Identifying Imposter Syndrome: Uncover 6 Signs and Take a Self-Assessment

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that many people experience, often more frequently than they’d like to admit. It’s that nagging feeling that you’re not as competent as others think you to be and that you’re one step away from being exposed as a fraud. Recognizing the early signs of Imposter Syndrome can be a game-changer, not just for your professional life but also for your mental well-being. In this post, we’ll dive into both the emotional and psychological markers to help you identify if you’re experiencing this common but disruptive condition.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

You’ve probably heard the term “Imposter Syndrome” thrown around, especially in professional circles. But what exactly is it? Imposter Syndrome refers to an internal experience of feeling like you don’t belong or have not earned your position, despite evidence of your achievements and capabilities. The term itself has even leaked into pop culture, revealing just how widespread this experience is. It can strike anyone—whether you’re a seasoned executive, a college student, or even an award-winning expert in your field.

Emotional Markers of Imposter Syndrome

1. Constant Self-Doubt

Constant self-doubt is like a background noise that never quite goes away. You may find yourself questioning your skills, talents, or achievements on a regular basis. Even when you do something well, that little voice in your head whispers that you could have done it better, or that it was just luck. This emotional anxiety is draining and can take a toll on your mental well-being.

Imagine this: You’ve just received a promotion at work, but instead of celebrating, you’re troubled with thoughts that you’re not up to the task. You start scrutinizing your previous work and fixate on any minor mistakes, convincing yourself that you’re not qualified for the new position. The constant self-doubt overshadows your accomplishment, sucking the joy right out of what should be a happy moment.

2. Fear of Being “Found Out”

The fear of being “found out” as a fraud is a crippling emotional marker of Imposter Syndrome. This fear can make otherwise simple tasks seem impossible. You triple-check your work, rehearse conversations in advance, and avoid asking questions for fear of appearing incompetent.

Let’s say you’re about to give a presentation. Even though you’re well-prepared, you feel like you’re about to step off a cliff. You think, “This is it, the moment they find out I’m not who they think I am.” This fear can be so intense it leads to physical symptoms, like sweating and heart palpitations. In extreme cases, it can even trigger anxiety or panic attacks.

3. Relying on External Validation

If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome, chances are you seek validation from those around you—be it praise from a boss, admiration from peers, or even likes on social media. A single piece of positive feedback can make your day, while a minor criticism can throw you into a spiral of self-doubt.

Take, for example, a work scenario where you complete a project and it’s well-received. While everyone is praising you, you still don’t feel secure until your boss gives you a thumbs-up. Conversely, if your boss points out even a small area for improvement, it confirms your worst fears—that you’re not good enough. This overreliance on external validation keeps you in a constant state of emotional flux, making it hard to achieve a stable sense of self-worth.

Psychological Markers of Imposter Syndrome

1. Perfectionism

Perfectionism goes beyond setting high standards for yourself. It’s the relentless hunt of unattainable standards, often coupled with harsh self-criticism. If you’re a perfectionist, failing to meet your own expectations can lead to intense feelings of inadequacy and even shame. This constant strive for perfection keeps you on edge and constantly unsatisfied.

Think about preparing a report for work. You spend days fine-tuning every detail, agonizing over every word. After submitting it, instead of feeling relief, you worry about the imperfections you might have missed. Even if the report is well-received, the praise offers only momentary relief because your inner critic tells you that you could’ve done better. This relentless perfectionism is a breeding ground for imposter feelings.

2. Attribution Errors

Attribution errors refer to the lies you tell yourself that warp how you perceive your successes and failures. For instance, when something good happens, you might attribute it to luck or timing rather than your own abilities. When something bad happens, you place the blame squarely on your own shoulders, reinforcing the belief that you are an imposter.

Imagine landing your dream job. Instead of recognizing your qualifications and hard work, you convince yourself that the company was desperate or that you fooled them into hiring you. On the flip side, if you face challenges or setbacks at work, you see them as evidence of your inadequacy. This warped perception only fuels your imposter syndrome and prevents you from accurately assessing your capabilities.

3. Overworking

The tendency to overwork can serve as both a coping mechanism and a symptom of Imposter Syndrome. You might find yourself staying late at the office, taking on extra tasks, or obsessively checking and rechecking your work, all in an effort to prove your worth and avoid being “exposed.”

Take this common scenario: You’re already juggling multiple responsibilities at work, but you still say “yes” to additional tasks. You work late nights and even sacrifice your weekends, not because there’s a deadline or it’s absolutely necessary, but because you believe you need to do more to prove your value. This cycle is not only physically exhausting but also emotionally draining and can lead to burnout if not addressed.

Here are 9 practical tips to prevent burnout in the workplace.

Self-Assessment: Are You Experiencing Imposter Syndrome?

Understanding whether you’re grappling with Imposter Syndrome starts with some honest self-evaluation. Below is a checklist to help you assess whether you’re displaying signs of this condition. Remember, this checklist is not a diagnostic tool, but it can serve as a starting point for understanding your feelings and considering further steps, such as speaking with a mental health professional.

Imposter Syndrome Checklist

Emotional Markers

⬜ Do you constantly doubt your own skills, talents, or accomplishments?

⬜ Do you have a fear of being “found out” or exposed as a fraud?

⬜ Do you rely heavily on external validation to gauge your self-worth?

Psychological Markers

⬜ Do you strive for perfection and feel inadequate if you fall short?

⬜ Do you attribute your successes to luck or external factors and your failures to your own inadequacy?

⬜ Do you often overwork, taking on more tasks than necessary to prove your worth?

General Feelings

⬜ Do you frequently compare yourself unfavorably to others?

⬜ Do you feel like you don’t belong in your job, school, or social circle?

⬜ Do you find it hard to accept praise or believe compliments given to you?

If you find yourself checking several boxes, it may be worth considering that you are experiencing signs of Imposter Syndrome. While a self-assessment can’t replace professional advice, it can motivate you to get the support you deserve.

What to Do Next

So, you’ve identified some markers of Imposter Syndrome—now what? The first step is recognition, and you’ve already achieved that. But understanding alone won’t resolve the issue. It’s crucial to seek professional help. A therapist can offer personalized strategies that are evidence-based and tailored to your needs.

Figure out if therapy is the right choice for you.

Imposter Syndrome can be both debilitating and isolating. But remember, you’re not alone. Being aware of the emotional and psychological markers is the first step toward tackling it head-on. Don’t suffer in silence—reach out, seek help, and take active steps to reclaim your life.

Interested in getting support for your mental health? We’re here for you. Call us at (844) 867-8444 to schedule an appointment with one of our expert mental health professionals. Remember, you deserve to feel better.