Dr Emily - The Phenomenon That Is Imposter Syndrome

Do you live in fear of being found out as a fraud? That despite your years of competency, achievement and high performance someone will uncover the truth?
Well, you’re in the right place. Our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove is here to tell you that your imposter syndrome is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it’s not even a syndrome.
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To get a little bit meta, Dr Emily explains that knowing that you don’t know everything, is a good thing. Especially if you’re starting a new role, or trying something for the first time.
HOWEVER, the long-term consequences of the imposter cycle such as perfectionism, overcompensation, burnout, or even avoidance and procrastination, may impact your willingness to say yes to new opportunities, such as going for that promotion or asking for support.
In this episode, Dr Emily asks Hugh, Ryan and Josh to think about the balance of their competence and confidence, and provides them (and you!) with four practical strategies for combatting this pesky phenomenon.
And then, a weird amount of chat about Vlad the Impaler.
0:00 – An Emisode!
2:41 – Adam Grant is not an imposter
5:11 – Origins of Imposter Syndrome
6:45 – ‘Syndrome’ is the wrong word
8:19 – It all comes back to belonging
10:39 – How common is imposter syndrome?
12:20 – Fear of being found out as a fraud
15:16 – The evolutionary psychology of belonging and self-doubt
16:35 – Is self-doubt actually healthy?
17:42 – Is your confidence a mask?
18:57 – The Dunning-Kruger Effect
23:15 – The more you know ….
25:12 – Competence vs confidence
26:29 – The Imposter Cycle: anxiety, perfectionism, luck
32:09 – Becoming your own favourite artist
35:55 – Avoidance, procrastination + self-fulfilling prophecies
38:29 – Long term consequences ft. Hugh’s anus
45:26 – Authenticity as the antidote
46:22 – Less growth, less promotions
48:52 – Strategy 1: write down your skills
49:53 – Strategy 2: name your shame
51:40 – Supporting a friend with imposter phenomenon
52:29 – Self-doubt in a new role is a good sign
57:12 – Strategy 3: mentor a near peer
1:00:38 – Strategy 4: celebrate your success
1:02:57 – Creating a good workplace culture
1:04:06 – Belonging is good for business
1:06:25 – Want more on belonging?
Dr Em, thanks for joining us.
🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
• Adam Grant - The Potential of Your Potential - bit.ly/4jc0DFM
• Dr Emily - We’re Longing for Belonging - bit.ly/4yElLJp
• Rana Hussain - Belonging for Connection - bit.ly/4odhGY8
• Esther Perel - It’s Not Them, It’s You - bit.ly/4yxgljs
🎧Things to listen to
• The Curiosity Shop with Brene Brown and Adam Grant - bit.ly/4gT05mW
📖Things to read
• Hidden Potential, by Adam Grant - bit.ly/4AemQcv
• Hardwiring Happiness, by Rick Hanson - bit.ly/3T6IhM0
📺 Things to watch
• Mad Men - bit.ly/4cLB6zx
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The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.