Pema Bakshi* says there are five types of imposter syndrome that could hinder your career.
No matter where you’re at in life, we’re all susceptible to feeling like frauds.
Whether it’s in the workplace, school, with our friends or in our relationships, the phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome can creep up on us.
Coined in the ’70s, Imposter Syndrome is described as “a secret belief that deep down we’re not as bright, capable, competent or talented as other people seem to think we are, and therefore have this fear of being found out,” by Dr Valerie Young, founder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute.
It can push people to feel paralysed into inaction or drive them to burnout from keeping up the ‘charade’ — it’s even to blame for costing us money!
Though it’s hardly a new concept, we’ve only recently started to see this phenomenon gain mainstream attention, particularly as it speaks to what so many young people feel in the workplace in 2022.
But while we’re aware of how it can impact anyone, one author has gone deeper.
In her book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Imposter Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It, Dr Young categorised people who experience imposter syndrome into five main personalities; The Perfectionist, The Natural Genius, The Soloist, The Expert and The Superhero.
While they all involve similar, self-imposed pressures, they each have their unique triggers and effects.
Ahead, we break down each type of Imposter Syndrome and how to navigate them.
The Perfectionist
Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome go hand-in-hand, but if you’re a perfectionist, Young explains that you might set very high standards for yourself.
While that isn’t always a bad thing, it can err on unhealthy when the standards are unrealistic and when a failure to meet them is catastrophised.
What these people are often left with are feelings of inadequacy and defeat.
When in this headspace, the way forward isn’t so clear.
But that’s ok, it’s recommended that perfectionists learn to shift their perspectives around failure, looking at success as a journey over a destination.
Reading about successful people’s stories can help you see that life’s bigger picture is filled with threads of misadventures, not just one linear path to success.
The Natural Genius
If you’ve always sat at the top of your class, even without really trying, you might be what Young calls the Natural Genius.
Because success came rather easily, though, you may not have become equipped to handle the highly-competitive environments or loss.
And since you’re not used to having to hustle, these personalities can easily feel overwhelmed, or struggle with feelings that they’ve fallen behind.
It’s tough to feel like you’re being kicked off of the podium you’ve gotten so comfortable on, but there’s also nothing more liberating than embracing being ‘just ok’ at something.
Whether it’s a hobby, work or an element of your personal life, we’re not going to be instantly great at everything, no matter how much it may have seemed like that as an overachieving child (the bar was arguably lower, let’s not forget).
Natural geniuses do well with hobbies that they can rely on to simply enjoy without the pressure of being the best.
You’ve already got the natural aptitude, it’s just about applying that to what you love.
The Soloist
Independence is healthy, but there is strength in knowing when to ask for help.
If reaching out is something you struggle with, you might be a Soloist.
These people aren’t very good at knowing their own limitations and may hold the mindset that other people’s contributions invalidate their own or that success only matters if it’s achieved unaided.
While it may sound redundant, a great way to overcome this internalised stigma is by looking to your heroes.
Seek out a mentor or approach someone you admire and ask them about the people that helped them on their journey.
This way, you can get a better understanding of how many hands it often takes to get the really good stuff done.
The Expert
Experts love to do their research, but no matter how much knowledge they accumulate, no one can know it all.
Instead of accepting this, though, these personalities are riddled with self-doubt and are held back by the fear that they’re not credible sources or qualified in their field.
Upskilling and constant learning are great for the workplace, but information-hoarding isn’t the way to go about it.
Instead, try to get used to improvisation, put yourself out there and ask questions and share knowledge.
Honestly, as much as it can bring us the security to have all the facts, there is simply too much in this world to know and trying to be across it all is a headache you don’t need.
Whether it’s work or your personal life, try to just be engaged, without having to take on the burden of being over-prepared for everything you endeavour.
The Superhero
While Perfectionists need to be doing everything better, Superheroes need to be doing more.
Driven by the need to prove they’re worthy, whether it’s in their jobs, their homes or their friendships, these personalities feel an overwhelming duty to work harder than those around them.
Where they can struggle is when one of their man spinning plates wobbles or they run themselves into the ground.
While comparison can be a tricky thing to navigate, sometimes when you’re running on that rat wheel, you need to stop and take a look around to realise that you’re not actually competing with anyone but your own inner overachiever.
Hustling is just an innate part of some workplaces, but it’s up to you to figure out your boundaries and maintain them before you burn yourself out.
*Pema Bakshi is style and living editor at Refinery29 Australia.
This article first appeared at refinery29.com
