People who are successful but struggle with impostor syndrome usually display these 9 subtle behaviors

Avatar by Justin Brown | September 9, 2024, 7:26 pm

Impostor Syndrome is a peculiar phenomenon. It’s where accomplished individuals struggle to acknowledge their success, attributing it to luck or timing, rather than their talents or abilities.

Ironically, it’s often the most successful who wrestle with this form of self-doubt, hindering them from fully embracing their achievements.

The subtle behaviors they exhibit can be a telltale sign of this internal struggle. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards overcoming this self-imposed mental barrier.

Let’s delve into these behaviors and see if you recognize any in yourself or others around you.

1) Downplaying accomplishments

One of the most common traits seen in successful individuals grappling with impostor syndrome is their tendency to downplay their accomplishments.

Achievements that others view as significant often get brushed aside by these individuals as nothing special. They may attribute their success to luck, timing, or even a clerical error rather than accepting credit for their hard work and abilities.

This behavior occurs because they fear being found out as frauds. The idea of being praised or recognized can be terrifying because it brings more attention to them, intensifying their fear of scrutiny.

In their minds, they haven’t truly earned their accolades. Instead, they see them as a result of external factors beyond their control. This mindset unfortunately prevents them from fully embracing and enjoying their success.

Recognizing this behavior can be a powerful first step in overcoming impostor syndrome. Only by acknowledging our accomplishments and accepting our role in achieving them can we start to combat the feeling of being undeserving or fraudulent.

2) Perfectionism

Another subtle behavior exhibited by those struggling with impostor syndrome is perfectionism. I have seen this in many people I’ve interacted with, and even experienced it myself at times.

This relentless pursuit of flawlessness results from the belief that anything less than perfect will expose them as frauds. They hold themselves to exceptionally high standards, often unattainable, and constantly scrutinize their work for any mistakes or shortcomings.

Deep down, they believe that if they can be perfect in all that they do, perhaps they can finally feel deserving of their accomplishments. However, the pursuit of perfection is an elusive chase which often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction.

The key is to understand that perfection is not the goal, but rather the continual growth and learning that arises from our efforts. As Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, who has extensively studied courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy says, “Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best… Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.”

3) Fear of being ‘found out’

A significant sign of impostor syndrome is the constant fear of being ‘found out’. Successful individuals with this syndrome live with a persistent fear that someday, everyone will realize they’re not as competent as they’ve been perceived to be. This fear can be paralyzing, often preventing them from taking on new challenges or opportunities.

Despite their proven track record of accomplishments, they worry about being exposed as frauds. This fear isn’t grounded in reality but is a reflection of their perceived inadequacy – a core characteristic of impostor syndrome.

To further understand the nuances of impostor syndrome and its impact on one’s life, I invite you to watch my video where I delve into this topic. In it, I discuss why it’s important not to try to defeat impostor syndrome, but to actually embrace feeling like an imposter.

Impostor syndrome is not a flaw to be fought against, but a sign of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.

YouTube video

And while you’re there, if you want to join over 20,000 others exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Together we can navigate this journey of personal growth and authenticity.

4) Overworking to compensate for perceived inadequacy

In their quest to cover up their perceived fraudulence, successful individuals grappling with impostor syndrome often overwork themselves. They become workaholics, believing that by doing more, they can hide their perceived incompetence.

This behavior aligns with my belief that true empowerment comes from taking responsibility for our lives. In this case, the responsibility lies in acknowledging one’s worth and capabilities, rather than hiding behind a facade of overachievement.

Overworking as a means to compensate for perceived inadequacy only leads to burnout and further feeds into the cycle of impostor syndrome. It’s a toxic pattern that detracts from one’s quality of life and hinders genuine personal growth.

True success isn’t about striving relentlessly to prove your worth to others. It’s about recognizing your inherent value, nurturing your abilities, and maintaining a balanced approach to work and life.

It’s about living authentically and embracing your imperfections as part of your unique human journey.

As we navigate our paths, it’s crucial to remember that our worth is not determined by how much we do, but by who we are as individuals.

5) Difficulty accepting praise

Successful individuals struggling with impostor syndrome often have a hard time accepting praise. Compliments and positive recognition make them uncomfortable, as they don’t align with their internal perception of themselves.

This behavior is tied to my belief in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth. Accepting praise requires self-compassion and an acknowledgment of one’s worth – something individuals with impostor syndrome struggle to internalize.

