Have you ever felt like no matter how much you achieve, it all feels fragile — like a house of cards, ready to collapse with the slightest breeze?
Like you're just one step away from being found out... that maybe you don't truly belong, and you’ve only made it this far thanks to luck or chance?
If that sounds familiar, you might find yourself in one of two modes: either you push yourself even harder to prove your worth, or you shut down completely — stuck in procrastination, overwhelmed by doubt.
That sinking feeling? Many call it imposter syndrome.
Understand it
Imposter syndrome isn’t a psychiatric diagnosis. It’s not necessarily a sign of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
It’s often an adaptive response — something people learn and internalize over time. And in some ways, it can actually help:
People who experience it often push themselves harder, achieve more, and strive for excellence.
Sounds like a good thing, right?
But there’s a cost.
Because no matter how much you do, it never feels like enough. You can’t relax. You can’t fully enjoy your wins.
Part of the reason? We tend to compare ourselves to others — but without seeing their doubts and insecurities. Since people rarely talk about their struggles, it looks like everyone else is confident and competent, while we’re just barely holding it together.
So we credit their success to skill and effort… …and our own to luck.
Psychologists call it pluralistic ignorance — and it keeps us trapped in silence.
You're always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
There are different theories about why imposter syndrome happens — but, like many things, it often traces back to childhood.
Sometimes, it starts when you grow up with a high-achieving sibling, constantly being compared and coming up short. Other times, you're the only child — the “responsible one” — expected to carry the weight of everything.
In these situations, effort rarely gets acknowledged. Achievements are taken for granted. Praise is scarce.
So you learn, quietly but deeply: no matter what you do, it’s never enough. I's only a matter of time before it all comes crashing down and gets revealed.
Overcome it
Alright — it’s not all gloom and doom. Even though imposter syndrome can be painful, there are things you can do to manage and overcome it:
Talk to a mentor or someone you trust. People struggling with imposter feelings often find it hard to speak up. But opening up, even just once, can make a huge difference. A mentor’s perspective can help you see yourself more clearly.
Name it. Sometimes, just labeling the emotion — “This is imposter syndrome” — can take away its power. Naming the feeling can calm the brain’s threat response and help you step back from it.
Recognize your effort. Instead of brushing off your achievements, practice taking pride in your work. You don’t have to be perfect — your effort is worthy of acknowledgment.
Challenge your inner critic. Notice the negative thought. Question it. Then, reframe it. For example: “I just got lucky” → “I prepared, showed up, and did the work.”