Many of us face each day feeling that we are somehow not measuring up. When this occurs to the extreme, particularly in work life, it is called “imposter syndrome”. Imposter syndrome can affect how we view ourselves and how we experience the world. This is certainly true when we are trying to privately cope with a health condition and we feel that the truth of the situation will somehow reveal that we are less capable and less worthy.
As I work with clients and see the pervasiveness of this false belief, I recognize that the fear feels real and intense. At the same time, however, this fear can be a connection point when we realize that we are not alone in this misperception of ourselves and our own abilities.
Today’s link shows 13 charts that capture how it feels to have imposter syndrome.
The response to those 13 charts underlines just how common this experience is. If you need help working through such feelings, please consult a counsellor or therapist who can help you to explore and recognize the strengths you already have.