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The Imposter Cure: Escape the mind-trap of imposter syndrome
A solution-based self-help book that explores the psychological impact of imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon in which people believe they are not worthy of success. They convince themselves that they have done well due to luck and are terrified their shortcomings will eventually be exposed, making it impossible to enjoy their accomplishments.
You've Got This explores the psychological impact of imposter syndrome and exposes the secrets fears and insecurities felt by millions of men and women. Dr Jessamy Hibberd provides sound expert advice to help the reader better understand theproblem and overcome it, so they think differently, gain self belief and learn to see themselves as others do.
Filled with case studies to bring the concepts alive and packed with strategies to increase confidence, this book is a must-read for anyone who has struggled with their achievements.
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon in which people believe they are not worthy of success. They convince themselves that they have done well due to luck and are terrified their shortcomings will eventually be exposed, making it impossible to enjoy their accomplishments.
You've Got This explores the psychological impact of imposter syndrome and exposes the secrets fears and insecurities felt by millions of men and women. Dr Jessamy Hibberd provides sound expert advice to help the reader better understand theproblem and overcome it, so they think differently, gain self belief and learn to see themselves as others do.
Filled with case studies to bring the concepts alive and packed with strategies to increase confidence, this book is a must-read for anyone who has struggled with their achievements.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2019
757 people are currently reading
4260 people want to read
About the author
Jessamy Hibberd
19 books52 followersDr Jessamy is a chartered clinical psychologist, author and mother of three. She lives in Hove by the sea and loves spending time on the beach with her family, as well as cycling in the South Downs.
In her books Dr Jessamy explores what’s really going on beneath the surface of our everyday lives, writing about the thoughts and feelings we all have - but don’t always say out loud.
Through expert advice and real-life examples from her clinic, Dr Jessamy will help you understand yourself better and most importantly teach you the strategies and techniques to feel your best more of the time. Drawing on more than twenty years of clinical experience – as well as her personal experience of trying to navigate life (and frequently falling short).
Jessamy's motto is: 'What we do every day makes the biggest difference. It’s small steps that lead to the greatest changes.' Something she puts in to practice (you guessed it) every day. She shared this message, as well as her personal and professional experience of how to find happiness, in her TEDx talk ‘Adventure of a Lifetime.’
For more on Dr Jessamy, you can visit her website: https://www.drjessamy.com
Or follow her @DrJessamy on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok
You can watch her TedX talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/jessamy_hib...
In her books Dr Jessamy explores what’s really going on beneath the surface of our everyday lives, writing about the thoughts and feelings we all have - but don’t always say out loud.
Through expert advice and real-life examples from her clinic, Dr Jessamy will help you understand yourself better and most importantly teach you the strategies and techniques to feel your best more of the time. Drawing on more than twenty years of clinical experience – as well as her personal experience of trying to navigate life (and frequently falling short).
Jessamy's motto is: 'What we do every day makes the biggest difference. It’s small steps that lead to the greatest changes.' Something she puts in to practice (you guessed it) every day. She shared this message, as well as her personal and professional experience of how to find happiness, in her TEDx talk ‘Adventure of a Lifetime.’
For more on Dr Jessamy, you can visit her website: https://www.drjessamy.com
Or follow her @DrJessamy on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok
You can watch her TedX talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/jessamy_hib...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 28, 2022
For those who hear for the first time about "the imposter syndrome," as I was only 2 months ago, here’s the definition from the book :
“Imposter syndrome was first described by two clinical psychologists – Dr Pauline Clance and Dr Suzanne Imes – in 1978. They noticed that their female students were full of doubt about their abilities and worried about continuing their successes…As a result of their research, they coined the term ‘imposter phenomenon’, a condition in which people believe they are not worthy of success and have a persistent belief in their lack of intelligence, skills or competence…Imposter syndrome is technically not a syndrome as the thoughts and feelings of being an imposter that people experience occur in certain situations and are not present all the time. ”
The author gives you the answer to:
•What is the imposter syndrome?
•Why do I feel like an imposter?
•When did this feeling start?
•How can I get rid of it?
.
.
.
I loved how the book was written. It's direct and clear. Each chapter starts with what you should get from it and ends with questions to help reflect on what you just read. I also appreciated that she adds examples from people's experiences to fully understand the image and its meaning. Anyway, it’s a little bit repetitive in some paragraphs, but that didn’t bother me because I felt it was necessary, especially for those who were reading for the first time about the syndrome like me.
3.75⭐
“Imposter syndrome was first described by two clinical psychologists – Dr Pauline Clance and Dr Suzanne Imes – in 1978. They noticed that their female students were full of doubt about their abilities and worried about continuing their successes…As a result of their research, they coined the term ‘imposter phenomenon’, a condition in which people believe they are not worthy of success and have a persistent belief in their lack of intelligence, skills or competence…Imposter syndrome is technically not a syndrome as the thoughts and feelings of being an imposter that people experience occur in certain situations and are not present all the time. ”
The author gives you the answer to:
•What is the imposter syndrome?
•Why do I feel like an imposter?
•When did this feeling start?
•How can I get rid of it?
.
.
.
I loved how the book was written. It's direct and clear. Each chapter starts with what you should get from it and ends with questions to help reflect on what you just read. I also appreciated that she adds examples from people's experiences to fully understand the image and its meaning. Anyway, it’s a little bit repetitive in some paragraphs, but that didn’t bother me because I felt it was necessary, especially for those who were reading for the first time about the syndrome like me.
3.75⭐
October 21, 2022
Very insightful and helpful, but confronting at times as well. If you suffer from imposter syndrome, this is definitely a must-read!
September 11, 2019
This was an extremely insightful book, I bought this as I have found it difficult to manage my self-doubt and uncertainty recently - now adjusting to new experiences as a young adult. Although I wouldn't consider myself having impostor syndrome, I did definitely resonate with a lot of cognitive biases, thought processes and poor views of oneself that someone with impostor syndrome may have.
This was a great way to learn as to why I have used tactics such as overworking and avoidance as a means to deal with a lot of insecurities. The book provides a great start for anyone questioning their competency to such an extent that it can become a detriment to their personal progress; like driving with the handbrake on.
The strategies outlined in Part 3 have already been outlined by my own psychologist, so if you are someone who has been addressing this for a while, the methods may not be new for you, however it is still worth a read as it is a great way to constantly remind yourself of the tools nonetheless (it doesn't hurt to have a quick refresher).
I would recommend this book to those who are just realising their potential and simultaneously continually questioning themselves about it. For me personally, the greatest value I found from the book is understanding why I think the way I do, while therapy complements this by implementing the strategies to manage/overcome it. I also believe this book goes hand-in-hand with Kristin Neff's book on Self-Compassion.
This book could potentially be completed in a weekend if you have no commitments.
