I once met a woman like this: she worked tirelessly late into the night, never complained, and used every spare moment to better herself. On the surface, she appeared calm, composed, and as if everything was perfectly in control. I admired her discipline and success. But beneath that polished exterior was a very different story. Compliments made her uncomfortable; if she responded at all, it was usually with a “Yes, but…” followed by self-criticism or an attempt to downplay her achievement.
In a world where others proudly displayed their victories, I couldn’t understand why she was so reluctant to claim her own. Her accomplishments were dazzling, but in her own eyes, they were never enough. Does this woman sound familiar?
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome, much like the story above, describes the experience of feeling undeserving or inadequate despite clear evidence of success (Clance & Imes, 1978). Those who experience it often minimize their achievements, deflect praise, and believe, “Anyone could have done this.” On the outside, they may look confident and accomplished, yet inside they carry a persistent sense of not being good enough.
And contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t just appear in academic or professional contexts — it can also surface in friendships, relationships, or personal growth. Even after helping a friend and receiving thanks, someone might quietly think, “I didn’t really do much.”
The Five Faces of Imposter Syndrome
Dr. Valerie Young (Rawlinson, 2025) identified five common patterns of imposter syndrome:
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The Perfectionist: You set impossibly high standards for yourself, and when you fall short, you criticize yourself harshly. (Black Swan – Nina)
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The Superwoman/Man: You feel the need to juggle every role flawlessly and refuse to fall behind in any area. (The Incredibles – Elastigirl)
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The Expert: You believe you should know everything, and any gap in knowledge leaves you feeling inadequate or embarrassed. (Good Will Hunting – Will)
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The Soloist: You think you should handle everything alone and avoid asking for help. (Iron Man – Tony Stark)
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The Natural Genius: You expect things to come easily; if effort is required, you see it as a sign of failure. (A Beautiful Mind – John Nash)
How Does It Occur?
If imposter syndrome is so common, where does it begin? Research points to early childhood experiences and family dynamics. Children whose achievements are treated as “nothing more than expected,” who are rarely praised, or who grow up under high pressure from perfectionist parents often struggle to internalize success later in life.
Society and culture also play a role. Women especially are often taught from an early age not to boast, to stay a step behind, and to appear modest. They are encouraged to hold back their emotions and warned against being “too much.” Over time, these messages take root, planting a quiet but persistent sense of inadequacy.
Feeling Inadequate at Harvard
And if you think you’re alone, you’re not. Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, Serena Williams, Tom Brady, Michelle Obama — and many others — have all spoken about imposter syndrome. But let me highlight one story: Natalie Portman.
Known to most as an Oscar-winning actress, she also happens to be a fellow psychologist, graduating with a degree in psychology from Harvard University in 2003. While at Harvard, she often felt she was there “by mistake,” as if she didn’t really belong. She has admitted that each time she spoke in class, she was worried she would be dismissed as “just a dumb actress.” Despite her brilliance and talent, she struggled to own her success.
Her story is a reminder that imposter syndrome can reach anyone — no matter how intelligent, famous, beautiful, or accomplished they may be.
A Final Thought
If you live with imposter syndrome, try to notice and accept your achievements. Remember — you don’t owe your success to anyone, and perfection is not the goal. Walk your own path, instead of losing yourself in someone else’s.
And perhaps the most powerful reminder comes from Meryl Streep herself:
“You know, there are some days when I myself think I’m overrated. But… not today!”
References
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006
Cuncic, A. (2025). Is impostor syndrome holding you back from living your best life? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469
Cokley, K., Watts, S. A., Keefer, A. L., Madhusudhan, D. K., Taylor, K. T., Clark, D. M., Nelson, R. S., & Cokley, K. O. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: A systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35(4), 1252–1275.
Unknown. (n.d.). Meryl Streep quote meme: “There are some days when I, myself, think I’m overrated. But not today.” [Meme]. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from Shutterstock.
Young, V. (2011). The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It. Crown Business.