Wondering if you’re experiencing imposter syndrome? Our Imposter Syndrome Quiz is designed to help you find out.

If you’ve ever felt like a fraud, convinced that despite your achievements, someone will eventually discover you’re not capable or deserving of where you are, you’re not alone.

Imposter syndrome is a silent epidemic impacting many of us. Research published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science indicates that about 70% of individuals will experience imposter syndrome during their professional lives—but my coach’s intuition tells me that number is even higher.

Imposter syndrome creates a cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, and negative self-talk that can hold you back from embracing new opportunities and achieving career success. It can even affect your mental health.

If these feelings resonate with you, it’s time to take action. Take our Imposter Syndrome Quiz now to uncover how imposter syndrome manifests for you. Start breaking free from the mental barriers standing in the way of your success!

Throughout this article, we use the spelling “imposter syndrome,” though you’ll also see it written as “impostor syndrome.” Both are commonly used interchangeably to describe the same experience. We use “impostor” when directly referencing the work of others who have used that spelling. For example, Dr. Valerie Young, who identified and introduced the five types of Impostor Syndrome in her book.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling that you’re not as competent or talented as others believe you to be—despite clear evidence of your achievements.

How does experiencing imposter syndrome feel? It often shows up as self-doubt, anxiety, and fear of being “exposed” as a fraud, even among high achievers who have a strong track record of success. This internal struggle fuels negative self-talk and can make it difficult to fully embrace accomplishments or take actionable steps forward in life.

What Causes Imposter Syndrome?

The imposter phenomenon, a term from clinical psychology, stems from a mix of personal experiences, societal expectations, and workplace pressures. While anyone can experience imposter feelings, research shows that high-achieving women are especially vulnerable. A recent meta-analysis of over 100 studies confirmed that women experience imposter feelings more often than men, highlighting just how widespread this is.

This builds on the original work by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who first identified the “impostor phenomenon” in 1978, noting that many successful women attribute their achievements to luck rather than to their own abilities.

Several factors contribute to the development of imposter syndrome:

Upbringing & Parenting Styles

Growing up with impossibly high standards, excessive praise, or constant comparisons can shape the belief that success is never enough—or simply a stroke of luck. Parents who emphasize achievement may unintentionally instill a fear of failure and patterns of negative self-talk.

Work Environment & Cultural Expectations

As a career and life coach, I believe early work experiences strongly shape our beliefs about career potential. Competitive job markets, perfectionist cultures, and limited diversity in leadership often reinforce imposter feelings—especially for high-achieving women, who may feel constant pressure to prove their worth.

Perfectionism & Overworking

“You can be anything if you try hard enough.” It’s a familiar mantra, but it often fuels overwork and the belief that effort must be endless to be worthy. This mindset is linked to stress, burnout, and depression—common outcomes of internalized perfectionism.

External Factors & Social Conditioning

Cultural norms, gender expectations, and other environmental factors can set unrealistic standards of success and amplify feelings of imposter syndrome. These narratives can lead individuals to downplay their accomplishments and live in fear of being “found out.”

Overcoming imposter syndrome begins with recognizing the influences and other external factors that shape our self-doubt. When we acknowledge these pressures while focusing on what we can control, our mindset, we unlock incredible potential. By challenging negative thoughts, reframing limiting beliefs, and fostering a more empowering workplace culture, we can break free from “impostor feelings” and step into leadership with confidence.

How Imposter Syndrome Sabotages Your Career

Imposter syndrome is not a diagnosis, but rather a thought pattern. These thought patterns can create mental roadblocks that hinder confidence, professional growth, and leadership potential. When you feel like an imposter, it’s not just an internal struggle—it actively leads to self-sabotage, holding you back from advancing in your career. Imposter syndrome can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, reinforcing the belief that you’re not good enough, even when you have the skills and experience to succeed. Over time, this mindset can limit your growth, impact your confidence, and prevent you from seizing new opportunities.

Imposter syndrome can sabotage your career success in many ways. Here are a few examples that might sound familiar:

Reluctance to Apply for a New Job

Many professionals hesitate to go after new opportunities, believing that because they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, they can’t apply. This is fear of rejection or “not being ready” and can keep you stuck in roles that don’t challenge or fulfill you.

Hesitation to Negotiate Salary or Ask for Promotions

When doubt creeps in, you may struggle to advocate for yourself. Imposter syndrome convinces you that you’re lucky to have your position and should just be grateful, making it difficult to ask for the raise or promotion you deserve.

Avoidance of Leadership Roles

Many high performers feel frustrated watching less-experienced colleagues move into leadership positions because they don’t see themselves as “leadership material.” Part of this is avoiding going after the next leadership opportunity because imposter syndrome may cause a fear of being exposed as a fraud or fear of failure.