The only tiny issue I had with the read, is that it can be a little distressing for me at times to read mainly because Dr. Hibberd is quite spot on with a lot of behaviours I have to deal with the insecurities. ie, if you're straight up not having a good time with yourself, this book is way too fkn real.
This was a great way to learn as to why I have used tactics such as overworking and avoidance as a means to deal with a lot of insecurities. The book provides a great start for anyone questioning their competency to such an extent that it can become a detriment to their personal progress; like driving with the handbrake on.
The strategies outlined in Part 3 have already been outlined by my own psychologist, so if you are someone who has been addressing this for a while, the methods may not be new for you, however it is still worth a read as it is a great way to constantly remind yourself of the tools nonetheless (it doesn't hurt to have a quick refresher).
I would recommend this book to those who are just realising their potential and simultaneously continually questioning themselves about it. For me personally, the greatest value I found from the book is understanding why I think the way I do, while therapy complements this by implementing the strategies to manage/overcome it. I also believe this book goes hand-in-hand with Kristin Neff's book on Self-Compassion.
This book could potentially be completed in a weekend if you have no commitments.
The only tiny issue I had with the read, is that it can be a little distressing for me at times to read mainly because Dr. Hibberd is quite spot on with a lot of behaviours I have to deal with the insecurities. ie, if you're straight up not having a good time with yourself, this book is way too fkn real.
November 13, 2020
I have suffered with imposter syndrome my entire life and it affects every aspect of my life, especially work and relationships. In the few days I have been reading this book I have done an almost complete 180, I am speaking up in meetings, asserting myself, my anxiety has reduced significantly, I portray confidence like I have never done before. I actually acknowledge my successes and my competence. I just feel calm finally, for so long I have felt tense and under scrutiny. I have always known I had this problem but i just accepted that it was who I am but this book has empowered me to change and to know that it is not an acceptable part of being a person. A switch in my brain has flicked, I hope it won't flick back. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's open to change the way they think about themselves.
March 8, 2021
Alla borde läsa denna!
March 19, 2022
MY SHORT SUMMARY
We’re all human and we make mistakes. Noone is perfect.
Choose self-compassion over self-criticism
It’s very easy to feel like a fraud when the things we’re doing are a waaaay out of our depth - new and challenging and we tend to feel like a fraud. This leads to self-doubt, which generates insecurities.
Make your goals reachable and don’t set too high standards. Focus on the process not the outcome
Do you feel like a fraud and imposter voice telling you who you can be and who you can’t then this is the book you definitely want to check out.
We’re all human and we make mistakes. Noone is perfect.
Choose self-compassion over self-criticism
It’s very easy to feel like a fraud when the things we’re doing are a waaaay out of our depth - new and challenging and we tend to feel like a fraud. This leads to self-doubt, which generates insecurities.
Make your goals reachable and don’t set too high standards. Focus on the process not the outcome
Do you feel like a fraud and imposter voice telling you who you can be and who you can’t then this is the book you definitely want to check out.
April 17, 2022
I love this book!! Will definitely return to this whenever the imposter kicks in.
Trying to internalise and apply what I’ve learnt. Highly recommend!
Trying to internalise and apply what I’ve learnt. Highly recommend!
February 12, 2023
Summary: believe in youself.
January 3, 2023
Being surrounded by demands of progress, consumption, and documentation it is not unusual to feel insecure and insufficient. There are many ways of coping, which might lead to the feeling of being an imposter. Enter the Imposter Syndrome, a common experience in the 21st century. Through her Practice Dr. Jessamy Hibberd has distilled the signs of an Imposter Syndrome and cultivated an Imposter Cure.
This is my second serving of The Imposter Cure. If you find a good book that can change your perception you owe it to yourself to re-read that at least once more later in life. The Imposter Cure is on my list of books that are worth revisiting. It is not a perfect book. But it is a book that will change the reader’s lifeworld.
Let’s begin with the worst parts of the book and end on a positive note. The writing annoys me. Like this sentence explaining Perseverance for some reason and not applying it to a context: “Instead, one of the key traits is perseverance, the ability to keep going even when you make mistakes or fail!”
Some sentences are almost gibberish. Like this sentence where you’d have to go 3 sentences back in the text to figure out what Them and They are: “Capitalize on them when they happen and make sure you enjoy them, but don’t expect them all the time.”. It’s like reading a Turing-cypher without the key.
I would love to quote The Imposter Cure for the great points that the book makes. But when the sentences make no sense out of context it’s just a word jumble without a clue. I first realized this reading the following where she uses the word It 5 times in one sentence and doesn’t use the actual word once:
“When you see IT as part of confidence and finding the right way forward, IT’s easier to make peace with IT and channel IT so IT works for you rather than against you.”.
The word is Insecurity, and the sentence turns into this: “When you see Insecurity as part of confidence and finding the right way forward, it’s easier to make peace with Insecurity and channel Insecurity so Insecurity works for you rather than against you.”. It’s gibberish because the word IT covers more than one word.
As for the book’s structure I don’t understand why there is a chapter mapping out different types of Imposter Syndrome but hardly any connections to the chapter in the book. It would have been very beneficial for the reader to recognize their type and get a map of where to get answers. Or to have parts of the chapters specifying how it is applicable for the various type of imposter syndrome.
Throughout the book I wonder who The Imposter Cure is for and why general usability isn’t the main purpose of the book. To be honest it seems like this book is written by Jessamy Hibberd to prove to herself that she has the knowledge and ability to write a book on the Imposter Syndrome. There is hidden gem upon hidden gem in The Imposter Cure. And that is the issue; the gems are hidden.
Anyway, formalities aside The Imposter Cure is a powerful book. I will recommend this book to anyone who is an entrepreneur, a first-time achiever or feel stock. Give it a quick read. Don’t read The Imposter Cure for depth, read it for the thoughts the book will spark.
My takeaways from The Imposter Cure can be summed up in these three quotes:
1. “Or if you do reach your goal, you shift the goalposts just a bit further out of reach, which serves to trigger more imposter feelings. This prevents you seeing that you’ve done well because you have done a good job and so you remain trapped in the overwork cycle.”
2. “[…]the scrutiny you put yourself under is far tougher than their opinions. And your worst-case scenario is just that: the worst-case scenario.”
3. “The standards you set for yourself are far higher than the standards others set for you – trust me on this. Your ‘good’ is seen as ‘excellent’ by others.”
This is my second serving of The Imposter Cure. If you find a good book that can change your perception you owe it to yourself to re-read that at least once more later in life. The Imposter Cure is on my list of books that are worth revisiting. It is not a perfect book. But it is a book that will change the reader’s lifeworld.
Let’s begin with the worst parts of the book and end on a positive note. The writing annoys me. Like this sentence explaining Perseverance for some reason and not applying it to a context: “Instead, one of the key traits is perseverance, the ability to keep going even when you make mistakes or fail!”
