Impostor syndrome causes constant anxiety and dissatisfaction with oneself. These sentences often cross the minds of those who struggle with this mental condition.
Impostor syndrome is a self-esteem disorder in which a person believes that their successes are not due to their own merits, but all due to luck. The person feels that they are not talented in anything, that they do not deserve anything, and that everything they have achieved is only the result of external factors.
Those who suffer from this condition are constantly anxious, worried, dissatisfied with themselves and unable to be happy about their progress. In the long term, the syndrome has a negative impact on mental health and career, so it is important to recognize it in time. If the following sentences often cross your mind, you probably struggle with this too.
Ideas bothering people with impostor syndrome
“I’m a fraud.”
They often think that they did a sloppy job if they finished a task quickly, and feel that they are just pretending to be knowledgeable and competent and thereby deceiving others. Although it is not easy, you must learn to recognize when you do something well and recognize your strengths.
“I’m afraid they’ll find out I’m not as smart as other people.”
People with impostor syndrome live in constant fear and anxiety. They fear that at some point it will be revealed: they are not professional enough, not as smart and informed as, say, their colleagues. When they are offered an opportunity, they often turn it down because they feel they are not good enough for it.
“I don’t dare to ask because it turns out I don’t understand.”
In workplace meetings, they often prefer to remain silent because they are afraid that they will say something wrong, and it becomes evident that they do not understand the topic discussed at all, and also because their questions might reveal a lack of knowledge. However, this is not the case at all: questions are useful and important, and it is also natural for people to make mistakes sometimes.
“I can’t do this.”
No one can do everything right and no one is good at everything. But if your boss gives you a task, they probably don’t do it by accident. In the case of impostor syndrome, it is typical that the person feels unable to perform new tasks because they do not trust themselves and their knowledge.
“I don’t deserve success.”
If you often feel like you don’t deserve success, this can also be a warning sign. Think about why you believe to be undeserving – if you recognize where the feeling comes from, it will be less able to dominate you. Try to let it go and enjoy when you have achieved something.