ELI5: impostor syndrome
// explanation
What is impostor syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is when you feel like a fake even though you're actually really good at something [1][2]. It's like when you win a game but think you just got lucky instead of believing you're actually skilled [3].
Why does it happen?
Your brain gets confused and thinks you're not as smart or talented as you really are, even when you have proof that you did great things [3][4]. It's like having a broken mirror that shows you as smaller than you actually are.
What does it feel like?
People with impostor syndrome feel like they're pretending and will get caught, even though everyone else thinks they're amazing [2][5]. Imagine getting an A+ on a test but feeling like you don't deserve it and everyone will find out you're not smart.
How do you fix it?
You can notice when these fake feelings happen and remind yourself of all the real things you've accomplished [1][4]. Writing down your wins and telling people you trust about these feelings can help too [3].
// sources
Impostor syndrome, also known as impostor phenomenon or impostorism, is a psychological experience in which a person suffers from feelings of intellectual and/ ...
Oct 26, 2015 ... A feeling of “phoniness in people who believe that they are not intelligent, capable or creative despite evidence of high achievement.”
Apr 21, 2022 ... Imposter syndrome is fundamentally about a disconnect between your beliefs about your abilities and your actual abilities, so it often makes it ...
Feb 1, 2021 ... IMES: The impostor phenomenon is a feeling by many high-achieving people that they're not as intelligent, as bright, as creative, as able as ...
People who struggle with imposter syndrome believe that they are undeserving of their achievements and the high esteem in which they are, in fact, generally ...
Video by TED-Ed
Video by Psych2Go
Video by Dr. Tracey Marks
