That quiet voice that never ceases to sow doubt in your head and whispers, “You’re wrong again” when you’re about to make an important presentation, is a manifestation of the impostor phenomenon or syndrome.
And it’s hard to silence her because she insists until you believe that none of your accomplishments are the result of your ability, training, or experience, but the result of luck. It was named in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clanes and Susanna Imes in reference to the fear caused by the exposure of a fraudulent impostor.
It is true that it is not only women who suffer from this, but there is a difference in lifestyle from the gender condition, because the internal messages in this case are reinforced by a predominantly exclusionary patriarchal and capitalist system that suits women who feel insecure.
A 2020 study by consulting firm KPMG found that 75 percent of its executives lived with this syndrome, which prevents them from asking for a raise or developing their leadership qualities for fear of not meeting the requirements. Various studies by the American Psychological Association have concluded that those who experience it cycle through two main responses: procrastination and trying their best to excel. So far, everything seems to be not so serious.
The problem is that doing everything possible to achieve the best results and strive for excellence – contrary to an environment that reinforces the stereotype of women as caring and outgoing, but not as smart, assertive and successful – mental health comes at a cost. Constant internal criticism degenerates into anxiety, depression, and even burnout – conditions that the World Health Organization has warned with special attention from the very beginning of the pandemic.
Can an impostor be silenced once and for all? Today there is an entire field of psychology dedicated to the study of this phenomenon, which recommends that we learn to recognize the negative thoughts that the syndrome causes, work on ourselves and be grateful for recognition without shame.
It also works to keep a journal documenting your accomplishments, progress, and good news that you can return to when doubts threaten to undermine your trajectory. Companies and organizations have a social responsibility to start calling this a problem openly in the boardroom for women and men.
MARIA ELENA ESPARZA GUEVARA
FOUNDER OLA VIOLET AC
@MAELENAESPARZA
Source: Heraldo De Mexico
David Ortiz is an opinionated and well-versed author, known for his thought-provoking and persuasive writing on various matters. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he shares his insight and perspective on today’s most pressing issues. David’s unique voice and writing style make his articles a must-read for those seeking a different point of view.