😨 Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that you don't belong or aren't good enough, even when you are! Many Pythonistas experience this at some point in their journey.
💡 What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is is a psychological phenomenon where people doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as frauds.
There are five types of imposter syndrome, according to researcher Dr. Valerie Young:
- The Perfectionist: This type involves believing that you could have done better, unless you were absolutely perfect.
- The Expert: This type involves feeling like a fraud because you don’t know everything there is to know about a subject or topic.
- The Natural Genius: This type involves feeling like a fraud because you don’t believe that you are naturally intelligent or competent.
- The Soloist: This type involves feeling like a fraud if you had to ask for help to reach a certain level or status.
- The Superperson: This type involves feeling like a fraud because you are trying to excel in multiple roles, such as work, family, and personal life.
It can affect anyone and they may experience anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, and frustration.
Often people attribute their success to luck, timing, or deceiving others, rather than their own abilities.
Now as I get older, I worry less about what other people think. But I still remember how hard it was earlier in my career to ask for help and how much it would have helped me if I had someone I could turn to without judgement.
[and by earlier in my career, I mean yesterday…]
🛠️ How to Overcome
- Recognize your achievements - Keep a success journal
- Talk to peers and mentors - Share your feelings openly
- Celebrate small wins - Keep a Happiness Jar. Each time something good happens put a keepsake in the jar, or write a note on a brightly coloured postit. I save stickers, tickets, ribbons, buttons, pins, badges all sorts of little memories.
- Remember: You are not alone! - This affects up to 70% of people
