176. What Imposter Syndrome Really Is

In this episode, we're digging deeper into imposter syndrome. First, a reminder from last episode that you do not have a syndrome if you have these imposter feelings. You are not broken. Further, imposter feelings are not just a problem with self-esteem. This is a common misconception. Self-esteem is actually just a small contributor to these very real and uncomfortable feelings. That's why we'll focus on six key factors that can contribute to imposter feelings and some practical advice for addressing each one. It's likely you'll resonate with at least one of the factors, offering a great place to focus your attention to reduce imposter feelings. 

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Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast

00:25 Understanding Imposter Phenomenon

01:25 Top Factors Contributing to Imposter Feelings

01:59 Anxiety and Imposter Feelings

02:50 The Pressure of Not Knowing

04:55 Introversion vs. Extroversion

07:29 Performance vs. Learning Motivation

12:05 Family Dynamics and Imposter Feelings

19:14 Societal Expectations and Imposter Syndrome

22:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sources and Notes:

• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life. 
• Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. Access here.
• Langford, J., & Clance, P. R. (1993). The imposter phenomenon: Recent research findings regarding dynamics, personality and family patterns and their implications for treatment. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 30(3), 495–501. Access here.
•  More episodes on uncertainty:
  • Getting Comfy with Not Knowing (ep. 162)
  • Mental Health & The Male Hubris, Female Humility Effect (ep. 157)
  • Seeing the Goodness in Others, Yourself, & The World (ep. 66)
  • You Are That Vast Thing You See with Great Telescopes (ep. 18)
  • The Surprising Benefits of Not Knowing (ep. 16)
• Take the Multidimensional Introversion-Extroversion Scales.
• Tran, N. (2023). From imposter phenomenon to infiltrator experience: Decolonizing the mind to claim space and reclaim self. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 29(2), 184–193. Access here. 
• Number of doctoral degrees earned in the United States from 1949/50 to 2031/32, by gender. 
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at JoyLab.coach for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads at Bookshop.org. 

On Jan 1st, 2025, the Joy Lab Podcast and Program moved from Natural Mental Health to the nonprofit Pathways North. 

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