Imposter Syndrome Is Nearly Universal
If you feel like you're faking it and everyone's about to find out — congratulations, you're in the majority. An estimated 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point. It's especially common among high achievers, which is ironic because it targets the people who least deserve to feel like frauds.
Why High Achievers Get It Worst
The more you achieve, the more you're surrounded by other high achievers, which normalizes excellence and makes your own accomplishments feel inadequate. You also become more aware of what you don't know, while assuming everyone else has it figured out.
Managing It
You don't cure imposter syndrome — you learn to act despite it. Keep an evidence file of your accomplishments. Talk to peers who will confirm they feel the same way. And most importantly, accept that competence and confidence don't always move together.