For some people, a deep sense of inadequacy is so deeply rooted in their soul that even when they achieve great things, they only recognize it once someone else points it out. This feeling of inadequacy is so overwhelming that they can no longer see their own tangible accomplishments. A finished project, a completed education, or a contribution that helped someone — in their eyes, all of it happened purely by chance. And even if it wasn’t luck, they believe it was something any other person could have done just as easily — nothing more than that. Today, we’re talking about Imposter Syndrome — a condition filled with endless self-doubt, misplaced humility, and a bottomless sense of shame.
Imposter syndrome can be summarized as the persistent doubt in one’s own abilities and potential. But it’s much more than that. The individual doesn’t just systematically question what they can achieve — they also believe that their existing accomplishments happened due to external factors, not because of their own effort. They assume they only finished school because of the generous opportunities given to them. The project they signed their name to at work? That wasn’t their original idea — and without their teammates, it would’ve been impossible anyway. The sport they practice regularly? Others are doing it at a much higher level. None of their “simple” actions seem meaningful. They are, and always will be, inadequate. Any artistic work they create is, in their view, just a collection of flaws — and anyone who claims otherwise is simply trying to make them feel better.
Imposter syndrome most commonly shows up in academic and professional settings. Even when a person receives clear and consistent feedback that they are successful, deep down they believe it’s all a lie. They fear that sooner or later, the truth will come out — that they’re not competent or successful at all. People with imposter syndrome are never satisfied with their achievements. To them, everything they’ve accomplished is either the result of pure luck or something so ordinary that anyone could have done it — whether it’s passing an exam, receiving a promotion, or even being given an award. Imposter syndrome is like a deep, endless spiral.
Importantly, imposter syndrome is not a psychological disorder. It’s a form of anxiety that can affect anyone from time to time, often rooted in feelings of inadequacy and perfectionism. Many studies have been conducted on the topic, and they point to some common symptoms: feeling like a fraud; fearing that one day their incompetence will be exposed; being unable to feel joy after a big success; believing they won’t be able to replicate that success; constantly limiting themselves; avoiding responsibilities that could unlock their potential; disliking praise and feeling the need to downplay or “correct” it. When someone with imposter syndrome achieves something, their instinct is to run away from it as fast as possible.
So why does someone experience this syndrome? As with many psychological patterns and conditions, the way we’re raised shapes how we view life. Our self-perception is first formed through the way our family sees us. We grow up using them as a mirror, and we often learn to see ourselves the way they see us. A child raised to believe they are naturally successful will likely grow up owning their accomplishments. But a child whose achievements are seen as simply “what’s expected” may carry that belief into adulthood. When others praise this person, they feel uneasy — because they don’t believe they deserve the praise. In their mind, they’re not successful. They’re just doing what they were supposed to do. To them, success is like eating or drinking — something that happens naturally and doesn’t deserve celebration or recognition. When someone views their own success as insignificant or undeserved, they cannot feel proud of it. They believe they don’t live up to the image others have of them. This leads to a sense of being a fraud. They stop believing they can succeed again. Like a horse in a race, they just keep running because it’s what they’re meant to do. They don’t even realize they crossed the finish line first — or that the speed and strength they were born with are remarkable.
But wasn’t every drop of sweat, every obstacle overcome, every sleepless night, and every word read through tired eyes meant for that moment of success? How heartbreaking is it when someone, after years of hard work, feels ashamed to smile into the camera at their graduation? Of course, we don’t achieve things just to be praised — but being recognized is one of the joyful parts of success. And no one should be deprived of that joy because of the “horse race” mindset they were taught. We must learn to take pride in our success — not feel ashamed of it.