Do you suffer from imposter syndrome?

Do you sometimes get that creeping feeling that the other shoe will drop at some point, and someone at your work will discover you aren't actually the best person to do the job? Or feel anxious and worried that you will screw up your next big assignment or presentation?

Well, you are not alone if you are feeling this way. Moreover, these could be the signs of imposter syndrome.

According to Psychology Today, imposter syndrome is defined as "people who believe that they are undeserving of their achievements and the high esteem in which they are, in fact, generally held."

Psychology Today also points out that these individuals are often successful and well-educated. Still, they just can't seem to shake the feeling that "they aren't as competent or intelligent as others might think—and that soon enough, people will discover the truth about them."

According to an article published in the journal ERIC, imposter syndrome was identified by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978.

The duo originally thought that the condition was anxiety unique to women. They did not want to use the word syndrome and referred to the condition as the "impostor phenomenon."

Per the article in ERIC on imposter syndrome, in the 1980s, Pauline Rose Clance teamed up with Gail Matthews, a professor of psychology at the Dominican University of California, to conduct a survey on the "imposter phenomenon."

Clance and Matthews discovered that imposter syndrome wasn't unique to women. Furthermore, roughly 70% of those surveyed experienced the symptoms of imposter syndrome either as young students or at some point during their careers.

An article on imposter syndrome published in Forbes magazine points out that the switch to remote work driven by the pandemic caused many employees to experience imposter syndrome.

Per Forbes, the switch to remote work resulted in a "lack of their manager's feedback or the visibility required to validate their performance" triggering imposter syndrome in many.

The Forbes article also conveniently identified nine signs that you could be suffering from imposter syndrome.

The first is that you work too hard. This is a natural consequence of the syndrome as the individual feels they need to work more to prove themselves.

The next sign is that you tend to give little importance to your skills, abilities, and knowledge. No matter how many qualifications you may have, it never feels like you are good or qualified enough.

Forbes also points out that those suffering from imposter syndrome tend to be seen by others as a perfectionist. They will double and triple-check their work because they want to be perfect. Mistakes, even common, small mistakes, tend to make those with the syndrome feel incompetent.

If you suffer from imposter syndrome, you will constantly be looking for feedback and validation from others. External validation may be the only way that you feel like you are good enough.

In addition, those with the syndrome constantly compare themselves to their colleagues and friends and feel disappointed when others "do better" than them because they always want to be the best.

This need to be the best goes hand in hand with low self-confidence. Imposter syndrome sufferers are often afraid to speak their minds as they fear others will think they are ridiculous.

Forbes also adds that they tend to underperform when put under pressure or in any kind of extreme circumstance.

Furthermore, those living with imposter syndrome tend to see the world in terms of black and white. They either see their work or performance as brilliant or garbage with nothing in between.

Finally, someone with imposter syndrome will most likely also be an extreme people pleaser, willing to do what others want in order to get the relief of external validation.

Fortunately, as Psychology Today reports, imposter syndrome is not something you have to live with forever. Those suffering from the syndrome should try speaking to a good friend or family member about their feelings. In addition, it is important to remind yourself of all that you have accomplished and all of your successes.

However, if you continue to struggle with imposter syndrome, seeking out therapy may be beneficial. Talk therapy with a psychologist may help you to change your thought patterns. And as always, we remind you that we are not doctors, so if you are struggling with depressive thoughts or having mental difficulties, never hesitate to seek medical help.