ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2007 > March > 19 > Entry
Are you an impostor?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Have you ever worried that if your boss realized how little you knew about your job, you would be terminated immediately? Have you ever secretly thought that you were only masquerading as a competent, knowledgeable, intelligent person? Do you believe that you’re fooling everyone at your job and don’t deserve any accolades even when you achieve a success? As you can imagine, this line of thinking can be a major career barrier but it’s also much more common than you might think!
If you’re thinking along these lines, you are probably suffering from the Imposter Syndrome. The impostor syndrome was first identified by psychology professor Pauline Clance and psychologist Suzanne Imes in their book based on their research entitled, The Impostor Phenomenon among High Achieving Women (1978).
Being a victim of this syndrome is evidenced by routinely dismissing any personal accomplishments as a fluke even when your accomplishments are supported by proof of your intelligence and abilities such as advanced degrees, professional recognition, promotions or raises, you hold tight to the belief that you still don’t measure up.
If you’re suffering from this syndrome, you believe your success is only attributed to luck or fooling the boss. You obviously have everyone thinking you are smarter and more capable than you are, when in reality you don’t quite measure up. Although both women and men may be affected by this syndrome, the incidence is much higher in professional women.
Googling the term impostor syndrome resulted in multiple sites with suggestions for dealing with the syndrome and its symptoms. If you think you suffer from this syndrome, emergency treatment is needed, one site to learn more is www.impostorsyndrome.com.
If you have ever experienced these feelings, learning more about impostor syndrome and finding the right prescription could allow you to achieve even higher limits and not feel like such a fraud. Do you recognize yourself in this description of symptoms? Imagine the possibilities if you find the cure for yourself.
What’s your experience been like if you’re recovering from this disorder or if think you have it?
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