Withdrawing from Networking or Speaking Opportunities

A toxic work environment can reinforce imposter syndrome, making individuals afraid to voice their opinions in meetings or avoid networking events where they feel they don’t belong. Over time, this self-doubt and withdrawal can isolate you and limit your professional growth.

By recognizing these patterns, you can start to challenge the negative beliefs that are holding you back. So, what’s the first step to breaking free? Understanding how imposter syndrome manifests in your life. Take the Imposter Syndrome Quiz now and take control of your career with confidence!

Why Understanding Your Imposter Syndrome Type Matters

I’ve coached hundreds of clients on imposter syndrome, and I’ve seen firsthand how it manifests differently for each person. Some people overwork to prove their worth, while others avoid challenges out of fear of failure. By identifying your imposter syndrome type, you gain the self-awareness needed to break free from limiting beliefs and stop sabotaging your career.

Furthermore, when you understand your specific imposter tendencies, you can develop targeted strategies to overcome them. Instead of feeling stuck in self-doubt, you’ll learn to recognize thought patterns, challenge negative self-talk, and build self-confidence. Awareness is always the first step toward positive change.

Sound Familiar? Take the Imposter Syndrome Quiz

Ready to build confidence and take control of your career? Our Imposter Syndrome Quiz is a powerful diagnostic tool designed to help you recognize which competence type of the imposter phenomenon you struggle with most.

By taking the quiz, you’ll:

• Identify your imposter syndrome type and how it affects your career.
• Gain personalized insights into your thought patterns.
• Learn targeted strategies to overcome self-doubt and build self-confidence.

Your career success starts with understanding the mental barriers holding you back. Take the Imposter Syndrome Quiz now and start stepping into your full potential!

Your Quiz Results: The 5 Types of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome, also known as the “impostor phenomenon,” can significantly impact career growth and success. An authority on the subject, Dr. Valerie Young, identified and introduced the five types of “Impostor Syndrome” in her book. These five types describe common characteristics and the different ways people with imposter syndrome inaccurately interpret what it means to be competent.

Dr. Valerie Young named the five types of “Impostor Syndrome,” the Superhuman, the Soloist, the Expert, the Natural Genius, and the Perfectionist. By understanding these types, you can better recognize the patterns that may be holding you back and take steps to overcome them.

Here’s a brief overview of each type and how they might show up in your career:

The Perfectionist

Perfectionists set exceedingly high standards for themselves and often feel disappointed when they fall short. This type can struggle with delegation and fears making mistakes, as any flaw or imperfection feels like a personal failure. In the workplace, perfectionists may shy away from taking on new opportunities that could lead to mistakes or perceived failure, which can negatively affect their career advancement.

The Superhuman

Superhumans push themselves to work as hard as possible, often overworking to prove their worth. This constant striving to exceed expectations can lead to burnout. This type may take on excessive workloads and refuse to delegate, thinking they need to do everything themselves to demonstrate their competence. As a result, career success may come at the cost of personal well-being if this pattern isn’t addressed.

The Expert

Experts often feel they don’t know enough, even when they have significant experience or education. I sometimes like to call this type the “forever student.” Experts can be hesitant to apply for jobs or promotions, as they believe they don’t meet all the requirements or that they need “all the answers” before they’re ready. Their lack of self-confidence may prevent them from taking the next step in their career.

The Natural Genius

Natural Geniuses believe that success should come easily and that anything that requires significant effort or struggle is a sign of incompetence. They avoid challenges that don’t come naturally to them and may be reluctant to take on tasks that push them outside their comfort zone. While I personally am all about the effortless state of being, there is something to be said about overcoming a challenge. The career growth of a Natural Genius can stall if they pursue only tasks that feel “effortless” to them.

The Soloist

Soloists are hesitant to ask for help, fearing that revealing that they need assistance will expose their incompetence. They often work in isolation and may struggle in collaborative environments. While they may excel in individual tasks, their reluctance to work with others can limit their potential for career growth, especially in leadership or team-oriented roles.

Understanding which of these 5 types resonates with you can be a powerful first step in overcoming Imposter Syndrome and building greater self-confidence in your career. Recognizing these tendencies allows you to work toward a healthier, more balanced professional life.

Career Advice Tailored to Your Imposter Syndrome Type

Once you’ve built the awareness of how imposter syndrome shows up for you, the next step is to explore how each “Impostor Syndrome type” has a unique set of strategies that can help you break free from self-doubt.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is key to reaching your full potential and advancing in your career. By understanding your type, practicing self-compassion, and applying tailored tools and approaches, you can build greater self-confidence, enhance your job search, and create a work environment that fosters growth and success. Below, we provide career-focused advice for each of the five types to help you thrive professionally.

