To live a life of meaning and fulfillment, it’s essential to feel good on the inside—not just perform well on the outside. Many accomplished people quietly struggle with a nagging feeling that they don’t measure up. This is known as Imposter Syndrome, and it’s surprisingly common. Imposter Syndrome is the experience of persistent self-doubt, where external accomplishments are overlooked or dismissed by the person themself. Even when there is clear evidence of success, those with Imposter Syndrome often feel undeserving or “fake.”
How It Shows Up
Imposter Syndrome is rooted in a false belief that you are not truly capable, worthy, or deserving of your success—despite evidence to the contrary. This underlying belief often manifests not just in how we think about ourselves, but in how we behave: overworking to prove our worth, holding back in conversations, downplaying achievements, or even self-sabotaging opportunities. Below are several examples of this phenomenon. Use the space below to reflect on how these may show up in your life.