August is often a month of change, as summer winds down and the demands of school and work begin to ramp up. With the back-to-school season in full swing, many people experience a mix of emotions—excitement for new beginnings, anxiety about upcoming responsibilities, and maybe a touch of sadness as the summer days fade away.
You may have heard the term “Imposter Syndrome” in passing or even used it to describe yourself. Imposter Syndrome is the persistent feeling of being a fraud, phony, or inadequate, despite evidence of your success. First identified as a common phenomenon in the late 1970s, Imposter Syndrome encompasses a complex range of emotions and behaviors. It often manifests as self-doubt about your intellect, skills, or accomplishments, especially in comparison to your peers and colleagues. What makes Imposter Syndrome challenging is its cyclical nature, marked by six common traits.
The cycle typically unfolds like this:
A New Project or Task: Whether at work, home, or school, you begin something new.
Anxiety and Preparation: You may experience a mix of high anxiety, procrastination, or over-preparation in response to the task.
Completion: The task is eventually completed, bringing a brief sense of accomplishment and relief.
Rationalization: Instead of celebrating, you downplay your success, thinking, “Someone else would’ve done better,” or “I was just lucky.”
Self-Doubt: Gradually, self-doubt and feelings of being a fraud creep in, lasting until the next task arises, and the cycle begins again.
Along this cycle, six common traits often appear:
Perfectionism: The relentless pursuit of being the best, driven by unrealistic self-imposed standards.
Super-Heroism: The belief that you must work harder than everyone else to succeed.
Fear of Failure: High anxiety about being shamed or humiliated if you fall short, especially in comparison to others.
Denial of Capability: Discrediting your own intelligence, experience, skills, and talents.
Fear of Success: The inability to internalize success, fearing it will lead to even higher expectations.
As the seasons change and new beginnings arise, it's natural to face feelings of self-doubt and anxiety. These cycles can lead to burnout, but talking about Imposter Syndrome is an important step toward overcoming it. Whether you're navigating a new school year or taking on fresh challenges, know that understanding and addressing these feelings can help you feel more accomplished and at ease.
If you find yourself struggling, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Sometimes, a little extra support can make all the difference in turning uncertainty into growth.
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