And why high achievers suffer the most.
If you've ever felt like a fraud despite your accomplishments, you're in excellent company. Nearly everyone experiences that nagging voice of self-doubt.
Whether you're a professional, a student, a creative, or anyone striving for growth, you've likely felt that familiar pang of self-doubt, even when all evidence points to your competence.
You've landed the dream job, received glowing feedback, or achieved a significant milestone, yet something inside whispers, "You don't deserve this. Soon, everyone will realize you're not as capable as they think."
At Merity, we see this every day: high-achieving professionals grappling with imposter syndrome, one of the most pervasive yet misunderstood psychological phenomena of our time.
At its core, imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt and perceived fraudulence, despite evident success or external validation. It's that internal voice that dismisses your achievements as luck or timing rather than skill or effort.
The term was first coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who observed a pattern where individuals, especially women in their study, found ways to negate external evidence of their competence.
This creates a vicious cycle of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-sabotage that can be incredibly difficult to break.
Imposter syndrome manifests differently for everyone and can be either fleeting or persistent. Common signs include:
These feelings often intensify in new or high-pressure situations: starting a new job, publishing work, or entering prestigious environments. Even after significant accomplishments, the sense of being an "imposter" can linger, sometimes leading to anxiety or depressive episodes.
Through our work with thousands of professionals, we've observed that imposter syndrome disproportionately affects high-achieving individuals. The very traits that drive success also make our clients more vulnerable to these feelings of fraudulence.
High achievers often set exceptionally high standards for themselves. While this drive fuels success, it also creates a constant fear of falling short. Every achievement raises the bar further, intensifying the pressure to maintain flawless performance and increasing anxiety about being "found out."
High performers often demonstrate humility by attributing their accomplishments to luck, timing, or others' support, rather than acknowledging their own abilities. This tendency creates a persistent cycle where each new success is quickly dismissed as undeserved.
From early education through professional careers, high achievers are often placed in competitive settings that foster constant comparison with peers. When surrounded by other top performers, even minor setbacks can feel like evidence of inadequacy.
As individuals climb higher in their fields, they gain deeper understanding and become more aware of what they don't know. This expanded awareness can paradoxically decrease confidence, as high achievers see the vastness of the unknown and doubt their expertise.
Representation Pressure: High achievers, especially those from underrepresented groups, may feel added pressure because they're highly visible or feel they're representing others like themselves. This amplifies the fear of making mistakes and being exposed as not belonging.
At Merity, we've seen firsthand how impostor syndrome goes beyond internal struggle—it has tangible consequences. Our clients often come to us because these feelings have prevented them from pursuing opportunities, asking for promotions, or sharing their ideas. The fear of being exposed as a "fraud" leads to overworking and burnout, or conversely, holding back from taking growth-enabling risks.
At Merity, we believe imposter syndrome thrives in silence and secrecy. By naming it, sharing your story, and working with the right support, you can break its hold. We've seen it happen countless times: professionals who once doubted their worth discovering their true potential and stepping confidently into their success.
Remember: you are not alone, and your achievements are real. We're here to help you recognize that truth
We specialize in helping high-achieving professionals break free from imposter syndrome. Our experienced coaches understand these challenges intimately and have developed targeted approaches that create lasting change.
Our coaches work one-on-one with clients to: