“Any time now, they’re going to realize what a mistake they made in hiring me. I bet they are already disappointed.” How often do thoughts like this come to your mind?
Don't ask how many times I cried when my name was listed among the top scorers doubting my abilities and thinking one day that I will fail and everyone will know that I am not capable when I discovered that I joined one of the most competitive schools in my country, and wishing for my death while I was giving presentations on rounds and bedsides. For the past 25 years, I've been doubting my talents, and I can't wait for the day when I can finally accept that I deserve every position I've been able to obtain. This is the story of the majority of the medical students I encountered on my school, not just me.
Impostor syndrome, also known as impostor phenomenon or impostorism, is a psychological condition in which people have persistent internalized fears of being seen as failures and doubt their abilities, talents, or accomplishments. Despite concrete proof of their competence, folks who are experiencing this phenomenon don't think their achievement is deserved; instead, they think it was the result of unintended luck. Others thought that others had overstated their talents.
Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes first used the phrase "impostor phenomenon" in an essay titled "The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention" that was published in 1978. Clance and Imes defined imposter phenomenon as "an internal experience of intellectual phoniness" and initially concentrated their research on women in higher education and professional industries. Further study has demonstrated that it affects both men and women in the sense that the proportion of people afflicted is spread equally across the sexes. The Impostor Phenomenon does not meet any DSM criteria and is not classified as a mental disease.
Most people will encounter imposter phenomenon at least once in their lives, especially those who start out in new social situations, professional settings, academic settings, and platonic or romantic relationships.
According to research, the following elements are associated with the impostor phenomenon:
· Expectations from family
· Racial identities
· Graduate from high level curriculum
· Overbearing parents or legal guardians
· Depression and worry
· Perfectionism
· Excessive self-monitoring with an emphasis on self-worth, and low trait self-esteem
Imposter syndrome is characterized by a number of common trait
Self-doubt
Sabotaging own success
Undervaluing contributions
Low self-esteem
Fear of failure
Overworking
Not accepting recognition for achievements
Comparing self to other
How to manage imposter syndrome
Identify the Triggers
Nurture Your Self-Confidence
Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Change Your Self-Talk
Embrace the Discomfort
Work on Your Self-Awareness
Reach Out
Take a Social Media Break
Consider Seeking Therapy
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