Women who struggle with Imposter Syndrome often have symptoms or manifestations that indicate their lack of confidence: external locus of control, difficulty in self-recognition, hard to accept praise & accolades, and lastly, a skewed way of looking at other’s achievements.

Attributing Success to Luck or Deception: Individuals experiencing imposter syndrome often struggle to internalize their successes. Instead of attributing their accomplishments to their own skills and efforts, they may dismiss them as luck or believe that they’ve deceived others into thinking they’re competent. This tendency to downplay their achievements can stem from feelings of inadequacy and a fear of being exposed as a fraud.

Difficulty Recognizing Themselves: Women with imposter syndrome may have difficulty recognizing their own abilities and achievements. Despite evidence of their competence and accomplishments, they may perceive themselves as undeserving or unworthy of success. This lack of self-recognition can contribute to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.

Struggle to Accept Recognition: Individuals with imposter syndrome often find it challenging to accept praise or recognition from others. Even when presented with accolades for their achievements, they may feel uncomfortable or undeserving of the attention. This discomfort may arise from a fear of being “found out” as an imposter or a belief that they don’t truly deserve recognition for their work.

Thwarted Perception of Others’ Accomplishments: Imposter syndrome can distort individuals’ perceptions of others’ accomplishments. Women who struggle with imposter syndrome may perceive their peers as more competent or successful, even when evidence suggests otherwise. This skewed perception can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and reinforce the belief that they don’t measure up to others in their field or profession.

Addressing imposter syndrome often involves challenging negative beliefs and learning to internalize achievements and recognition. Encourage yourself to recognize your worth, celebrate successes, and support other women of color in overcoming imposter syndrome can help foster greater confidence and self-assurance.