Some sentences are almost gibberish. Like this sentence where you’d have to go 3 sentences back in the text to figure out what Them and They are: “Capitalize on them when they happen and make sure you enjoy them, but don’t expect them all the time.”. It’s like reading a Turing-cypher without the key.
I would love to quote The Imposter Cure for the great points that the book makes. But when the sentences make no sense out of context it’s just a word jumble without a clue. I first realized this reading the following where she uses the word It 5 times in one sentence and doesn’t use the actual word once:
“When you see IT as part of confidence and finding the right way forward, IT’s easier to make peace with IT and channel IT so IT works for you rather than against you.”.
The word is Insecurity, and the sentence turns into this: “When you see Insecurity as part of confidence and finding the right way forward, it’s easier to make peace with Insecurity and channel Insecurity so Insecurity works for you rather than against you.”. It’s gibberish because the word IT covers more than one word.
As for the book’s structure I don’t understand why there is a chapter mapping out different types of Imposter Syndrome but hardly any connections to the chapter in the book. It would have been very beneficial for the reader to recognize their type and get a map of where to get answers. Or to have parts of the chapters specifying how it is applicable for the various type of imposter syndrome.
Throughout the book I wonder who The Imposter Cure is for and why general usability isn’t the main purpose of the book. To be honest it seems like this book is written by Jessamy Hibberd to prove to herself that she has the knowledge and ability to write a book on the Imposter Syndrome. There is hidden gem upon hidden gem in The Imposter Cure. And that is the issue; the gems are hidden.
Anyway, formalities aside The Imposter Cure is a powerful book. I will recommend this book to anyone who is an entrepreneur, a first-time achiever or feel stock. Give it a quick read. Don’t read The Imposter Cure for depth, read it for the thoughts the book will spark.
My takeaways from The Imposter Cure can be summed up in these three quotes:
1. “Or if you do reach your goal, you shift the goalposts just a bit further out of reach, which serves to trigger more imposter feelings. This prevents you seeing that you’ve done well because you have done a good job and so you remain trapped in the overwork cycle.”
2. “[…]the scrutiny you put yourself under is far tougher than their opinions. And your worst-case scenario is just that: the worst-case scenario.”
3. “The standards you set for yourself are far higher than the standards others set for you – trust me on this. Your ‘good’ is seen as ‘excellent’ by others.”
April 27, 2025
Başarıyı içselleştirememe ve tatmin olamama hakkında yazılmış güzel bir kitap, her ne kadar “Imposter Sendromu” yerine Sahtekârlık Sendromu denmesine alışmak zor olsa da.
May 25, 2021
It's a good book for someone that tries to understand what The Imposter Syndrom is, its side effects and how you can try to cure yourself. Good examples, great advice. For me, the more interesting thing was to know that I do not have Imposter Syndrome, or better, not as problematic as a person that suffers from this syndrome. All of us experience some of the symptoms, but the trick is how we handle them :)
December 18, 2021
This book started off very promising but became less interesting towards the end. It reinforces some obvious lessons on confidence and whilst I made a few highlights (and enjoyed doing the exercises) there was nothing new being said here.
December 16, 2020
Therapeutic..
January 27, 2024
4.5 stars
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Thanks NetGalley, Octopus Publishing publisher, and the authors for a great advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!
From the first page, I already asked myself was this book written for me. It's such a relatable and practical book. The book is nicely structured and written in a simple voice and friendly tone. While reading the book, I thought that I was in the same room with the author as friends. We talked, and she gave me very good and practical advice so I could deal with my issues.
If you want to read a non-fiction book about imposter syndrome but feel skeptical because you have always been thinking that non-fiction books are dry, lengthy, not helpful, and not straightforward then this book is for you. The book has less than 200 pages but the author manages to deliver very powerful messages along with many good practical exercises and introspective questions for you to think for yourself.
The only drawback I could think of is that I didn't see the author mention modesty. I'm quite sure that sometimes we come from a culture that values modesty so much that it becomes a habit to tell ourselves the things the author mentioned in the book. What would be the boundary for this so that it's not considered a part of this imposter syndrome?
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Thanks NetGalley, Octopus Publishing publisher, and the authors for a great advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!
From the first page, I already asked myself was this book written for me. It's such a relatable and practical book. The book is nicely structured and written in a simple voice and friendly tone. While reading the book, I thought that I was in the same room with the author as friends. We talked, and she gave me very good and practical advice so I could deal with my issues.
If you want to read a non-fiction book about imposter syndrome but feel skeptical because you have always been thinking that non-fiction books are dry, lengthy, not helpful, and not straightforward then this book is for you. The book has less than 200 pages but the author manages to deliver very powerful messages along with many good practical exercises and introspective questions for you to think for yourself.
The only drawback I could think of is that I didn't see the author mention modesty. I'm quite sure that sometimes we come from a culture that values modesty so much that it becomes a habit to tell ourselves the things the author mentioned in the book. What would be the boundary for this so that it's not considered a part of this imposter syndrome?
September 17, 2025
Türkçeye Sahtekarlık Sendromunda Kurtulmak olarak çevrilen bu kitabı ilk kez Ece Aybike Ala’nın yapa yapa öğreniyoruz podcast’ini de duydum. Ece podcastinde başarıyı kabullenememe, yetersizlik hissi ve başarı ile tatmin olmama gibi konulardan bahseder kitabı referans gösterdi ve ilgimi çekti.
Kitap genel olarak başarılarımızı kabullenmemizi ve sahtekarlık yapıyormuş gibi hissetmemiz gerektiğini öğütlüyor ve değişik teknikler öneriyor.
Kitabın sonuna kadar, acaba iş yerinde çalışanların daha fazla çalışması için çalışanların başarılarını asla takdir etmeyen ancak yapılan her hatayı dünyanın sonuymuş gibi gösteren patronlar ya da yöneticilerle alakalı bir bölüm olacak mı diye bekledim. Maalesef yoktu çünkü bence başarıları kabul edebilmek içten başlasa da dışsal faktörlere de oldukça bağlı.
Türkiye’de baskı kültürü daha yaygın olduğu için ya da ben şu anda böyle bir iş ortamında çalıştığım için bu ihtiyacı hissetmiş olabilirim.
Üstteki yorumum dışında kitabın genel kurgusu sevdim. Anlatılanların çok nish ve güzel olduğunu düşünüyorum.
Umarım bu kitap yirmilerinin başında ve başarılarının sahiplenmeyen gençleri bulur 🤍
Kitap genel olarak başarılarımızı kabullenmemizi ve sahtekarlık yapıyormuş gibi hissetmemiz gerektiğini öğütlüyor ve değişik teknikler öneriyor.
