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The 5 types of 'impostors': from the perfectionist to the natural genius - syndrome impostor
Impostor syndrome, that persistent feeling of being a fraud despite evidence of your success, affects millions of people around the world. It does not discriminate by gender, age, or profession; from brilliant students to successful CEOs, anyone can fall victim to this complex psychological phenomenon. But did you know there are different "types" of impostors? Recognizing which one you belong to can be the crucial first step to freeing yourself from this pattern of thinking.
Impostor syndrome is characterized by the inability to internalize one’s own achievements. Those who experience it attribute their success to external factors like luck, timing, or manipulation, instead of recognizing their own talent and effort. This distorted self-perception can generate anxiety, stress, low self-esteem and, ultimately, hinder personal and professional growth.
Identifying the type of impostor you are is essential because it allows you to better understand the negative thought patterns that sabotage you and to develop specific strategies to combat them. Not all impostors are the same; some pressure themselves with impossible standards, while others fear asking for help or revealing any sign of imperfection.
Valerie Young, a recognized expert on impostor syndrome, identified five common behavioral patterns. Let’s explore them in detail:
Perfectionists set excessively high standards for themselves. They believe any mistake or imperfection is proof of their incompetence. They focus on *how* they do things, seeking the "perfect" way to approach every task. When they don’t reach perfection (which, by definition, is unattainable), they experience feelings of failure and self-criticism.
Key characteristics:
How to overcome it: Learn to accept that mistakes are part of the learning process. Focus on progress, not perfection. Set realistic standards and celebrate your achievements, however small.
"Experts" believe they must know everything before undertaking a new task or project. They feel ashamed if they don’t have the answer to every question or if they need to ask for help. Their self-worth is tied to their knowledge and competence. The mere fact of not feeling 100% prepared can trigger impostor syndrome.
Key characteristics:
How to overcome it: Acknowledge that nobody knows everything. Learn to value the learning process and see the search for information as an opportunity to grow. Cultivate a growth mindset and celebrate your progress, instead of focusing on what you don’t yet know.
"Natural geniuses" believe things should come easily and quickly to them. They feel ashamed if they have to work very hard or if they take time to master a skill. They associate effort with a lack of intelligence and natural talent. If something is difficult for them, they assume they are not good enough.
Key characteristics:
How to overcome it: Recognize that effort is essential for success. Learn to value the learning process and celebrate your progress, however small. Develop a growth mindset and understand that practice and perseverance are key to mastering any skill.
"Individualists" believe they must be able to do everything by themselves. Asking for help makes them feel weak and incompetent. They associate independence with self-worth. They refuse to delegate tasks and overload themselves with work to prove their self-sufficiency.
Key characteristics:
How to overcome it: Learn to trust others and delegate tasks. Recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Build a support network and allow others to offer their assistance. Remember that teamwork can be more efficient and rewarding than trying to do everything alone.
"Superheroes" believe they must excel in all areas of their lives. They pressure themselves to be the best at work, at home, in their social relationships, etc. They feel that if they are not doing something productive or demonstrating their worth, they are failing. Their identity is tied to their ability to "do it all".
Key characteristics:
How to overcome it: Learn to prioritize and focus on what truly matters. Set clear boundaries and learn to say "no" to excessive demands. Make time for activities that relax you and allow you to recharge. Remember that it’s okay not to be perfect and that rest is essential for maintaining mental and physical health.
Beyond identifying your impostor type, there are general strategies that can help you combat this syndrome:
