Do You Secretly Feel Like a Fraud?

Every time Neha walked into the office, she felt like a fraud. Despite her achievements—a top university degree, employee of the month twice, and praise from her manager, she was haunted by a voice in her head whispering, “You don’t belong here.” When her team clapped after her presentation, her smile hid a storm of doubt. “They don’t know the real me,” she thought. Each compliment felt like a mistake, every success a fluke. At home, she’d overanalyze emails, replay conversations, and wonder how long it would take for someone to uncover the “truth.” Her friends called her brilliant, but inside, she felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. Even as she climbed the ladder of success, the fear of being “found out” climbed with her. Neha’s story is not rare—many high achievers silently struggle with this feeling. This is the invisible weight of Imposter Syndrome that so often goes unnoticed.

Imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and live in fear of being "found out" as undeserving. Despite external evidence of their competence, those affected dismiss their achievements as luck, timing, or deception. 

The term was first coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who observed this pattern among high-achieving women. Today, researchers recognize that imposter syndrome affects people across genders, professions, and backgrounds—from students and artists to CEOs and Nobel laureates.  

Common signs of imposter syndrome include:  

Chronic self-doubt: Questioning one’s abilities even with a track record of success.  

Attributing success to luck: Believing accomplishments are flukes rather than earned.   Fear of failure: Overpreparing or procrastinating due to anxiety about falling short.  

Discounting praise: Brushing off compliments with phrases like, “It was nothing.”  

Comparing oneself to others: Assuming peers are more capable, despite evidence to the contrary.  

Imposter syndrome thrives in competitive environments, often silencing potential and fueling burnout. Yet, it remains a silent struggle- many suffer in isolation, unaware that even icons like Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein admitted to feeling like imposters. By shedding light on this invisible battle, we can begin to understand its roots and impact. 

The question is: How do we break free from a cycle that turns achievement into anxiety? 

 Imposter syndrome comes in different forms, affecting people in unique ways based on their personality, expectations, and environment. Dr. Valerie Young, an expert in this field, identified five main types of imposter syndrome:

 1.            The Perfectionist– This type sets extremely high standards and feels like a failure even with small mistakes. Success never feels enough, and there’s constant pressure to be flawless.

2.            The Superhero – These individuals push themselves to work harder than others to prove their worth. They often overwork, fearing they’ll be seen as incompetent if they don't excel in every role—employee, friend, partner.

3.            The Natural Genius– They believe they must understand or master things quickly. Struggling with something makes them feel like a fraud. If something doesn’t come easily, they think they’re not smart enough.

4.            The Soloist– This type believes asking for help reveals weakness. They prefer to do everything alone and feel ashamed if they need support, viewing independence as the only measure of competence.

5.            The Expert– They feel they must know everything before taking on a task. Despite qualifications, they always feel like they don’t know enough.

Imposter syndrome stems from a complex mix of psychological, social, and environmental factors. One primary cause is upbringing- children raised with excessive pressure to achieve or who received conditional praise may internalize the belief that their worth depends on perfect performance. Conversely, those constantly compared to siblings or peers may develop chronic self-doubt.  

Personality traits like perfectionism, anxiety, or low self-esteem also play a role. Perfectionists, for instance, set unrealistic standards and interpret minor mistakes as failures, reinforcing feelings of fraudulence. Social environments amplify these feelings. In competitive workplaces or academic settings, constant comparison to others breeds insecurity. Marginalized groups such as women in male-dominated fields or first-generation professionals may feel they don’t belong, exacerbating imposter fears. Lastly, cultural expectations contribute. Societies that equate success with innate talent rather than effort make individuals attribute achievements to luck rather than skill. Together, these factors create a cycle of self-doubt, where even accomplished individuals struggle to recognize their own competence.  

Imposter syndrome can deeply affect a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. Individuals often experience chronic self-doubt, even when they are objectively successful. This persistent fear of being "found out" creates anxiety, stress, and inner pressure to constantly prove themselves. They may struggle with low self-esteem and feel unworthy of praise or achievements. Over time, this mental burden can lead to burnout, as they overwork to avoid failure. Emotionally, imposter syndrome brings feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness. Many avoid new opportunities or challenges, fearing exposure. This pattern can also result in social withdrawal, as they fear being judged or compared. Negative self-talk becomes common, reinforcing the belief that their success is due to luck, not skill. Left unaddressed, imposter syndrome can contribute to depression, diminished motivation, and a lack of fulfillment, creating a cycle where the person continually doubts their place, no matter how much they achieve.

Overcoming imposter syndrome begins with recognizing the pattern of self-doubt and unrealistic self-criticism. Simple steps like keeping track of achievements, avoiding constant comparisons, and reframing negative thoughts can help. Talking openly about these feelings with trusted friends may offer relief, but in many cases, seeking support from a psychologist is essential. A psychologist can help identify core beliefs, provide coping strategies, and guide individuals toward healthier self-perception. Therapy offers a safe space to explore these thoughts and build confidence. With professional help and small mindset shifts, individuals can begin to accept their worth and move beyond imposter feelings.

Imposter syndrome is a deeply ingrained struggle, fueled by upbringing, personality traits, and societal pressures—but it doesn’t have to define you. Recognizing these triggers is the first step toward breaking free from self-doubt. Remember, even the most accomplished individuals battle these feelings, proving that competence and self-perception often don’t align. You are not alone in this journey.  

If imposter syndrome is holding you back, know that support is available. MindLeo is here to help you navigate these challenges with personalized guidance and tools to rebuild confidence. Reach out to us—because you deserve to own your success without hesitation.  

Published by MindLeo Counselling and Retreat Centre 

 Consultant Psychologist: Muhammed Safeer