Kitabın sonuna kadar, acaba iş yerinde çalışanların daha fazla çalışması için çalışanların başarılarını asla takdir etmeyen ancak yapılan her hatayı dünyanın sonuymuş gibi gösteren patronlar ya da yöneticilerle alakalı bir bölüm olacak mı diye bekledim. Maalesef yoktu çünkü bence başarıları kabul edebilmek içten başlasa da dışsal faktörlere de oldukça bağlı.
Türkiye’de baskı kültürü daha yaygın olduğu için ya da ben şu anda böyle bir iş ortamında çalıştığım için bu ihtiyacı hissetmiş olabilirim.
Üstteki yorumum dışında kitabın genel kurgusu sevdim. Anlatılanların çok nish ve güzel olduğunu düşünüyorum.
Umarım bu kitap yirmilerinin başında ve başarılarının sahiplenmeyen gençleri bulur 🤍
February 1, 2024
Jess Amy - The Imposter Cure.
How many of us can hold our hands up and admit to feeling like a complete fraud? Someone not very special, not particularly capable… an imposter???
I know I can safely say, ‘that’s me!’
I do enjoy a good self help book, and #TheImposterCure immediately called to me, because it felt so relevant to my life.
This book is easy to follow, engaging and insightful.
Is this book a magic cure for anyone who struggles with symptoms of imposter syndrome?
Well, no it isn’t. But what it does do, and does very well, is to offer some straight up practical advice. Advice that is easy to follow and will give you the tools and information that you can use and take forward with you.
I genuinely found this book fascinating. It challenged me, inspired me and left me with some solid ideas that I’m confident I can use to improve my ability to cope.
I would happily recommend this book to anyone struggling with feelings of imposter syndrome and the like.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Random Things Tours for a digital arc of this book.
How many of us can hold our hands up and admit to feeling like a complete fraud? Someone not very special, not particularly capable… an imposter???
I know I can safely say, ‘that’s me!’
I do enjoy a good self help book, and #TheImposterCure immediately called to me, because it felt so relevant to my life.
This book is easy to follow, engaging and insightful.
Is this book a magic cure for anyone who struggles with symptoms of imposter syndrome?
Well, no it isn’t. But what it does do, and does very well, is to offer some straight up practical advice. Advice that is easy to follow and will give you the tools and information that you can use and take forward with you.
I genuinely found this book fascinating. It challenged me, inspired me and left me with some solid ideas that I’m confident I can use to improve my ability to cope.
I would happily recommend this book to anyone struggling with feelings of imposter syndrome and the like.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Random Things Tours for a digital arc of this book.
February 22, 2021
Ja tu kādreiz esi sajuties kādā savas dzīves jomā kā viltvārdis, ka tas, ko esi sasniedzis, nav nekas īpašs/ citi palīdzēja/ tā bija veiksme utml., vai arī, ja nestrādāsi ārpus darba laika un brīvdienās, tad nebūsi gana labs, tad šī varētu būt grāmata tev.
Apskatītie stāsti un padomi, ļāva paskatīties uz savu situāciju no malas un palīdzēja atrast tos punktus dzīvē, kur sāka šķobīties pārliecība par sevi.
Mana kārtējā audiogrāmata, kas šāda veida literatūrai ir grūtāk izmantojamais formāts. Vieglāk būtu dotos padomus pildīt un tiem sekot, ja lasītu taustāmu grāmatu. Tomēr mēģināju pēc iespējas izmantot tehnoloģiju sniegtās iespējas, ievietojot grāmatzīmes nozīmīgās vietās, kurās atgriezties un izpildīt dotos uzdevumus.
Manā skatījumā viens no vērtīgākajiem uzdevumiem bija savu sasniegumu uzskaitīšana. Kad saliek to visu uz papīra, tad paveras pavisam cits skats uz sevi.
Kopumā lielas pārdomas radīja globālā situācija darba tirgū - vai zināt daudz darba devējus, kas neatbalsta darbaholismu? Tieši tā! Darbaholisms tiek popularizēts kā normāls darba tikums, attiecīgi - darbinieki, kas ar to nesirgst tiek vērtēti krietni zemāk vai pat pasludināti par neatbilstošiem, jo neupurē savu dzīvi un veselību darbam.
Apskatītie stāsti un padomi, ļāva paskatīties uz savu situāciju no malas un palīdzēja atrast tos punktus dzīvē, kur sāka šķobīties pārliecība par sevi.
Mana kārtējā audiogrāmata, kas šāda veida literatūrai ir grūtāk izmantojamais formāts. Vieglāk būtu dotos padomus pildīt un tiem sekot, ja lasītu taustāmu grāmatu. Tomēr mēģināju pēc iespējas izmantot tehnoloģiju sniegtās iespējas, ievietojot grāmatzīmes nozīmīgās vietās, kurās atgriezties un izpildīt dotos uzdevumus.
Manā skatījumā viens no vērtīgākajiem uzdevumiem bija savu sasniegumu uzskaitīšana. Kad saliek to visu uz papīra, tad paveras pavisam cits skats uz sevi.
Kopumā lielas pārdomas radīja globālā situācija darba tirgū - vai zināt daudz darba devējus, kas neatbalsta darbaholismu? Tieši tā! Darbaholisms tiek popularizēts kā normāls darba tikums, attiecīgi - darbinieki, kas ar to nesirgst tiek vērtēti krietni zemāk vai pat pasludināti par neatbilstošiem, jo neupurē savu dzīvi un veselību darbam.
April 1, 2021
I feared this would be another one of those self-help / we-help-you books, but it was a damn good one! It seems that books without improvement plans are much more difficult to sell; authors are obliged to offer something towards that direction. Often I felt I could see how Dr Hibberd struggled with having to leave out research material for the sake of advice. Still a damn good book, a product of copious research and years of experience. Recommended to all those who suspect that the little voice inside then that pushes them to do things and struggle for perfection is not necessarily a friend.
February 26, 2022
7/10
I used to struggle from imposter syndrome. I read this book mostly for research for something I am working on.
There aren’t many books about Imposter Syndrome despite the fact that “everybody feels like an imposter at some point in their lives”. The author does a really good job in laying out the mind of those who feel like a imposter, and the behaviors that follow.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book where she described what it is and how it manifests itself. The latter half of the book is about curing imposter syndrome. I didn’t find a ton of value in it since I already went through my own growth processes. However, I thought they were good thoughts and easy exercises for somebody to implement.
This book is the most thorough, on point piece I’ve read about imposter syndrome.
I used to struggle from imposter syndrome. I read this book mostly for research for something I am working on.
There aren’t many books about Imposter Syndrome despite the fact that “everybody feels like an imposter at some point in their lives”. The author does a really good job in laying out the mind of those who feel like a imposter, and the behaviors that follow.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book where she described what it is and how it manifests itself. The latter half of the book is about curing imposter syndrome. I didn’t find a ton of value in it since I already went through my own growth processes. However, I thought they were good thoughts and easy exercises for somebody to implement.
