 The Natural Genius (cherish putting minimal effort into their work & succeeding, pride on
being quick-slick in getting things done) and;
 The Expert (exhibits a compulsive need to have all the knowledge, credentials, and
experience even before applying for a vocation or work).
People attribute the causes to a very demanding upbringing and family environment with a
whopping stress on accomplishments or being too critical of abilities, as well as social pressure
while being a fragment of a social circle, where the expectation of anything or everything needs
approval of being worthy and overt achievements. Besides, diversity & biases at workplace with
discriminatory views, policies based on race, socioeconomic class, religion, gender, &tokenism
intensifies self-doubt by questioning one’s abilities & self-worth. Finally, there are some personality
traits meant to internalize feelings of pressure, doubt, and failure.
Ways to deal with Imposter Phenomenon:
1. Positive Intelligence assessment can help expose sabotaging voices that are holding you
from progress.

3. 2. Two column exercise list: “Evidence of being inadequate” & “Evidence of being competent”
can help one to understand the right picture by gathering, acknowledging,& reflecting on
proof of competency.
3. Focusing on inner values than outward success or achievements.
4. Understand that one can’t grow, learn, or progress without failures.
5. Get out of rumination, a pattern of circling thoughts by talking to someone or jotting down
fears.
6. Be self-compassionate& inundate yourself with credit, motivation, appreciation for
wherever you have reached so far.
7. Embrace & learn from losses or failures.
8. Mindfulness meditation: Use SBNRR (Stop, Breath, Notice, reflect, Respond) mindfulness
technique to pause, re-evaluate& recognize your strengths & opportunities by placing
yourself in the present.
9. Welcome feedback from trustworthy circle: A periodic open & meaningful feedback from
dependable circle will help in thrashing out negative labels by yourself or anyone else.
It is imperative to understand that imposter syndrome poses overwhelming self-doubts,
inadequacies, inability to enjoy success & often shuns opportunities that would eventually
let oneself flourish and sparkle.
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