“What if I do not deserve to be here? What if I just got lucky? What if everyone finds out I am a fraud?” Have you ever asked yourself these questions? If the answer is yes, I encourage you to read this article. However, if the answer is no, also read and help others to know.
People who are doubting their abilities and feeling like a fraud have Imposter syndrome. In fact, psychologists first described the syndrome in 1978. According to a 2020 review, 9%–82% of people experience impostor syndrome. The numbers may vary depending on who participates in a study. It affects these people’s education, experiences, and accomplishments. But it
mainly appears in individuals during times of growth and pushing comfort zones – for example, post-graduation, whilst pursuing further qualifications, in new job roles, following the release of new information, or in challenging cases.
Let me give an example of a celebrity who had this syndrome. Famous American actress Natalie Portman is a person who suffers from Imposter syndrome. In her 2015 Harvard Commencement, Portman said, “Today, I feel much like I did when I came to Harvard Yard as a freshman in 1999. I felt like there had been some mistake, that I was not smart enough to be in this company, and that every time I opened my mouth, I would have to prove that I was not just a dumb actress.”
Not only celebrities but also sportsmen/women have this syndrome. Olympic gold-medallist Suni Lee can be an example of this. She mentioned that “when everybody expects you to be good, it is hard for me just mentally because I already put so much pressure on myself.”
So how can this syndrome be overcome? Motivating yourself and recalling past successes will be helpful to deal with the challenges of feeling like an imposter. Lastly, do not let anything prevent you. Believe in yourself because your voice is important, your dreams matter and there is only one you.
By Maryam Mammadli
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