This book is the most thorough, on point piece I’ve read about imposter syndrome.
July 13, 2022
I found this to be a very interesting, engaging, and well-structured book. It hasn't 'cured' my Imposter syndrome, but it has brought comfort and clarity around it, and successfully forced me to begin questioning long-held beliefs and behaviours. The author does this is an encouraging and convincing manner that doesn't feel patronising or unrealistic - quite difficult to achieve in my experience of reading self-help/self-development books.
Overall, definitely worth a read if Imposter syndrome is something you suspect may be a problem for you.
Overall, definitely worth a read if Imposter syndrome is something you suspect may be a problem for you.
January 29, 2024
I've never heard of 'Imposter Syndrome'. Even if you have not got Imposter Syndrome you will find this a really interesting read. There are three parts of this book, Part One-Understanding Imposter Syndrome, Part Two-Why you are not an Imposter, Part Three-How to say Goodbye to the Imposter for good. Within each part there are chapters you will find everything you need to understand and start living an easier life. There are empty pages at the back of the book to write notes or anything else. There is also sections for Reference, Resources and Further information, along with an Index and a bit about Dr Jessamy.
September 18, 2023
While a lot of things in this book are things most people, deep inside, should know, there’s some sort of relief in reading them as ink on paper. I’m in a transition phase in life and this book gave me some reassurance that in the end things are going to be alright. Easy to read, it provides useful exercises and a bit of food for thought. I kept it in the shelf, I might reread to some parts in the future.
August 2, 2020
A little repetitive
I’m not one to read and entire book if I don’t find value from it, because there is a lot of value here. Unfortunately parts do seem a little repetitive, but from the perspective of someone not knowing Orr understanding imposter syndrome, this would be a five star read. It provides depth and great examples along with a methodical approach.
I’m not one to read and entire book if I don’t find value from it, because there is a lot of value here. Unfortunately parts do seem a little repetitive, but from the perspective of someone not knowing Orr understanding imposter syndrome, this would be a five star read. It provides depth and great examples along with a methodical approach.
March 10, 2024
Great book. Bought on kindle and made 80 “highlights” which I then couldn’t always find - so have ended up buying the hard copy version (note there is a newer 2024 updated version so go for that)
Main takeaways: we all have it at some point (work/home/community etc); often manifests during “transitions”; talking about it cuts it off at the knees; observe facts not feelings.
Lost a point for me from the title “Imposter Cure” …I think there is no silver bullet and you may never fully be “cured” - having an awareness though is key to taming it. I also feel that having this uncertainty makes us connect on a human to human basis with others from a position of vulnerability.
Read it and see what you think!
Main takeaways: we all have it at some point (work/home/community etc); often manifests during “transitions”; talking about it cuts it off at the knees; observe facts not feelings.
Lost a point for me from the title “Imposter Cure” …I think there is no silver bullet and you may never fully be “cured” - having an awareness though is key to taming it. I also feel that having this uncertainty makes us connect on a human to human basis with others from a position of vulnerability.
Read it and see what you think!
March 5, 2025
I’ve never really done a “self help” book but after working with a therapist for years and getting the value from that I thought “sure, why not”.
This books gets me and my career/life. It’s an amazing listen and I recommend for anyone who has entered into something and thought “boy, they’re gonna be mad when they realized they realize how much I suck.”
Consider giving this a try and enjoy the ride.
This books gets me and my career/life. It’s an amazing listen and I recommend for anyone who has entered into something and thought “boy, they’re gonna be mad when they realized they realize how much I suck.”
Consider giving this a try and enjoy the ride.
January 8, 2021
some bits were repetitive but had a lot of really good reminders - was v useful and insightful esp for current times w exams/coursework + the J society/household I grew up in
February 11, 2023
3.5 stars
Read
February 10, 2023Stop feeling like a fraud and start being your best self.
The driver, his heart pounding, slowed down as he entered the thick fog. It was both perplexing and perilous. The road was familiar, but the cabby had no idea what lay ahead. Everything was quiet – except in his mind. He felt compelled to continue, but all he wanted to do was pull over.
Suddenly, he yelped. He slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting the car in front. He released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and glanced back at his passenger.
“Wow,” she said, “you’re amazing! I thought we were gonna die!”
The driver shook his head and smiled. He was convinced it was just luck. As the fog lifted, he drove on, relief washing over him.
Imposter syndrome can be disorienting. Self-doubt can make it tough for someone with the syndrome to recognize their personal skills and accomplishments. So instead, they concentrate on their flaws and shortcomings.
This self-doubt can paralyze you and stop you from living life to its fullest. But like driving in fog, imposter syndrome is something you can learn to navigate.
In this book by Jessamy Hibberd’s The Imposter Cure, we’ll look at the causes of imposter syndrome and discover coping strategies to beat it.
By building a body of evidence and keeping track of your progress, you’ll find your own imposter cure and learn how to overcome any obstacles to your future happiness.
So, let’s turn off the cruise control and head into unchartered territory.
---
There are five types of imposter.
Have you ever felt like you were a fraud? Maybe you’ve just got a job promotion and are worried you won't live up to expectations. Perhaps you're in college and finding it hard to keep up with your peers. Whatever your reason for feeling that way, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome occurs whenever your beliefs and expectations collide. For example, people with the syndrome feel shame when they don't achieve their goals. This results in guilt, leading to self-doubt and poor performance. Research by Dr. Valerie Young – an expert on the syndrome and cofounder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute – shows that people with the syndrome present with one of five character traits.
Perfectionists have high standards. They’re filled with self-doubt when things aren't perfect. They're afraid of failure. But since perfection is impossible, these feelings create a never-ending cycle of hard work and dissatisfaction.
Natural geniuses focus on how and when things are done. They feel like fakes when they can’t do something right away. They learn new things quickly but lack perseverance.
Soloists believe a goal is only worth pursuing if they can achieve it alone. So they don’t ask for help – even when a project is going wrong. When they encounter troubles, they put things off so they don’t have to admit defeat.
Experts are knowledge perfectionists. They believe competence means knowing everything. They won’t consider a job if they don’t meet all the requirements. Experts worry about seeming inexperienced or uninformed.
Superwomen and Supermen have unreal expectations and, like perfectionists, they believe it's all or nothing. They define competence as flawless performance in any role or situation.
Did you recognize yourself as belonging to one of these types? If so, you too may have imposter syndrome. While there’s no single “cure” for imposter syndrome, understanding how it manifests is an ideal place to start.
---
Recognize negative self-talk and its power will shrink.
