Imposter syndrome, or imposter syndrome, is a psychological phenomenon that can be closely related to burnout syndrome. "What are you even doing here?" whispers your inner voice in your dream job or school, for example. When does imposter syndrome occur? How is it related to burnout? And how do you defend yourself against the feelings associated with it?
"I was hired for a marketing position in a company where fifty other applicants applied. I have a good impression on people, so I managed to succeed in the interview even though I don't have the necessary skills. I have worked in a similar position before, and I have a degree in marketing, but I feel that I was hired mainly because I have a good impression on people. They'll find out soon enough and fire me. That will be a shame."
"I found the perfect girlfriend. She's great. She's beautiful, funny, kind and successful. I'm not like that and I don't deserve her. When she figures it out, she'll break up with me for sure."
Are these thoughts familiar to you?
Imposter syndrome refers to a prolonged feeling that you do not deserve your achievements and that you have achieved them by deception. It can be compounded by the fear that you will soon be found out by those around you and that you will lose all your achievements.
People suffering from imposter syndrome often think that their achievements were not due to their abilities, hard work and education, but that it was just luck that will end any moment. Because of this, they often underestimate themselves, are afraid to express themselves and try not to draw attention to themselves, lest others discover that they do not belong where they are now.
Who is affected by imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome was first documented in the 1970s in research that targeted women in high positions: managers, women with doctoral degrees or otherwise academically and professionally successful. Despite their external accolades, their knowledge, hard work, and skills, they saw themselves as imposters who deserved no praise or recognition.
Later it was discovered that imposter syndrome does not only affect women, but also men. It affects people in high positions and more often those who have achieved success quickly. At the same time, it does not avoid students entering the academic environment. It can also occur in interpersonal relationships - for example, those of partners or friends.
How does it manifest itself?
The manifestations may vary from person to person, but the common feature is the belief that you do not deserve your success - even though you objectively have the education and the necessary skills and qualities. Those who suffer from the syndrome are convinced that they have inadvertently deceived their environment in order to get their way, and that they are different from what their environment believes.
Despite clear evidence of their competence, people suffering from imposter syndrome do not realise that they deserve their success. They experience fear of detection, anxiety, severe nervousness and a sense of discomfort. This can result in impaired concentration, underestimation of themselves, procrastination, poorer performance and social anxiety - they don't want to get in touch with others lest their supposed deception be detected.
Imposter syndrome and burnout syndrome
Doctor Valerie Young, which deals with imposter syndrome, described 5 types of imposter syndrome that develop based on personality traits.
One of them is the type The Perfectionist. He is convinced that the result of his work must always be perfect. He often sets unrealistic or almost unrealistic goals and is very strict with himself. He feels that he has to master everything and be perfect in everything.
But when he does achieve some success, he is unable to give himself adequate credit for it because it was not something special in his eyes. There can be an attitude of, "If I could do it, anyone could do it."
Because of this, he is constantly pushing his limits, not resting enough and not allowing himself to fail. In the long run, such an attitude can lead to burnout syndrome.
How to combat imposter syndrome?
First of all, admit to yourself that you have such feelings. Acknowledging the problem is often the first step to solving it. Should the symptoms be strong, it is not at all wrong to seek help from a therapist or other professional.
Write down your achievements on paper. Both the larger ones and the partial ones. Completed courses, graduated school, solid relationships - whatever you can think of. Remind yourself of them regularly and think of all you've accomplished in life and all you've had to overcome to get to where you are now. I'm sure it wasn't all about luck.
Make sure you lead a healthy lifestyle. Because just like preventing burnout, preventing imposter syndrome is about being physically fit. Think about being (mostly) rested, well and balanced. Make sure you keep up a drinking regime, do things you enjoy and get plenty of exercise. Physical health is closely related to mental health.
Talk about it. And it doesn't have to be with a therapist, but maybe with a partner or friends. It's certainly not a bad idea to share such feelings in the place you have them associated with - if the environment allows it.
Don't compare yourselves. It's normal that you have to learn some things. It's normal that sometimes things go wrong. It's normal for someone to make you feel better. Try focusing on your health and self-improvement instead of comparison.
Almost everyone doubts themselves from time to time, and once in a while, doubt is okay. But when they start to affect your life, start to hinder your self-development and make you paralyzed, something needs to change.
