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What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a condition in which a person feels that she isn’t as good as others, that others overestimate her, she is a fraud. Though articles along these lines are often targeted at women, men suffer from this condition as well. It is common and has been felt by a majority of people at some point during their lives. Tom Hanks and Michelle Obama, among others, have admitted to having it. What causes people to feel as though they are a fraud?
One Cause is External
Finding themselves in situations in which they are not adequately valued, people may identify with others' dismissive views of them, with resulting feelings of depression and anxiety. Why do something that brings discomfort? Two mental pathways are involved: one in which an individual protests being devalued and another in which a person submits. It may be less distressing to submit for a person who is afraid of the aggression that he would feel if he protested.
Another Cause is Internal
During development, boys and girls correctly judge themselves less capable than those who are older than they are. People tend to transfer feelings that were felt toward adult figures during childhood onto people in the here-and-now. Transferences can be overcome by gaining insight into their origins.
How Can You Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
My complimentary Tool can help. In Step 3, instead of wishing to feel peaceful and calm, wish for a new mental pathway that will enable you to feel confident in your abilities.
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