Anything that suggests achievement or approval can cause imposter syndrome. Why is it, then, that some people experience unease in these situations while others don't? Well, it depends on how you interpret your discomfort. When someone with imposter syndrome feels discomfort, they accept it as a sign of being a fake. They believe they're not good enough or are unprepared for the challenge. But when someone with imposter syndrome succeeds, they feel that they must have tricked their way in – just like Poppy.
Poppy signed a book deal with her dream publisher. But then fear set in. What could she write? How many books would she sell? After all, unread books have no value. She misinterpreted her fear right from the start as it took hold of her. And it shifted her perspective. Every time she won, she moved the goalposts. Even when her first book was a success, she began the second book feeling exactly the same way.
Imposter syndrome isn't always obvious. Emotions can distort your reasoning, causing you to ignore feelings that might suggest something else. Regardless of how many projects you complete successfully, your self-perception can remain flawed.
Recognizing your thoughts aren't always right is a big step in overcoming imposter syndrome. Once you’re able to recognize that, you can start to call the rest of your negative beliefs into question. Don't worry – it's a lot easier than you think.
Grab a pen and paper or notebook, and make a list of everything you've ever accomplished, no matter how big or small. Then ask yourself what other people would think of a person who’d achieved all the things on your list. Use this as evidence that your theory of being an imposter is false. Then, when the next negative thought enters your mind, you’ll know it's a feeling, not a fact. Keep your list up-to-date to identify and correct your confirmation bias. This technique will quickly help you dispel the false beliefs you have about yourself.
---
Overworking and avoidance are signs you’re an imposter.
People with imposter syndrome feel like they’re living a lie, so they devise ways to cope. These actions may help in the short term, but if you aren’t fake, these behaviors are part of the problem. That’s why imposters [people with imposter syndrome] should rethink their coping strategy and change how they see themselves. Secrets, overworking, avoidance, self-criticism, self-doubt, insecurity, perfectionism, and a fear of failing are all common ways to deal with stress. But in the long run, these stop you from improving your self-image. Accepting this allows you to make positive changes.
Picture William, a lawyer. He’s recently been promoted and has been given extra responsibilities. His workload is more than he expected and he soon realizes he’s not doing enough. His eczema flares up from the stress. Rather than admit the workload is the issue, he keeps quiet – after all, he can simply work more hours. And if he doesn’t? Well, he’s afraid a rival will replace him. Soon, William is working or sleeping at weekends, too, rather than relaxing or spending time with his family.
Whether he’s a superman or a soloist, William will have to learn to manage his tendencies – otherwise, he’ll be exploited. Work isn’t everything. He’ll also have to be determined, persistent, and eager to learn. If he isn’t, he’ll risk getting stuck in a never-ending cycle with no payoff. He should consider what he wants to achieve in life. And he also needs to rethink his definition of success. What kind of person does he want to be?
It’s important to check in with yourself every so often and see how you’re doing. Are your imposter coping mechanisms still working? Are you, like William, sacrificing your health or relationships for the sake of your job? What would it be like to have some boundaries?
In the next section, you’ll learn how and why you should be kinder to yourself.
---
Become your own cheerleader and relieve your pain.
Sometimes it’s hard to be your own cheerleader. Your inner voice can be harsh. Worse still, you might not even realize it. This kind of self-criticism can hold you back. To get past this, be kind to yourself and have faith in your abilities.
Think of a time when you had to do something difficult. Who was there to encourage you? Did they judge you when they noticed you were in trouble? Probably not. Similarly, the voice inside your head should be your biggest fan, not your harshest critic.
Of course, criticism can also be good. It can help you stay objective and find ways to improve. But if you’re constantly bashing yourself, it can fill you with fear and doubt. It can stem your motivation and kill your inspiration. That’s reason enough to stop beating yourself up. And just because you’re eliminating your self-criticism doesn’t mean you’ll get lazy. On the contrary, motivated people stay motivated when they’re kind to themselves.
Self-compassion means recognizing that you’re in pain and taking the steps to relieve it. It requires self-acceptance rather than striving to meet some unrealistic standard. Think about how negative talk makes you feel. Recognize that this voice isn’t helping and doesn’t reflect your abilities. So when you face difficulties, consider what a kind person might say. Use this approach to improve your self-storytelling.
You can also relieve your imposter syndrome by discussing it with others. When you express your emotions, you feel better about yourself. Not only that, chatting about the syndrome can help normalize and manage it. So, the next time these feelings crop up, reach out to someone you trust.
Remember, the imposter’s voice is that of your fears, not your own. To overcome negative thoughts, consider the evidence. What’s really going on? If you can’t challenge your thoughts, recognize them as an imposter’s voice. Even better, transform them into a silly voice and ignore them completely.
---
Pursuing perfection is a recipe for failure.
Matilda loved the theater. As a child, she’d sit in the front row of a play, enthralled. So when the opportunity to attend drama school arose, she jumped at it. She was taken aback by her classmates’ talent – everyone seemed better than her. With determination, she caught up. Her effort paid off and she landed the lead role in a show. Even so, she felt inferior. She was constantly comparing herself to others. As time went by, she couldn’t face the pressure.
So what went wrong? Well, Matilda was unaware that perfectionism is about overcoming feelings of inadequacy. It feeds you insecurities, which can lead to overwork or avoidance. Like any other habit, it promises to make you feel better. Yet, the more you strive for perfection, the less you enjoy the task. So instead, you work even harder and try to achieve more.
If you’re permanently aiming for perfection, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Nothing in life is perfect. So if you set your standards too high, you’ll never meet them. Perfectionism is self-defeating and impossible to achieve.
So, stop for a moment and consider why somebody might want to be perfect. Is it because we believe that perfectionists make better employees and parents? Perhaps we feel that those people who feel they’re doing “enough” are lazy? Whatever the reason, it’s time we moved on from that kind of thinking, it makes it impossible to see clearly what’s going on.
Your imposter voice may well tell you that dropping your perfectionism is crazy but consider the cost to your health. The more of a perfectionist you are, the more psychological stress you have in return. Is it worth risking your health to pursue something that can’t actually be achieved? Instead of trying to do everything perfectly, try focusing on a few key areas. Diligence is a much healthier path to success. Once you accept your limitations you’ll be able to enjoy your life.
---
Combat avoidance and overwork.
Time is one of our most valuable commodities, so we need to choose how we use it wisely. To live your life to the fullest, reconsider how much you try to cram into a week. Perhaps it’s time for you to stop overworking and start thinking about a more sustainable path. To start reclaiming your life, you need to reassess your situation and deal with overwork and avoidance. Only then can you start to enjoy life again.
Your first step is to make yourself your priority. Set boundaries and try not to always favor the needs of others over your own. Take breaks. Delegate. When you try to do everything yourself, you simply set yourself up for failure. Be honest and open about your workload. Keep requests and commitments to a minimum. And tell others if you think you have too much to do. Most importantly, practice saying no.
