5 Faces of Imposter Syndrome: Which One Are You?

Have you ever felt like you’re just faking it, waiting for the moment when everyone around you realizes you’re not as competent as they think you are? If so, you’re not alone. This feeling is known as imposter syndrome, and it’s more common than you might think.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is when you feel like a fraud despite clear signs of your success and accomplishments. You constantly fear being discovered as the fake you believe yourself to be. It’s that nagging voice inside your head that tells you that you don’t belong or deserve your success despite all the evidence to the contrary.

I know it can be incredibly distressing. You might feel like you’re just pretending to be competent or fooling others into thinking you’re better than you are. I’ve been there, too, and many of us have. Understanding this phenomenon is the first step towards overcoming it.

Which Type of Imposter Are You?

In her book, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, Dr Valerie Young, an expert in imposter syndrome, has identified five different types of imposters based on what they think competence is. These are the Perfectionist, The Expert, The Rugged Individualist, The Natural Genius, and The Superwoman.

Each group reflects the different rules or expectations that we set for ourselves to feel competent or successful. And while feeling like a phony despite one’s achievements is common to all types of imposters, many people who experience imposter syndrome also tend to engage in all-or-nothing thinking patterns. You either reach the target and succeed, or you don’t reach your goal and automatically fail—there’s no in-between, no learning or growth from failure.

The 5 Types of Imposters

Here are the five types of imposters based on their focus of competence.

You may identify with one or multiple types.

Let’s take a look at their identifying features.

1. The Perfectionist

Are you someone who strives for perfection in everything you do?

The Perfectionist focuses on doing everything exceptionally well, without any flaws or mistakes.

You might put all your effort into achieving the top spot or delivering a flawless presentation, believing anything less is a failure that leads to shame.

You might overprepare, always expecting perfection from yourself, but even when you deliver, you think you could have done better.

How to Overcome Perfectionism:

• Embrace Imperfection: Understand that nobody is perfect and mistakes are part of learning. Focus on progress, not perfection. Instead of beating yourself up over small mistakes, remind yourself that each error is an opportunity to grow.

• Set Realistic Goals: Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and set achievable goals. When you have a big project, create a step-by-step plan, which makes the task feel less daunting and more attainable.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. You can keep a journal where you note down even the tiniest achievements. This practice helps you see your progress and appreciate your efforts.

2. The Expert

Do you feel like you need to know everything about a particular subject to feel confident and competent?

The Expert constantly seeks out more information and feels like they never know enough.

It’s that nagging feeling that there’s always more to learn, and until you know it all, you won’t be good enough.

How to Overcome the Expert Syndrome:

• Acknowledge Your Knowledge: Recognise that you don’t need to know everything to be considered an expert. You can remind yourself that expertise isn’t about knowing everything but understanding and applying knowledge effectively.

• Continuous Learning: Accept that learning is a lifelong process and you will never stop acquiring knowledge. This way, you can embrace new learning opportunities without pressuring yourself to know it all at once.

• Share Your Knowledge: Teach others what you know, as it reinforces your expertise and builds confidence. Such as mentoring colleagues, reinforcing your knowledge, and boosting your confidence.

3. The Rugged Individualist

Do you believe you must do everything on your own to feel competent?

The Rugged Individualist thinks asking for help is a sign of weakness or incompetence.

You might feel like you have to prove your worth through your independence, handling everything on your own even when you’re overwhelmed.

How to Overcome Rugged Individualism:

• Seek Help: Understand that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Collaboration can lead to better results. Reaching out to others not only lightens your load but can also bring fresh perspectives to your work.

• Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, friends, and mentors who can provide guidance. Remember to stay connected with your network, knowing that support is just a conversation away.

• Delegate Tasks: Learn to delegate tasks and trust others to contribute to the success of a project. Delegating can allow you to focus on what you do best while empowering others to shine.

4. The Natural Genius

Do you believe you should be able to master new skills and subjects with little effort?

The Natural Genius feels like a failure when they don’t understand or succeed at something on their first try.

This can be particularly paralysing, as it prevents you from pursuing new opportunities because you expect to be good at everything immediately.

How to Overcome the Natural Genius Syndrome:

• Embrace the Learning Curve: Accept that mastery requires time, effort, and practice. Learn to give yourself grace when tackling new challenges, understanding that proficiency comes with patience and persistence.

• Set Incremental Goals: Break down learning objectives into smaller, achievable steps. Set small, attainable goals to help you stay motivated and track your progress.

• Learn from Failure: View failure as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than a reflection of your abilities. Treat every setback as a stepping stone towards improvement rather than a mark of inadequacy.

5. The Superwoman

Do you push yourself to excel in every role you take at work, home, or social settings?

The Superwoman feels they must prove they are competent by excelling in all areas. You might push yourself to the limit, often at the expense of your own well-being..

You may also recognise it as being everything to everyone or being the best in everything you do. When you fall short in any role, you feel ‘not good enough.’

How to Overcome the Superwoman Syndrome:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for rest and relaxation. Self-care is essential for sustained productivity and well-being. Schedule downtime into your week, ensuring you recharge and maintain your energy levels.

• Set Boundaries: Practice saying no to additional responsibilities that can lead to burnout. Learn to respectfully decline tasks that overextend you, understanding that saying no is necessary for your well-being.

• Recognize Achievements: Acknowledge and appreciate the effort and success you achieve in various roles without overextending yourself. Take a few moments to reflect on your accomplishments, appreciating your efforts without the need to excel in every aspect of life.

Imposter syndrome can manifest in various ways, but understanding the different types can help you identify the patterns and take steps to overcome them.

Remember that everyone experiences self-doubt at times, and it’s a normal part of growth and development. By recognizing and addressing the thoughts and behaviours associated with imposter syndrome, you can build confidence and embrace your achievements.

Would you like more information about how to handle imposter syndrome? Click the link below for a complimentary 20 minute conversation with us.

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