--- ---  # Why You Feel Like a Fraud and How to Overcome It ## Video: Know Right Now: How to be Mentally Strong [Watch (HLS stream): Know Right Now: How to be Mentally Strong](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/uzXSRUbM.m3u8) (1:01)  _Published 2015-08-25. It’s estimated that you say 300-1,000 to yourself in a minute: keep those words positive_ by [Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/) ## Eric Barker Sep 29, 2015 4:01 AM UTC  Silhouette of young woman. Silhouette of young woman.Getty Images by [Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/) ## Eric Barker Sep 29, 2015 4:01 AM UTC **_You don’t belong here._** **_You’re not good enough._** **_You got lucky._** **_They’re going to realize you aren’t that smart._** Ever heard this voice in your head? You’re far from alone. It’s called “impostor syndrome.” More than 70% of successful people have felt it at one point. Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): --- > “” --- Are you one them? Ask yourself these questions. Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): * Do you chalk your success up to luck, timing or computer error? * Do you believe “if I can do it, anybody can”? * Do you agonize over the smallest flaws in your work? * Are your crushed by even constructive criticism, seeing it as evidence of your ineptness? * When you do succeed, do you secretly feel like you fooled them again? * Do you worry that it’s a matter of time before you’re “found out”? And even if you haven’t heard that voice in your head, someone you care about almost certainly has. It plagues successful women; Sheryl Sandberg wrote about it in her bestseller, [Lean In](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LMTDL0/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009LMTDL0&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=JE7JH3DU4U4N7YM7). I’ve posted a lot about how to [be more successful](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/09/be-more-successful/). But the interesting thing about impostor syndrome is that you _already are_ successful. You just have trouble accepting it. People with impostor syndrome have trouble “internalizing competency.” You can see the achievements on your resume but you’re emotionally disconnected from them. The story the resume tells and the story you tell yourself don’t line up for you. Let’s learn why this happens and what you can do to fix it… ## What Is Impostor Syndrome? Why do so many know-it-alls really know nothing while so many smart people are unsure of themselves? It’s a serious question. Bertrand Russell once said: --- > “” --- Psychologists found an answer: it’s called the “[Dunning-Kruger effect](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/07/why-dont-stupid-people-realize-theyre-stupid-79776/).” Basically, inept people don’t have enough experience to properly evaluate how little experience they have, so they think they’re brilliant when they’re not. (Think about the people at the beginning of every season on “American Idol.” Yup. Bingo.) On the other hand, experienced people realize how often they’ve been wrong in the past and will sometimes second-guess themselves — even when they’re right. [Jessica Hagy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142005207/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142005207&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=HLEBULYSU75XYHH7) illustrated it perfectly like this:  Jessica Hagy And tons of very successful people you’re familiar with have voiced these feelings. Albert Einstein: --- > “” --- Maya Angelou: --- > “” --- Mike Myers: --- > “” --- What’s even more ironic is that not only do very talented people often have impostor syndrome, but they are actually less likely to really be dishonest. People with impostor syndrome turn out to be more honest than average. Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): --- > “” --- Some studies show it’s equally common in males and females but others have found it’s much more prevalent among women. The term “impostor syndrome” was coined in a [study](http://www.paulineroseclance.com/pdf/ip%5Fhigh%5Fachieving%5Fwomen.pdf) of high-achieving women by Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes. [Sheryl Sandberg](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LMTDL0/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009LMTDL0&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=JE7JH3DU4U4N7YM7) summed up a number of the studies showing women consistently underestimated themselves at work and school. Via [Lean In](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LMTDL0/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009LMTDL0&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=JE7JH3DU4U4N7YM7): --- > “” --- Why might impostor syndrome be such an issue for women? Because it’s extremely common among anyone who feels like an outsider, like they don’t belong. Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): --- > “” --- And when you’re not an outsider, these effects often go away. Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): --- > “” --- And reality can follow feelings; when you feel powerless you actually perform worse on cognitive measures. Feeling marginalized actually (temporarily) [makes you dumber](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/06/does-feeling-powerless-make-you-dumber/). And if you’re in a situation where stereotypes say you shouldn’t do well, you perform worse. Are girls worse at math than boys? They definitely are if you remind them that they’re girls. Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): --- > “” --- And this goes for men too. Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): --- > “” --- (To learn how to be happier and more successful, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/09/be-more-successful/).) So when you’re feeling like an outsider or are dealing with negative stereotypes about your abilities it can lead to impostor syndrome. But if you actually are performing well, why can’t you accept it and break free? There’s a reason… ## The Vicious Circle Studies show impostor syndrome is related to anxiety and intense fear of failure. So you race to keep up the facade… but when you work hard to make sure you’re not found out, it only reinforces the impostor belief. _You fooled them again. But next time you might not be so lucky._ Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): --- > “” --- You keep working harder but never feel better. As Jim Carrey once said about his own impostor syndrome and subsequent hard work: --- > “” --- But now not only are you feeling bad and overworking but you’re also _alone_. You can’t tell anyone your “secret.” You feel like you can’t ask for help because you’ll look incompetent. In the end, it’s exhausting. Working hard, afraid of being “found out” and not being able to turn to anyone is enormously stressful. Eventually you may see self-sabotage as the only way out. (To learn how to stop worrying, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/05/how-to-stop-worrying/).) But there are ways to get over impostor syndrome. Here’s how… ## 1) Focus On Learning Drawing on the research of [Carol Dweck](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FCKPHG/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FCKPHG&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=X4KFYXHVORXI5BXH), one [study](http://www.paulineroseclance.com/pdf/-Langford.pdf) recommends focusing on learning instead of performance. People with impostor syndrome often think they’re not smart enough. And they don’t think they can get smarter. So they focus on performance goals like, “_How can I get that perfect score?_” instead of learning goals like, “_How can I improve?_” Focusing on improvement means you know you’re not perfect but you know you can get better. With that attitude, you can. And if you fail, hey, you learned something. But focusing exclusively on performance goals means anything less than perfect is death. That’s incredibly stressful and pushes you to do things that are extreme, unhealthy and [maybe unethical](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/05/should-you-pursue-mastery-or-focus-on-outdoin/). (To learn the neuroscience behind 4 rituals that can make you happy, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/09/make-you-happy-2/).) So if you’re focused on learning, what should your goals be? ## 2) Aim For “Good Enough” Microsoft software has bugs. And they know it. And that’s okay. [Valerie Young](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC) quotes James Bach as saying: --- > “” --- If they tried to make it perfect, it would never be finished. Ever. So they focus on “good enough.” Via [The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307452719/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307452719&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=OOAVNVZYV5FONFDC): --- > “” --- Swarthmore professor [Barry Schwartz](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/02/how-to-find-happiness/) says “good enough” is the secret to happiness and [neuroscience studies agree](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/09/make-you-happy-2/). Instead of doing everything to keep up this illusion that you’re perfect, accept that you’re not. Don’t build self-confidence, build _self-compassion_. Forgive yourself when you screw up. [Research](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/05/how-to-improve-self-esteem/) shows increasing self-compassion has all the benefits of self-esteem — but without the downsides. (For more on how to build self-compassion, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/05/how-to-improve-self-esteem/).) Learning goals and “good enough” can help but they’re not the silver bullet. This is… ## 3) Take Off The Mask At its essence, curing impostor syndrome is simple: take off the mask. Don’t be an impostor. John Churton Collins said: --- > “” --- The pressure, the pain, the discomfort all come from the secrecy. But, as we established, 70% of successful people have felt like this at one point and a substantial number are feeling it right now. So… _You are the majority._ But the pain is caused by not talking to all the others who are just like you. No, you don’t have to email everyone at your company or school, subject line: **I’M A FRAUD**. No self-flagellation with a cat-o’-nine-tails is necessary. You just need to tell someone how you’re feeling. You suffer in silence because you’re silent. Via [The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention](http://www.paulineroseclance.com/pdf/ip%5Fhigh%5Fachieving%5Fwomen.pdf): --- > “” --- It doesn’t have to be a therapy session. It can just be a [chat](http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career%5Fmagazine/previous%5Fissues/articles/2008%5F02%5F15/caredit.a0800025): --- > “” --- Talk to someone you suspect may be dealing with or may have dealt with impostor syndrome. Someone that can relate. When you share your feelings, three things happen: * You’re not an impostor anymore. You’re not faking it. You took off the mask. * You’ll hear that someone else has felt this way too. You’re not alone. And it doesn’t need to be hidden. And most importantly: * They get to look you in the eye and tell you just how insane you sound. Now if it stopped there, you might be able to dismiss it: _they’re just being nice_. But the best part of it is this person that you respect is going to tell you how _they’ve_ felt like a fraud and then you’re going to tell them how insane _they_ sound. And then you’re going to realize: _Hey, uh, do I sound as crazy as they do when I say I’m a fraud?_ Yes. Yes, you do. And that’s how the spell is broken. (To learn the lazy way to be awesome at life, click [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/07/awesome-life/).) It may not happen immediately, but sharing with someone else and realizing how common this is is a huge first step. Still think you’re alone? 210,000 people get [my weekly newsletter](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD). That’s a lot of people. You don’t think I’ve said to myself: _I’m writing this in my underwear while drinking cold coffee… why in the world would anyone take me seriously?_ So, no, you’re not alone. :) Now let’s round this up and take the vital first step toward curing impostor syndrome… ## Sum Up Here’s how to overcome impostor syndrome: * **Focus On Learning**: Forget appearing awesome. You can get better if you try, so focus on _that_. * **“Good Enough” Goals**: Stop trying to be prefect. (Yes, that was a typo. I’m not fixing it. It’s good enough.) * **Take Off The Mask**: Talk to someone you think is facing the same issue. You’re not alone. As [Neil Gaiman](http://www.amazon.com/Neil-Gaiman/e/B000AQ01G2/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&qid=1443305360&sr=1-2-ent&tag=spacforrent-20&linkId=VEKHKUGVPEC64IMN) said: --- > “” --- So what’s the best first step? **Schedule an unmasking.** Right now. Send an email to someone you think will understand and set a time to sit down and talk. We all wear masks every now and then. It’s part of life. But from now on, if you’re going to wear one don’t do it because you’re an impostor — do it because you’re a superhero. **_This piece originally appeared on_** [**_Barking Up the Wrong Tree_**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2015/09/impostor-syndrome/)**_._** **Join over 210,000 readers. Get a free weekly update via email** [**here**](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD)**.** Related posts: [How To Stop Being Lazy And Get More Done – 5 Expert Tips](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/08/how-to-stop-being-lazy/) [How To Get People To Like You: 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior Expert](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/10/how-to-get-people-to-like-you/) [New Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More Successful](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/09/be-more-successful/) Why You Feel Like a Fraud and How to Overcome It ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"OpinionNewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4051884/imposter-syndrome/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4051884/imposter-syndrome/"},"headline":"Why You Feel Like a Fraud and How to Overcome It","datePublished":"2015-09-29T04:01:25.000Z","dateModified":"2026-08-04T07:43:19.386Z","description":"So many know-it-alls really know nothing while so many smart people are unsure of themselves.","url":"https://time.com/4051884/imposter-syndrome/","keywords":["Psychology","Sheryl Sandberg","Business topic","Success topic"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt17984e4ee3eef796/698865ba5f570f082ab1d961/woman-profile-silhouette.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Eric Barker","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/eric-barker/"}],"articleSection":"Ideas","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt17984e4ee3eef796/698865ba5f570f082ab1d961/woman-profile-silhouette.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"woman-profile-silhouette","caption":"woman-profile-silhouette","creditText":"Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/ideas/","name":"Ideas"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/psychology/","name":"Psychology"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4051884/imposter-syndrome/","name":"Why You Feel Like a Fraud and How to Overcome It"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Know Right Now: How to be Mentally Strong","description":"It’s estimated that you say 300-1,000 to yourself in a minute: keep those words positive","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/uzXSRUbM/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2015-08-25T17:28:45.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/uzXSRUbM.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/4051884/imposter-syndrome/","duration":"PT1M1S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/4051884/imposter-syndrome/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```