What Imposter Syndrome Is, Why It Exists, and How It Affects High Achievers.
Have you ever wondered why, despite crushing it at work, you still feel like a fraud waiting to be exposed? You’re not alone, 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. It’s just your brain playing tricks on you.
Imposter syndrome thrives in the minds of high achievers, people like you and me, who are passionate about their work and committed to success. But when that nagging voice creeps in, it can make even the most accomplished among us question whether we deserve our accolades
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome isn’t about lacking skills or expertise. It’s about feeling like you do, even when the evidence says otherwise.
Take it from me: as someone who has built a business, climbed the corporate ladder, and guided countless professionals, I’ve faced this beast more times than I can count. When someone praises my work publicly, my first reaction isn’t pride, it’s doubt. I catch myself second-guessing, overthinking, and sometimes not showing up as confidently as I should.
Sound familiar? That’s because imposter syndrome isn’t just a personal struggle, it’s a professional epidemic, especially among entrepreneurs and high-level professionals. Why? Because the higher you climb, the louder that inner critic can become.
Why It Happens
Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate, but it thrives in environments where we feel like the “other.” Have you ever been the only woman in a boardroom? The only minority at a networking event? The youngest person on a leadership panel? In situations where diversity is lacking, the pressure to prove yourself can amplify self-doubt.
Instead of seeing our differences as strengths, we sometimes feel out of place, constantly fighting to justify our presence. Add in the weight of responsibilities, and it’s easy to see why even the most accomplished professionals can struggle with these feelings.
Recognizing the Red Flags
Imposter syndrome often hides in plain sight, masquerading as perfectionism, self-doubt, or fear of failure. Here's a quick self-assessment I've created to see where you stand. Answer the questions honestly, and use the scoring guide to reflect on how often these feelings occur.
Scoring Guide
Frequently = 3 pointsSometimes = 2 pointsRarely = 1 pointNever = 0 points
Questions
Do you find yourself attributing your success to luck or external factors rather than your skills and expertise?
When receiving a compliment or public recognition, is your first reaction to downplay it?
Do you avoid taking on new challenges because you fear being “exposed” as inadequate?
Do you hesitate to share your knowledge or ideas because you think others know more?
Do you feel you must work harder than others to prove you are as competent?
Do you fear being found out as a fraud, even when others see you as successful?
Do you compare yourself to peers and feel you fall short, despite evidence of your accomplishments?
Do you immediately feel overwhelmed when assigned a significant task, not because of its complexity but because you doubt your ability to handle it?
Scoring
Add up your scores from the questions above. Here's what your score means:
21-24 points: Strong tendencies of imposter syndrome.
15-20 points: Moderate tendencies of imposter syndrome.
8-14 points: Mild tendencies of imposter syndrome.
0-7 points: Low tendencies of imposter syndrome.
You Are Not Alone
If your score indicates strong or moderate tendencies, don't worry, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Recognizing the issue is the first step. The second? Learning to tame that inner critic so you can step into your power with confidence.
In the next blog of this 3 part series, we’ll explore practical strategies to quiet the doubts, reframe your thinking, and show up boldly in your craft. You’ve already taken the first step by being here, now let’s keep going. Stay tuned for part 2 next week.
About KaTasha Thomas
KaTasha Thomas, MBA, is a corporate Business Strategist and Professional Development Coach with nearly two decades of experience in leadership development, operational efficiency, and business strategy. As the CEO of Archer Agency, she combines her background in mental health and business leadership to empower professionals and entrepreneurs to overcome challenges like imposter syndrome and achieve meaningful success.
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