What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the nagging belief that your success is a fluke, that you don’t truly deserve your achievements. It’s that quiet voice whispering, “I just got lucky,” even when your hard work and qualifications say otherwise.
In her recent interview on WURD Radio’s The Midday Break Room, Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, shared that imposter syndrome is especially common among high-achieving professionals, graduate students, and individuals in demanding careers.
Why High-Achievers Are Prone to Imposter Feelings
According to Moorehead, imposter syndrome stems from three major factors:
- External attribution – giving credit to luck instead of skill (“They picked me by mistake”).
- Low self-esteem – downplaying your own effort or intelligence.
- Behavioral avoidance – over-preparing, procrastinating, or endlessly perfecting to cope with fear of failure.
These patterns create a vicious cycle of anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion, even for those who appear confident and accomplished.
The Link Between Imposter Syndrome, Anxiety, and Burnout
Living in constant self-doubt can feel like being stuck on a hamster wheel, always running, never arriving. Over time, that emotional strain can evolve into anxiety, panic attacks, or depression. Moorehead notes that many clients feel an undercurrent of anger or shame when they sense they don’t belong, even in spaces they’ve earned their place in.
How to Begin Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
The first step is awareness. Moorehead suggests catching your internal dialogue and reframing it with factual statements:
- Instead of “I got lucky,” try “I spent hours preparing for this presentation.”
- Replace “I don’t belong here” with “I earned my degree and qualifications.”
By grounding your thoughts in truth, you start dismantling distorted beliefs about worth and competence.
Supporting Someone Struggling with Imposter Syndrome
Friends and colleagues can make a difference, but the key is validation. Avoid dismissing their feelings with “You’re amazing!” Instead, help them see the facts:
- “You prepared thoroughly.”
- “You’ve handled similar projects before.”
- “What would you say to me if I were in your shoes?”
These gentle prompts help shift the person’s focus from fear to reality.
Imposter Syndrome Affects Everyone
Though initially studied in women, research now shows that imposter syndrome impacts people of all genders and backgrounds, particularly those from marginalized communities in professional settings. Recognizing and naming these experiences is a powerful step toward healing and self-trust.
About Lorain Moorehead, LCSW
Lorain Moorehead is a psychotherapist, consultant, and podcast host based in Arizona. She helps high-achieving professionals untangle anxiety, perfectionism, and relationship stress through evidence-based therapy approaches like EMDR. Learn more or schedule a consultation at LorainMoorehead.com.
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