Impostor syndrome: why you are more successful than you think

Do you know the feeling that your success was just a coincidence? Or that you could be exposed as a fraud at any moment? Welcome to the club - you're not alone! The so-called Impostor Syndrome (also known as Impostor Syndrome ) affects more people than you might think - especially high achievers. Find out why it happens, how it affects you and what strategies really help to overcome it.

What is impostor syndrome - and why does it affect so many people?

Impostor syndrome describes the phenomenon of people doubting themselves despite proven success and believing that their success is undeserved. They attribute their success to luck or external circumstances rather than their own abilities.

Who is particularly affected?

Impostor syndrome can affect anyone, but it is particularly common in the following groups:

• Highly gifted and perfectionists: They set themselves extremely high standards and never see their own performance as good enough.
• Successful women in male domains: In professions with a strongly male-dominated culture, many women have the Feelingconstantly having to prove yourself.
• Managers and entrepreneurs: Despite objective success, many CEOs and managers do not feel internally qualified for their position.

The typical signs of impostor syndrome

Many sufferers do not immediately recognize impostor syndrome because it often creeps into their way of thinking. Watch out for these signs:

• Perfectionism: You have the feeling that your work is never good enough, and have Fear from errors.
• Fear of exposure: You think that others will realize sooner or later that you are not actually competent.
• Comparisons with others: You constantly measure yourself against others and always feel like the less talented person.
• Dismiss success as a coincidence: If something goes well, you think it was just down to luck or external factors.

The causes: Why does impostor syndrome develop?

Impostor syndrome has no single cause, but often develops as a result of various influences:

• Education: If you were constantly praised as a child for being "so clever", you might be afraid of not living up to this as an adult.
• Social expectations: In performance-oriented cultures, the feeling of never being good enough is widespread.
• New challenges: Many people doubt their abilities, especially when it comes to career leaps or new challenges.

5 proven strategies to overcome impostor syndrome

Even though Impostor Syndrome can be deeply rooted, there are effective ways to deal with it:

1. recognize your thought patterns

Consciously observe your thoughts. When do you feel like a fraud? What situations trigger these thoughts? By recognizing them, you can take countermeasures.

2. celebrate your successes - consciously!

Many people with impostor syndrome simply brush aside their successes. Keep a success diary in which you record what you have achieved - and why it was your own achievement.

3. learn to accept compliments

If someone tells you that you have done something well - believe them! Avoid devaluing praise or directly relativizing it.

4. compare yourself with yourself, not with others

Instead of measuring yourself against others, focus on how you have improved compared to previous versions of yourself.

5. get support

Sharing with others who have similar feelings can help you see impostor syndrome in a new light. A deep reflection tool can help you to break through your thought patterns.

Your first step towards self-confidence

If you feel like Impostor Syndrome is holding you back, then our free Self-confidence guide is just the thing for you. In this guide, you'll learn how to overcome your inner doubts and start with more Self-confidence appear.

Other articles that can help you

• Getting rid of self-doubt: 7 powerful methods for more inner security - Find out how you can Uncertainties sustainably.
• Letting go of perfectionism: Why "good enough" is often the better choice - Learn how to free yourself from unrealistic demands.
• Removing blocks to success: how to achieve your goals without fear of making mistakes - Discover which thought patterns have been sabotaging you up to now.

Impostor syndrome may be stubborn, but it is not insurmountable. With the right strategies you can learn to recognize your success - and really enjoy it!