To them, the praise feels undeserved, as though it’s directed at a persona they’ve projected rather than their true selves. They may even go as far as dismissing compliments, attributing their success to external factors or downplaying their achievements.

However, it’s essential to realize that acceptance of praise is not about feeding one’s ego. It’s about acknowledging one’s efforts, celebrating growth, and reinforcing positive behavior.

For a deeper exploration of self-love and acceptance, I recommend watching my video where I share a transformative mirror exercise featuring five powerful questions to enhance self-love and improve your relationship with yourself.

You’ll learn how to use these questions to boost your self-confidence and gain a deeper understanding of your inner strengths:

YouTube video

Learning to accept praise graciously requires us to confront our fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion – all key steps in overcoming impostor syndrome.

6) Reluctance to share expertise

Interestingly, individuals experiencing impostor syndrome often hesitate to share their expertise with others. Despite their proven abilities and extensive knowledge, they may fear that openly discussing their insights could expose them as frauds.

This reluctance contradicts my belief in the importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships. Sharing our knowledge and skills not only benefits others but also reinforces our own understanding and fosters a sense of community.

It’s through this exchange of ideas that we can collectively grow and thrive.

Moreover, engaging in these discussions can enhance our self-confidence and help us realize the value we bring. It encourages us to embrace our achievements and see ourselves as others do – as experts in our fields.

Overcoming this reluctance requires acknowledging our worth, embracing our expertise, and understanding that everyone has something valuable to contribute. No one is an impostor in the journey of life; we are all learners and teachers in our own unique ways.

7) Excessive humility

While humility is often appreciated, individuals dealing with impostor syndrome can display it to an excessive degree. They are likely to downplay their abilities and shrink away from the spotlight, even when their accomplishments merit recognition.

This extreme humility, while seemingly virtuous, is often a cover for their deep-seated fear of being exposed as a fraud. They believe that by staying under the radar, they can avoid attention and scrutiny.

However, this behavior is contrary to my belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. It’s essential to strike a balance between modesty and self-assuredness by acknowledging your achievements without diminishing your worth.

Recognizing and celebrating your successes is not bragging; it’s a testament to your hard work, dedication, and talent.

8) Constant comparison with others

Another common behavior of those experiencing impostor syndrome is the constant comparison with others. They tend to measure their achievements against others’ success, feeding into their feelings of inadequacy and perpetuating the impostor cycle.

But we must realize the transformational power of self-awareness for personal growth. It’s crucial to remember that each person’s journey is unique, and comparisons only serve to undermine our self-esteem and personal progress.

Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we should focus on our own path, celebrate our milestones, and aim for continuous self-improvement. As Theodore Roosevelt wisely said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

9) Fear of success

Paradoxically, individuals with impostor syndrome often fear success as much as they fear failure. Success means higher expectations and more pressure – potential pitfalls for being ‘found out’.

This fear can sometimes lead them to sabotage their own success to avoid reaching a perceived dangerous level of achievement.

This behavior contradicts my belief that prosperity aligns with our deepest values. True success should not be feared but embraced as a reflection of our hard work, dedication, and creative potential.

It’s about aligning our actions with our values and using our achievements as a tool for positive change.

Embracing success requires us to confront our fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion. It’s all part of the journey towards overcoming impostor syndrome and living an authentic life.

Embracing the journey towards authenticity

Understanding impostor syndrome is to acknowledge the deep-seated fears and insecurities that many successful individuals grapple with.

It’s a complex phenomenon, subtly influencing behaviors and perceptions, often hindering individuals from fully embracing their achievements and capabilities.

However, the key to overcoming impostor syndrome lies in aligning with the belief that true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives. It involves confronting our fears, challenging limiting beliefs, and cultivating self-compassion.

Every challenge we face is an opportunity to tap into our creative potential and find innovative solutions. Even feeling like an imposter can drive a more profound exploration of personal and professional capabilities.

As we navigate this journey, it’s crucial to remember that our worth is not determined by external validation but by the authenticity of our journey.

If you’re interested in further exploring such insightful topics related to personal growth, authenticity, and living a life with more freedom, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here.

Remember, none of us can thrive alone. So let’s navigate this journey together towards creating a world where creativity, compassion, and collaboration are guiding principles. How will you begin your journey towards overcoming impostor syndrome?