Blog #8 | Part I: Do You Ever Feel Like a Fraud? Let’s Talk About Imposter Syndrome

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever questioned whether you truly earned your achievements—or felt like a fraud despite clear evidence of your success—you’re not alone. Many professional women silently struggle with something known as imposter syndrome. It’s that nagging inner voice that tells you you’re not really qualified, that your accomplishments are a fluke, and that it’s only a matter of time before someone “finds out” you’re not as capable as they think.

The Inner Dialogue of Doubt

People experiencing imposter syndrome often believe their success is due to luck, timing, or external circumstances—not their own intelligence, skill, or hard work. Even when praised or recognized, they may feel anxious and unsettled, convinced that others have simply overestimated them. Instead of feeling proud, they brace themselves for the moment they’ll be exposed as an imposter.

High Achievers Are Especially Prone

Ironically, imposter syndrome tends to affect high achievers the most—those who are intelligent, driven, well-educated, and accomplished. Research estimates that 25–30% of high achievers frequently experience imposter feelings, and around 70% of all adults will deal with imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.

Where These Feelings Begin

So why do bright, capable women feel like they’re faking it? Often, these feelings are rooted in early life experiences. Maybe you grew up in an environment where success was expected, not celebrated. Maybe love or approval was tied to performance. Over time, this pressure to prove yourself can morph into a constant, internalized self-doubt—even in the face of real achievement.

The Pattern of Self-Doubt

When something goes well, you might say, “I just got lucky,” or “Anyone could have done this.” Instead of owning your success, you attribute it to chance. But when something goes wrong—as it inevitably does for everyone—you take it as proof that you were never truly qualified in the first place.

Public Recognition Can Feel Exposing

One major trigger for imposter syndrome is public recognition. Whether it’s winning an award, receiving a promotion, or passing a difficult exam, these moments that should bring pride can feel exposed. Rather than enjoying the moment, you might panic, thinking, “Now everyone’s watching. What if I can’t live up to it?”

The Cycle of Overachievement and Burnout

To manage these feelings, you may find yourself over-preparing, over-working, and constantly trying to prove your worth. But here’s the trap: the more you achieve, the more you feel you have to keep up the act. Praise becomes uncomfortable. Success doesn’t build confidence—it raises the pressure. This never-ending loop can lead to anxiety, guilt, and even burnout.

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The Bottom Line

Imposter syndrome is more common than you think—and it doesn’t mean you’re weak or unqualified. In fact, it often shows up when you’re growing, stretching, and stepping into new levels of success. In the next part of this series, we’ll explore the different types of imposter syndrome—and how to recognize them in yourself.

You’re not a fraud. You’re human. And you’re not alone.

READ MORE IN UPCOMING BLOGS ON IMPOSTER SYNDROME