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Writer's pictureDeniss Pleiner

The Red Flags of Impostor Syndrome

by Deniss Pleiner, M.A.


 

In the last couple of years, Impostor Syndrome has become a more commonly used term– but what does it really look like?


It would be irresponsible of me to jump to the red flags without a bit of context first: Our layered identities and experiences play a role in the way we feel at work. Our culture, sex, gender, race– they all shape what others expect of us and what we expect of ourselves. I talk more about this in a previous video about Impostor Syndrome so check it out if you want to learn more about that but as I list each red flag, keep this in mind.


Fear

  • Fearing You will Get Fired

  • Fearing the worst

Guilt

  • in connection to Rest/Time off

Self Doubt

  • Doubting anything is “good enough”

  • Doubt you are where you belong

Procrastination

  • Putting things off to the last minute for fear of failure

Difficulty sleeping

  • As with all things related to our mental health: our body feels it too.

  • Thinking about work, not getting enough sleep



Remember to contextualize your symptoms. How do your identities: being a womxn or person of color affect your experience at work? Lack of representation, racism, sexism, Immigration status– they all play a role in how you perceive yourself, your goodness, your enoughness. There is a reason Imposter Syndrome is disproportionally experienced by minorities. So, if you are having these feelings, ask yourself WHY and ask yourself: what I am feeling an impostor to?


The answer is not to try to assimilate to whiteness or corporate culture but rather contextualize yourself, challenge thoughts, soothe yourself, and continue the journey to feeling comfortable and confident being yourself in every space you find yourself.



To learn more about the Red Flags of Imposter Syndrome, check out the full Youtube video below!


Always cheering for you,

Deniss 📣✨






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