It may be hard to believe or understand, but highly successful and prosperous people can wrestle with issues of self-doubt and regard for their own achievements.
Imposter Syndrome is a term coined by clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the late 1970s. Imposter Syndrome refers to highly capable people who find it impossible to believe in their own competence. And despite external evidence of their successes, those with this syndrome convince themselves that they are frauds, and aren’t truly deserving of it.
Individuals who experience this form of low self-esteem will dismiss their success as simply a matter of good timing or luck. What can overcome this unpleasant and limiting disorder?
Author Jessica Stillman recently addressed this condition in an article. She gathered evidence from multiple sources which all came to the same conclusion- faking it can actually help make a person more competent, confident, and bright.
The article quoted Dr. Valerie Young, author of “The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer From the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive In Spite of It”, who, according to the article, advises that “when you feel yourself sliding into competence extremism, recognize it for what it is. Then make a conscious decision to stop and really savor those exhilarating mental high points and forgive yourself for the inevitable lulls.”
“Fake it till you make it” is popular expression which has a valuable message. It can help those who lack self-belief and confidence in their own abilities “fake” the feeling of success until they can actually attain it.
Gaining confidence and belief in achievements and success may seem a normal and natural part of life for most professionals. Unfortunately, there are some people have a more challenging time believing in their own talents.
Even when they have legitimately earned their successes, there are those who may still need to convince themselves, or fake it, until they are able to begin to believe and acknowledge their professional accomplishments.
Working towards getting rid of excessive negative thinking, and professional doubt, is a major step towards accepting their own worth and value, and the ability to enjoy the fruits of hard work and earned achievements.
Diana M. Rodriguez is a native Washingtonian who currently works as a professional writer, blogger, social media expert, commentator, editor and public affairs practitioner. Diana previously worked as an editor and senior communications analyst for the Department of Defense.
