Monthly Archives: April 2023

The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Imposter Syndrome: What You Need to Know”

Once Upon a Line

Do you have repeated thoughts ‌you haven’t rightfully gained your job or an award? Do you fear being outed or exposed for not being as talented or enough in your career?

Impostor syndrome is a habitual thought pattern, according to PsychCentral, and may stem from your family background. Impostor syndrome can bring on feelings of chronic self-doubt and even a lack of celebration of their achievements. 

Where Does Impostor Syndrome Come From?
Impostor syndrome can come from receiving praise or acknowledgment for something you didn’t deserve, which can directly influence your thoughts and feelings of being a phony. Impostor syndrome can hinder your self-esteem and even keep you from trying new activities in life. If you frequently battle feelings where you don’t deserve recognition for a job well done, then you could be living with it. Many individuals are known to have this syndrome without realizing it. 

Five Reasons You May Battle Impostor Syndrome
There are five common reasons why you may be battling impostor syndrome, such as:

  1. You may have received praise or recognition for something that you did not deserve, such as a blue ribbon for a project when you know you did not do your best.
  1. You may have been praised for being good in a skill that you actually were not good at just so you would not be left out. 
  1. You may have never received any type of positive reinforcement for a job well done even though you worked to your best ability.
  1. You may not feel deserving of something of value because you were told you were not good enough or should have done better regardless of how much effort you put forth.
  1. Did your family assign you a label such as “the sporty one” or “the smart one” without recognizing other areas you excelled at?

These labels or ingrained life lessons could cause you to grow into an adult that suffers from impostor syndrome. 

Once you can relate to one or more of these life experiences, you can ‌change your own life. For example, if they labeled you the “smart one” of your family, then you could begin by recognizing a job well done in another area of your life. Perhaps trying out for a sports team or taking part in a community event can be the beginning of self-recognition and the shedding of your impostor syndrome feelings. 

Take time to recognize your own achievements, as this can build your self-esteem and help you shed that ‌label. 

To Your Success,
Juan

Understanding Imposter Syndrome: Feeling Like A Fraud

Once Upon a Line

In a few weeks,  I would have completed yet another year around the sun. Full disclosure I once suffered from Imposter Syndrome. Though the worse is behind me, it has shown up in  unexpected situations (learning something new, taking on a new client etc).  Still trying to figure out how to complete obliterate this feeling. Does this sound familiar, and what exactly is it? Do you often feel like a fraud? Read on, you are in the right place!

Impostor syndrome is the fear of being considered a fraud or doubting one’s accomplishments. According to the Journal of Behavioral Science, it is estimated that 70% of people in the U.S. experience impostor syndrome. 

Impostor syndrome (IS) is an internal feeling that you believe you are not as qualified as other may think you are. This is often connected to thoughts of perfectionism and can be applied to your intelligence or achievement. If you have feelings of being a fraud, did not deserve that raise, then you could be dealing with impostor syndrome. 

Four Characteristics of Impostor Syndrome

  1. Deep-seated feelings of fear that you aren’t able to meet expectations.
  2. Undermining your achievements even when you worked diligently.
  3. Setting unrealistic goals and then feeling disappointed if you do not meet them.
  4. Doubting yourself no matter what you’re working on or working towards.

Impostor syndrome can be ingrained in you as a child and continue well into adulthood. Struggling with feelings of being a fraud can happen to anyone but is seen mostly in successful women. According to research done with Psycnet.apa.org, “despite their outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, women who experience the impostor phenomenon persist in believing that they are really not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise.”

Do You Have Impostor Syndrome?
So, how do you know if you suffer from impostor syndrome? One way to know if you are dealing with it is to take a free online test. Simply answer the questions that you can find through a quick online search, or try the free test on at Psycom.net.  

If someone pays you a compliment, remind yourself that it is a fact and that you deserve it. Begin to recognize your own successes and take time to celebrate the wins in your life. Eventually your inner voice will support your new positive thoughts so you can overcome the feelings of impostor syndrome.

You can remove impostor syndrome by first recognizing it in your life and seeing how it is affecting you. Progressively work towards breaking those limiting beliefs by thinking of the quality of work you are performing versus the quantity. 

I look forward to helping you learn more about this phenomena.

To Your Success,
Juan