Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life

For example, you may be recruited to support the care of an adult sibling, even though this sibling may be fully capable of caring for themselves.

Academic or professional achievement is highly valued in your family.

Communication and behavior are governed by strict rules and procedures.

Looking for approval from others, having trouble expressing your own opinions, and feeling insecure of your own accomplishments are natural developments from these conditions.

The children are required to fulfill their parent(s)’ needs and wishes, and this is often controlled by validation only around domains that the parent(s) finds worthy. The child is molded to meet the parent(s)’ expectations. When the child fails to meet these expectations, there are significant consequences, which feel like the loss of the parent(s

High need to please others in the family. High need to control impulses OR low need to control impulses.

Anger and conflict are present and not well managed in the family.

This shows a definite tendency for women to be counterphobic (i.e., facing fears directly) when it comes to impostor syndrome fears, which leaves them steeped in the constant experiences of feeling like an impostor.

Not understanding their worth (i.e., salary comps) in the marketplace Fear of negotiating Lack of motivation to leave stagnating roles Reluctance to vie for promotion Avoidance of high-visibility stretch assignments Difficulty networking and communicating their accomplishments to others Trouble envisioning their long-term career future