If you ever feel like a fraud at work, there are steps you can take to tackle imposter syndrome.
According to a YouGov survey, one-in-three people feel self-doubt over their abilities in the workplace.
In recent years, psychologists have given this phenomenon a name - imposter syndrome.
On Lunchtime Live, Trinity College Dublin Psychology Professor Brendan Kelly said some people experience imposter syndrome all the time.
"Imposter syndrome is this phenomenon where people doubt their accomplishments and fear they might be exposed as a fraud, even though all the facts point the other way," he said.
Dr Kelly said people with imposter syndrome chalk up their achievements to "luck".
"Luck does play a role in success, but we need to realise that luck only works out with a certain amount of skill and a certain amount of effort," he said.
Imposter syndrome can occur for a variety of reasons, Dr Kelly says, including family dynamics and a tendency towards perfectionism.
Effects of imposter syndrome
While it is not classified as a disorder or an illness, this distorted thinking can lead to burnout in some cases.
It can also prevent people from taking steps to advance their careers.
"People don’t reach for the opportunities because they don’t feel they’re able to do so - so it can hold some people back," Dr Kelly said.
There are a number of steps those with imposter syndrome can take to feel more confident in their abilities.
"The first thing is to listen to your friends and colleagues," Dr Kelly says.
A woman in an office holds a stack of files, Alamy"When they tell you that you deserve everything you’ve achieved, take a moment and think ‘maybe they’re correct'."
It is also important to remember our tendency to overstate negative thoughts while understating achievements.
"Just notice that negative thinking habit because so many of our thoughts are habits," Dr Kelly says.
He also recommends celebrating our achievements.
You can listen back here:
Featured image shows 'Imposter Syndrome' written on a sticker on a whiteboard.
