5 Signs You’re Struggling with Imposter Syndrome (And What to Do About It) 🐅

What Is Imposter Syndrome (And Who Does It Affect)? 💪 Ever felt like you don’t deserve your success? Like you’ve somehow tricked everyone into thinking you’re more competent than you actually are? That’s imposter syndrome—a psychological pattern where high achievers struggle to internalize their accomplishments, fearing they’ll be exposed as a fraud. It’s not just a mindset issue—it’s a real phenomenon backed by decades of research. The term was first coined in 1978 by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes, who found that even the most successful people suffer from chronic self-doubt. Why High Achievers Experience Imposter Syndrome The irony? The more accomplished you are, the more likely you are to feel like a fraud. Why? • The higher you climb, the more you compare yourself to others at the top. • As you gain expertise, you realize how much you don’t know, making you doubt your skills. • Success brings greater visibility and pressure, amplifying the fear of failure. A study by the International Journal of Behavioral Science found that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point. This includes CEOs, entrepreneurs, doctors, writers, athletes—even some of the most successful figures in history. If you’ve ever thought, I just got lucky or I don’t deserve this, you’re not alone. But the good news? You can break free from this cycle.