Don’t waste your time trying to do everything perfectly, either. Test this by submitting work when you think it’s 80 percent perfect – see what others say about it. And ditch the idea that making time for yourself suggests laziness. You don't need to be productive 24-7. Taking some extra time for rest or pleasure may likely improve your performance. So put yourself first. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel afterward.
When you let go of your need for perfection, everything improves. After all, learning to appreciate the good things that come your way is what life’s about. Finding things to be thankful for is easier when you slow down. If you want to live your life fully, you have to make time to enjoy it.
---
Combatting imposter syndrome means becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. While it may be tempting to avoid new experiences, try to embrace the unknown. Push yourself to grow. As a result, you'll become more resilient and self-assured.
Look out for signs of perfectionism, self-doubt, self-criticism, avoidance, and overwork. Check to see if you've made necessary changes and if there’s anything else you need to work on.
Keep adding to your list of accomplishments. When you start thinking of yourself as successful, it's easier to believe you can do even better. Whatever you define as success, ensure your goals aren't luring you back into the mind trap of imposter syndrome. If they do, remember what you're living for. Reread your notes and apply your unique “cure.” And be compassionate with yourself.
Finally, recognize there’s no such thing as perfection. So be patient and give yourself a chance to succeed and enjoy your life.
The driver, his heart pounding, slowed down as he entered the thick fog. It was both perplexing and perilous. The road was familiar, but the cabby had no idea what lay ahead. Everything was quiet – except in his mind. He felt compelled to continue, but all he wanted to do was pull over.
Suddenly, he yelped. He slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting the car in front. He released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and glanced back at his passenger.
“Wow,” she said, “you’re amazing! I thought we were gonna die!”
The driver shook his head and smiled. He was convinced it was just luck. As the fog lifted, he drove on, relief washing over him.
Imposter syndrome can be disorienting. Self-doubt can make it tough for someone with the syndrome to recognize their personal skills and accomplishments. So instead, they concentrate on their flaws and shortcomings.
This self-doubt can paralyze you and stop you from living life to its fullest. But like driving in fog, imposter syndrome is something you can learn to navigate.
In this book by Jessamy Hibberd’s The Imposter Cure, we’ll look at the causes of imposter syndrome and discover coping strategies to beat it.
By building a body of evidence and keeping track of your progress, you’ll find your own imposter cure and learn how to overcome any obstacles to your future happiness.
So, let’s turn off the cruise control and head into unchartered territory.
---
There are five types of imposter.
Have you ever felt like you were a fraud? Maybe you’ve just got a job promotion and are worried you won't live up to expectations. Perhaps you're in college and finding it hard to keep up with your peers. Whatever your reason for feeling that way, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome occurs whenever your beliefs and expectations collide. For example, people with the syndrome feel shame when they don't achieve their goals. This results in guilt, leading to self-doubt and poor performance. Research by Dr. Valerie Young – an expert on the syndrome and cofounder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute – shows that people with the syndrome present with one of five character traits.
Perfectionists have high standards. They’re filled with self-doubt when things aren't perfect. They're afraid of failure. But since perfection is impossible, these feelings create a never-ending cycle of hard work and dissatisfaction.
Natural geniuses focus on how and when things are done. They feel like fakes when they can’t do something right away. They learn new things quickly but lack perseverance.
Soloists believe a goal is only worth pursuing if they can achieve it alone. So they don’t ask for help – even when a project is going wrong. When they encounter troubles, they put things off so they don’t have to admit defeat.
Experts are knowledge perfectionists. They believe competence means knowing everything. They won’t consider a job if they don’t meet all the requirements. Experts worry about seeming inexperienced or uninformed.
Superwomen and Supermen have unreal expectations and, like perfectionists, they believe it's all or nothing. They define competence as flawless performance in any role or situation.
Did you recognize yourself as belonging to one of these types? If so, you too may have imposter syndrome. While there’s no single “cure” for imposter syndrome, understanding how it manifests is an ideal place to start.
---
Recognize negative self-talk and its power will shrink.
Anything that suggests achievement or approval can cause imposter syndrome. Why is it, then, that some people experience unease in these situations while others don't? Well, it depends on how you interpret your discomfort. When someone with imposter syndrome feels discomfort, they accept it as a sign of being a fake. They believe they're not good enough or are unprepared for the challenge. But when someone with imposter syndrome succeeds, they feel that they must have tricked their way in – just like Poppy.
Poppy signed a book deal with her dream publisher. But then fear set in. What could she write? How many books would she sell? After all, unread books have no value. She misinterpreted her fear right from the start as it took hold of her. And it shifted her perspective. Every time she won, she moved the goalposts. Even when her first book was a success, she began the second book feeling exactly the same way.
Imposter syndrome isn't always obvious. Emotions can distort your reasoning, causing you to ignore feelings that might suggest something else. Regardless of how many projects you complete successfully, your self-perception can remain flawed.
Recognizing your thoughts aren't always right is a big step in overcoming imposter syndrome. Once you’re able to recognize that, you can start to call the rest of your negative beliefs into question. Don't worry – it's a lot easier than you think.
Grab a pen and paper or notebook, and make a list of everything you've ever accomplished, no matter how big or small. Then ask yourself what other people would think of a person who’d achieved all the things on your list. Use this as evidence that your theory of being an imposter is false. Then, when the next negative thought enters your mind, you’ll know it's a feeling, not a fact. Keep your list up-to-date to identify and correct your confirmation bias. This technique will quickly help you dispel the false beliefs you have about yourself.
---
Overworking and avoidance are signs you’re an imposter.
People with imposter syndrome feel like they’re living a lie, so they devise ways to cope. These actions may help in the short term, but if you aren’t fake, these behaviors are part of the problem. That’s why imposters [people with imposter syndrome] should rethink their coping strategy and change how they see themselves. Secrets, overworking, avoidance, self-criticism, self-doubt, insecurity, perfectionism, and a fear of failing are all common ways to deal with stress. But in the long run, these stop you from improving your self-image. Accepting this allows you to make positive changes.
Picture William, a lawyer. He’s recently been promoted and has been given extra responsibilities. His workload is more than he expected and he soon realizes he’s not doing enough. His eczema flares up from the stress. Rather than admit the workload is the issue, he keeps quiet – after all, he can simply work more hours. And if he doesn’t? Well, he’s afraid a rival will replace him. Soon, William is working or sleeping at weekends, too, rather than relaxing or spending time with his family.
Whether he’s a superman or a soloist, William will have to learn to manage his tendencies – otherwise, he’ll be exploited. Work isn’t everything. He’ll also have to be determined, persistent, and eager to learn. If he isn’t, he’ll risk getting stuck in a never-ending cycle with no payoff. He should consider what he wants to achieve in life. And he also needs to rethink his definition of success. What kind of person does he want to be?