Tips for The Perfectionist

As a Perfectionist, you may set extremely high standards for yourself, which can lead to frustration when you don’t meet them.

To break free from this cycle:

• Set realistic goals: Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on setting achievable, step-by-step goals that allow room for flexibility and improvement.
• Celebrate: Recognize and reward your efforts, even when things aren’t flawless. Every small step forward is a success.
• Reframe: Progress over perfection. This goes hand in hand with celebrating your wins along the way.
• Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: Mistakes are part of the process, not a reflection of incompetence. Acknowledge the lessons you learn when you make mistakes. These are often monumental moments in our careers.
• Expand your network and mentorship: Seek feedback from others and build relationships that help you see your own abilities more clearly, rather than through a lens of constant self-criticism. Working with a career coach is another excellent way to look outside yourself.

Tips for The Superhuman

As a Superhuman, you may overwork yourself to prove your worth, leading to burnout.

To break free from this pattern:

• Set healthy work boundaries: Learn to prioritize tasks and create space for rest and recovery. Balance is key to long-term success.
• Delegate tasks: Trust your colleagues and team members. Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of effective leadership and collaboration.
• Recognize that productivity doesn’t define your value: Your worth isn’t tied to how much you accomplish. Take time to acknowledge your achievements without measuring them against unrealistic standards. You are worth it!
• Seek mentorship in leadership roles: Seeking guidance from more experienced leaders can help you navigate the pressure you place on yourself and learn healthier approaches to work-life balance.

Tips for The Expert

As an Expert, you may feel you never know enough, which can hold you back from pursuing new opportunities.

To break free from this mindset:

• Trust in your skills and experience: Acknowledge the value you bring to the table. You already have a wealth of knowledge and abilities to contribute.
• Apply for opportunities, especially if you don’t meet every requirement: Learning happens on the job, and you can grow into new roles. Don’t wait until you feel “perfectly” qualified—take the leap. The truth is, if you hit every requirement, you are overqualified for the role.
• Leverage your accomplishments: Recognize your past successes, and use them as a foundation to propel you forward in your career.
• Expand your network: Engaging with a diverse group of professionals can help you see new perspectives and opportunities for growth.

Tips for The Natural Genius

As a Natural Genius, you may avoid challenges that don’t come easily, believing that struggling means you’re not competent.

To shift this mindset:

• Embrace a growth mindset: Understand that career success is built on persistence and learning, not instant mastery. Reframe challenges as opportunities to grow.
• Seek out challenges: Push yourself to try new tasks or projects that stretch your abilities. These experiences will build resilience and confidence in the long run.
• Recognize the value of effort and persistence: Consistent hard work and dedication lead to long-term success. Don’t shy away from the effort required to achieve big goals.
• Mentorship and networking: Surround yourself with professionals who have different strengths and experiences, helping you see the value of effort and learning as part of your development.

Tips for The Soloist

As a Soloist, you may struggle to ask for help, fearing it will fuel feelings of inadequacy.

To break free from isolation:

• Build a strong professional network: Networking isn’t about asking for favors; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Embrace the power of collaboration.
• Embrace mentorship: Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Practice asking for guidance when needed: Recognizing when you need support can lead to better decision-making and more effective problem-solving.
• Recognize the power of teamwork: Collaborative environments often foster innovation and personal growth. Don’t limit yourself by trying to do everything alone. The best work is created by diverse minds!

Each of these recommendations outlines a set of tools that you can tailor based on your specific imposter syndrome type. In doing so, you can move past self-doubt and unlock your full potential. Focus on your own abilities, celebrate your accomplishments, and invest in professional growth through networking, mentorship, and taking on new challenges. With time and effort, you’ll build confidence and grow into the leader you were born to be.

Overcome Imposter Syndrome with the Right Support

Navigating and overcoming impostor syndrome is essential for career growth, especially when you’re stepping into new challenges, transitions, or leadership roles. While the path to building self-confidence can feel overwhelming at times, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

If you haven’t taken the Imposter Syndrome Quiz yet, now’s the time. Get a clearer picture of how your internal narrative might be shaping your career, so you can move forward and succeed on your terms.

And if you’re ready for more personalized support to tackle imposter syndrome head-on, our expert team of coaches is here to help. Book a free consultation to explore how coaching can help you recognize your strengths, shift your internal narrative, and create a clear path forward. Together, we’ll help you build the tools and strategies needed to realize your full potential, without letting Imposter Syndrome hold you back.

Don’t underestimate the value of the outside perspective of a coach and having someone to hold you accountable. It can be hard to make a big change on your own. Let’s work together to ensure that imposter syndrome isn’t preventing you from reaching your full potential.

Remember: self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. So, make sure you’re celebrating your wins along the way. You are most definitely worth it!