Imposter Syndrome - Stifling 'Luck'

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Impostor syndrome is when a person ideates that their success and accomplishments are attributed more to luck, unsustainable effort or other transient circumstantial events, rather than their capabilities.

The identification of this syndrome is credited to psychologists Dr Pauline Rose Clance and Dr Suzanne Imes in 1978.

I had similar thoughts recently- that I'm succeeding within my cohort due to luck and unsustainable amounts of effort. That my writing creates value by chance, rather than something I can sustain.

Why is imposter syndrome a problem?

• Being worried about this drains your mental well-being.
• This 'unqualified' mindset discourages opportunity seeking. That goes against this philosophy.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Reflect on your knowledge, expertise and accomplishments/actions.
• Acknowledge the effort you placed into things. Don't focus purely on the outcome.
• Acknowledge the nature of your personal expectations- are they unreasonably demanding?
• Understand that making mistakes are fine. We're human, we cannot be consistently perfect.
• Talk with peers. Possibly outside your work/academic circle. Social interaction tend to increase our happiness and well-being.
• Remember that you control some of your luck.