Additional Coverage:
- An Award-Winning Behavioral Scientist Just Revealed the Key To Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (parade.com)
Have you ever found yourself in a room feeling out of place, like you don’t quite belong? Whether it’s a fleeting moment or a persistent sensation lasting days or even months, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.
This feeling can arise anywhere-at work, in social groups, during virtual meetings, or even in community or fitness settings. It’s that nagging doubt about your own worth and place, which many people encounter. But while it’s common, it’s not something we should simply accept or let dictate our self-esteem or participation in various environments.
Dr. Patricia Faison Hewlin, an award-winning behavioral scientist and author of the recently released book Staying True to You: Unlock the Power of Your Middle Self and Live with Confidence, Integrity, and Peace of Mind, offers insight into imposter syndrome’s roots and how to overcome it. She encourages building resilience from within and fostering supportive environments that promote confidence and authenticity.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
So, what exactly is imposter syndrome? Dr.
Hewlin explains that it’s a pervasive feeling of being a “fraud” who is bound to be exposed. Research shows that most people encounter these feelings at some point, with marginalized groups often experiencing them more frequently and intensely.
Two Common Triggers
Dr. Hewlin highlights two primary factors that contribute to imposter syndrome:
- Impostorization: This occurs when workplace culture or leadership makes individuals question their intelligence and belonging. Toxic dynamics such as unfairness, favoritism, and exclusion can fuel these feelings.
- Perfectionism: Setting impossibly high standards can make people feel they never quite measure up, reinforcing the sense that their skills aren’t adequate for the task at hand.
These pressures often lead people to hide their true selves behind masks of conformity, suppressing their values and emotions to fit in.
How to Break Free
The encouraging news is that imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be permanent. Dr.
Hewlin advises that organizations need to stop “impostorizing” their people by creating fairer, more inclusive environments. At the individual level, she emphasizes embracing what she calls the “middle self”-a state of personal integrity where there is alignment between who you are and who you present to the world.
Her framework helps individuals clarify their core values, build peace of mind, and recognize whether their self-doubt stems from internal perfectionism or external toxic influences. This awareness is crucial to managing and overcoming these feelings.
Moreover, Dr. Hewlin stresses the importance of pacing oneself and resisting the urge to over-conform just to prove worthiness. Surrounding yourself with a “Circle of Champions”-trusted people who offer honest feedback and support-can also empower you to move beyond fear toward genuine confidence.
By understanding and addressing both the internal and external factors of imposter syndrome, individuals and groups can foster environments where everyone feels valued, authentic, and confident.