Dr. Shadé Zahrai

The first element is that you feel like a fraud, that other people believe you to be something you're not.

And the second element is that you have to have some kind of track record behind you that allows you to feel like I don't deserve this.

If you feel like an imposter and you've just started a new job,

It's probably not imposter, right?

It's just, I'm in a new environment.

I need to give myself grace to learn.

When we self-diagnose and say, oh my gosh, I'm such an imposter.

This is imposter syndrome.

That can lead us to withdraw even further.

We use it as an excuse.

So remind yourself, no, the imposter syndrome or imposter phenomenon is only when I have achieved something.

I've just won this award.

I've got this amazing job and I can demonstrate that I've got all these achievements behind me.

but I still don't feel I deserve it.

That is the definition of imposter phenomenon.

And it is so common, not just among women, but also among men.

Some studies have found that up to 82% of people at some point have felt like a fraud.

So if you've ever felt this way, firstly, rest assured, you're in very good company.

The next thing to be aware of with imposter syndrome or a phenomenon is if you feel like a fraud, rather than hearing that voice saying, you don't belong, don't speak to that person, don't speak up, flip it immediately to, wow, what an amazing opportunity I have to learn and grow.

Who can I learn from?