It’s important to check in with yourself every so often and see how you’re doing. Are your imposter coping mechanisms still working? Are you, like William, sacrificing your health or relationships for the sake of your job? What would it be like to have some boundaries?
In the next section, you’ll learn how and why you should be kinder to yourself.
---
Become your own cheerleader and relieve your pain.
Sometimes it’s hard to be your own cheerleader. Your inner voice can be harsh. Worse still, you might not even realize it. This kind of self-criticism can hold you back. To get past this, be kind to yourself and have faith in your abilities.
Think of a time when you had to do something difficult. Who was there to encourage you? Did they judge you when they noticed you were in trouble? Probably not. Similarly, the voice inside your head should be your biggest fan, not your harshest critic.
Of course, criticism can also be good. It can help you stay objective and find ways to improve. But if you’re constantly bashing yourself, it can fill you with fear and doubt. It can stem your motivation and kill your inspiration. That’s reason enough to stop beating yourself up. And just because you’re eliminating your self-criticism doesn’t mean you’ll get lazy. On the contrary, motivated people stay motivated when they’re kind to themselves.
Self-compassion means recognizing that you’re in pain and taking the steps to relieve it. It requires self-acceptance rather than striving to meet some unrealistic standard. Think about how negative talk makes you feel. Recognize that this voice isn’t helping and doesn’t reflect your abilities. So when you face difficulties, consider what a kind person might say. Use this approach to improve your self-storytelling.
You can also relieve your imposter syndrome by discussing it with others. When you express your emotions, you feel better about yourself. Not only that, chatting about the syndrome can help normalize and manage it. So, the next time these feelings crop up, reach out to someone you trust.
Remember, the imposter’s voice is that of your fears, not your own. To overcome negative thoughts, consider the evidence. What’s really going on? If you can’t challenge your thoughts, recognize them as an imposter’s voice. Even better, transform them into a silly voice and ignore them completely.
---
Pursuing perfection is a recipe for failure.
Matilda loved the theater. As a child, she’d sit in the front row of a play, enthralled. So when the opportunity to attend drama school arose, she jumped at it. She was taken aback by her classmates’ talent – everyone seemed better than her. With determination, she caught up. Her effort paid off and she landed the lead role in a show. Even so, she felt inferior. She was constantly comparing herself to others. As time went by, she couldn’t face the pressure.
So what went wrong? Well, Matilda was unaware that perfectionism is about overcoming feelings of inadequacy. It feeds you insecurities, which can lead to overwork or avoidance. Like any other habit, it promises to make you feel better. Yet, the more you strive for perfection, the less you enjoy the task. So instead, you work even harder and try to achieve more.
If you’re permanently aiming for perfection, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Nothing in life is perfect. So if you set your standards too high, you’ll never meet them. Perfectionism is self-defeating and impossible to achieve.
So, stop for a moment and consider why somebody might want to be perfect. Is it because we believe that perfectionists make better employees and parents? Perhaps we feel that those people who feel they’re doing “enough” are lazy? Whatever the reason, it’s time we moved on from that kind of thinking, it makes it impossible to see clearly what’s going on.
Your imposter voice may well tell you that dropping your perfectionism is crazy but consider the cost to your health. The more of a perfectionist you are, the more psychological stress you have in return. Is it worth risking your health to pursue something that can’t actually be achieved? Instead of trying to do everything perfectly, try focusing on a few key areas. Diligence is a much healthier path to success. Once you accept your limitations you’ll be able to enjoy your life.
---
Combat avoidance and overwork.
Time is one of our most valuable commodities, so we need to choose how we use it wisely. To live your life to the fullest, reconsider how much you try to cram into a week. Perhaps it’s time for you to stop overworking and start thinking about a more sustainable path. To start reclaiming your life, you need to reassess your situation and deal with overwork and avoidance. Only then can you start to enjoy life again.
Your first step is to make yourself your priority. Set boundaries and try not to always favor the needs of others over your own. Take breaks. Delegate. When you try to do everything yourself, you simply set yourself up for failure. Be honest and open about your workload. Keep requests and commitments to a minimum. And tell others if you think you have too much to do. Most importantly, practice saying no.
Don’t waste your time trying to do everything perfectly, either. Test this by submitting work when you think it’s 80 percent perfect – see what others say about it. And ditch the idea that making time for yourself suggests laziness. You don't need to be productive 24-7. Taking some extra time for rest or pleasure may likely improve your performance. So put yourself first. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel afterward.
When you let go of your need for perfection, everything improves. After all, learning to appreciate the good things that come your way is what life’s about. Finding things to be thankful for is easier when you slow down. If you want to live your life fully, you have to make time to enjoy it.
---
Combatting imposter syndrome means becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. While it may be tempting to avoid new experiences, try to embrace the unknown. Push yourself to grow. As a result, you'll become more resilient and self-assured.
Look out for signs of perfectionism, self-doubt, self-criticism, avoidance, and overwork. Check to see if you've made necessary changes and if there’s anything else you need to work on.
Keep adding to your list of accomplishments. When you start thinking of yourself as successful, it's easier to believe you can do even better. Whatever you define as success, ensure your goals aren't luring you back into the mind trap of imposter syndrome. If they do, remember what you're living for. Reread your notes and apply your unique “cure.” And be compassionate with yourself.
Finally, recognize there’s no such thing as perfection. So be patient and give yourself a chance to succeed and enjoy your life.
June 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I found this book very helpful and thought-provoking. The author has great positive reframes that are very useful for pushing back against that imposter voice.
June 26, 2021
The author explores the psychological root cause behind imposter syndrome and provides solutions and techniques for working to mitigate it from negatively impacting the reader’s life in the future. Readers gain a few basic tools for helping to identify and combat imposter syndrome in their life.
My upcoming book identifies areas in STEM that the reader needs to be keenly aware where imposter syndrome creeps in. It encourages the reader to be observant of specific STEM-related situations when imposter syndrome may creep in and gives them strategies to combat it when it happens. Imposter syndrome impacts nearly every woman in STEM and statistics are spilled out on why this happens. Stressing the connection between constructive feedback, a strong network and celebration of one’s accomplishments, my book presents a broad array of practical techniques the reader can use to combat imposter syndrome before it overtakes their life.
Follow me for more updates on my upcoming book!
My upcoming book identifies areas in STEM that the reader needs to be keenly aware where imposter syndrome creeps in. It encourages the reader to be observant of specific STEM-related situations when imposter syndrome may creep in and gives them strategies to combat it when it happens. Imposter syndrome impacts nearly every woman in STEM and statistics are spilled out on why this happens. Stressing the connection between constructive feedback, a strong network and celebration of one’s accomplishments, my book presents a broad array of practical techniques the reader can use to combat imposter syndrome before it overtakes their life.
Follow me for more updates on my upcoming book!
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