The term 'impostor syndrome' (original: impostor phenomenon) was first introduced in 1978 in an article by Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes. They observed that many very successful women believe that they are not particularly intelligent and that their achievements are overestimated by others.
People affected by this phenomenon are often plagued by fears of failure and great self-doubt regarding their own achievements and abilities. Instead of acknowledging their own merits, they attribute their successes to factors like luck or chance, over which they have no control.
To compensate for doubts about their own abilities, people have developed certain mechanisms: They set high standards for themselves and aim for big goals, they do not allow themselves breaks, and often end up in burnout. Some also develop sleep disorders.
They want to suggest to others that they are making progress and know what they are doing – and they would like to believe that themselves.
Many people think that the impostor syndrome describes a person who talks a lot but does nothing. However, the term actually hides the exact opposite. Despite outstanding achievements and constant praise from colleagues and friends, those affected are plagued by self-doubt. They fear that someone might uncover their – subjectively perceived – inability and attribute successes to external influences or lucky coincidences.
Psychologists suspect the origin of the syndrome in childhood. Children whose parents could not instill enough self-worth often develop the assumption that they can only gain love and recognition through performance. This creates pressure, accompanied by fears of failure.
It costs those affected an incredible amount of energy. They are afraid of being exposed. Sometimes, impostor personalities reject new challenges or quit their current job.
This is how one can counteract the syndrome:
1. Recognizing that it exists (therapy or coaching).
2. Starting a new job without the person having studied it. According to the principle of 'learning by doing'. Soft skills and adaptability are sometimes more important than expertise or education.
3. Writing therapy. This allows the person to better organize their thoughts. Once they can see their successes instead of just evaluating them internally in their mind, they are better able to assess these successes realistically.
