Imposter Syndrome Test
People see me as successful, but I don't view myself that way at all.
I constantly question whether I'm actually good enough at what I do.
It seems like everyone around me has more natural talent and skill than I do.
I believe I've truly earned the success that's come my way.
At work, I often feel like I'm just pretending to know what I'm doing.
A persistent sense of not being good enough follows me everywhere.
I almost never bring up my own achievements in conversation.
When someone compliments my work, it makes me feel awkward.
I tend to downplay my successes and make them seem smaller than they are.
Comparing myself to other people isn't something I do very often.
When good things happen, I think it's mostly just random luck.
Sometimes it feels like I'm just acting the role of someone who's accomplished.
The positive feedback I receive doesn't feel like something I actually deserve.
I hardly ever feel truly sure of my own capabilities.
There's this nagging feeling that I just don't stack up against expectations.
Most of the time, I feel like I'm just improvising and hoping for the best.
I usually chalk up my successes to being in the right place at the right time.
Deep down, I worry that I'm a complete fake.
Getting praise from others tends to make me feel uncomfortable.
Failure doesn't scare me. I actually welcome new challenges with open arms.
20 questions remaining
Things to Know
- Up to a third of high achievers may think they are frauds, and about two-thirds of adults have felt this way at some point in their lives.
- If someone with imposterism is used to being successful, a small failure can make them feel like they aren't good enough or doubt themselves; this small failure can turn into a big one.
- Imposterism is similar to perfectionism, which is when someone has high standards and thinks that everything they do isn't good enough. People who want things to be perfect will do anything to avoid failing.
- People who have imposter syndrome don't like it when people pay too much attention to their achievements, like getting a promotion or winning an award.
- Imposterism can happen to people of all ages, genders, and jobs. It happens more often to women than men, but neither wants to show how bad they are at their jobs.
Change Now
Celebrate your successes: Look at what you've done, even the little things, in a good way.
Stop talking badly about yourself. Examine your thoughts and criticisms, and talk to yourself like you would a friend.
Talk to a therapist. A mental health professional can help you stay balanced in this area.
