Have you ever wondered why you feel like a fraud, even though you are successful? Or why you see people who are less intelligent than you overestimate their abilities? I am in the former category, often feeling like an imposter and wondering how this little farm girl got to be doing the kinds of things she does.
I have accomplished things that most humans would not even think to attempt. Each time, I am amazed at how that happens. Everyone around me says, “Of course! I had no doubt that you would do that thing.” I wish I had the confidence in me that others do.
So, what is it?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which people have a persistent internalized belief that they are not as competent as others perceive them to be. Despite their actual achievements, those with imposter syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds and that their accomplishments are due to luck or other factors.
The term “imposter syndrome” was first coined in 1978 by clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes. They found that many high-achieving women experienced this phenomenon, but it has since been shown to affect people of all genders and levels of achievement.
Common symptoms of imposter syndrome include:
- Self-doubt: You constantly question your abilities and feel like you’re not good enough.
- Undervaluing contributions: You downplay your accomplishments and attribute your success to luck or other factors.
- Attributing success to external factors: You believe that your successes are due to factors outside of your control, such as being in the right place at the right time.
- Sabotaging self-success: You avoid challenges or take on too much responsibility, which can lead to burnout.
- Setting unrealistic expectations: You set unrealistic standards for yourself, which can lead to disappointment and anxiety.
- Continuous fear of not living up to expectations: You’re constantly worried about not meeting the expectations of others, which can lead to stress and anxiety.
There are some very famous people that identify with imposter syndrome:
Maya Angelou: The poet and author said that she felt like an imposter throughout her career, even though she was highly successful. She once said, “I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.'”
Neil Gaiman: The author of “The Sandman” and “American Gods” has said that he experiences imposter syndrome all the time. He once said, “I’m always worried that I’m going to be found out, that I’m not as good as people think I am, that I’m going to be exposed as a fraud.”
Michelle Obama: The former First Lady has said that she experiences imposter syndrome in her role as a public speaker. She once said, “I still get nervous before I speak, and I still have those moments where I think, ‘Who am I to be up here?’ But then I remember that I’m here because I have something to say, and I’m here because people want to hear it.”
Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability, and conversely, people with high ability at a task underestimate their ability. The effect was first observed in 1999 by David Dunning and Justin Kruger, two psychologists at Cornell University.
The Dunning-Kruger effect is thought to be caused by a lack of self-awareness. People with low ability at a task are not able to recognize their own incompetence, and therefore they overestimate their ability. Conversely, people with high ability at a task are able to recognize their own competence, and therefore they underestimate their ability.
Common symptoms of the Dunning-Kruger effect include:
- Overconfidence: You overestimate your abilities and knowledge, even when you’re lacking in both.
- Inability to recognise your own incompetence: You’re unable to see your own weaknesses and mistakes, which can lead to poor decision-making.
- Difficulty learning from mistakes: You’re unable to learn from your mistakes, which can lead to repeating the same mistakes over and over again.
- Arrogance: You’re arrogant and dismissive of the opinions of others, even when they’re more knowledgeable than you.
- Resentment of others’ success: You resent the success of others, even when they’ve earned it through hard work and dedication.
Would you be surprised to read these names on the list of well known people that exhibit the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Donald Trump: The former President of the United States once said, “I’m the most humble person you’ll ever meet.”
Paris Hilton: The socialite and businesswoman once said, “I’m not a dumb blonde. I’m just blonde.”
Kanye West: The rapper and fashion designer once said, “I’m the greatest artist of all time.”
Ability Estimation Continuum
Imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect are two very different experiences, but they can be seen as two ends of a continuum. On one end of the continuum is imposter syndrome, where people underestimate their abilities and feel like they don’t belong. On the other end of the continuum is the Dunning-Kruger effect, where people overestimate their abilities and are unaware of their own incompetence.
In between these two extremes, there is a range of people who have a more accurate assessment of their abilities. These people are able to recognise their strengths and weaknesses, and they are confident in their abilities without being arrogant.
It is important to remember that both imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect are common human experiences. If you’re struggling with either of these, there are things you can do to cope. Here are a few tips:
- Recognise your strengths and accomplishments: Make a list of your accomplishments and remind yourself of your strengths.
- Set realistic expectations: Don’t expect to be perfect at everything you do.
- Be open to feedback: Ask for feedback from others and be willing to learn from your mistakes.
- Talk to someone you trust: Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist about how you’re feeling.
The moment I recognise I am in fear of not being able to do what I say I will do or not meeting other people’s expectations, I call someone – my bestie, my coach, my mentor. I know the balance between humility and self-doubt is out of balance. I know my mind is playing tricks on me and needs an intervention. I know the little girl inside me still thinks she can’t do it and needs a reminder that she is a grown woman now. I know I can’t do it alone.
Remember, you are not alone. Imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect are common experiences, and there are things you can do to cope. For me, coaching is key.
Where are you on the continuum? How do you look after your expectations of your abilities?
Comment below.
