We all grapple with self-doubt from time to time, but for some, this insecurity deepens into a persistent and debilitating pattern known as impostor syndrome.
Those battling impostor syndrome often feel they don’t deserve their success, believing they’ve somehow tricked others into overestimating their abilities. This internal narrative isn’t simply self-deprecating – it’s self-sabotaging.
What’s more insidious is that the behaviors linked with impostor syndrome are often subtle, unnoticeable to the sufferer. Yet, these actions can limit personal growth and hamper one’s ability to fully embrace their potential.
This article will highlight eight such self-sabotaging behaviors commonly exhibited by people struggling with impostor syndrome, often without realizing it.
Awareness is the first step towards change, and understanding these patterns can be an important stepping stone on the path to overcoming these limiting beliefs.
1) Overcompensation through perfectionism
Perfectionism is often hailed as a virtue in our success-driven society. However, for individuals grappling with impostor syndrome, it’s less about striving for excellence and more about avoiding criticism or failure.
These individuals often feel that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. They tend to set impossibly high standards for themselves and then berate themselves when they don’t meet these expectations.
This constant pursuit of flawlessness can lead to a vicious cycle of overwork, stress, and self-criticism. Overcompensating through perfectionism also manifests in an obsessive attention to detail.
Such individuals may spend disproportionate amounts of time fine-tuning a task or project, fearing that any oversight or error will expose them as a fraud.
But this behavior is self-sabotaging. The fear of making mistakes can hinder creativity and innovation – key elements in personal growth and success. It can also lead to burnout, affecting overall productivity and well-being.
Understanding this pattern is crucial.
Recognizing that perfectionism could be a mask for impostor syndrome is the first step towards breaking free from its grasp and fostering a healthier relationship with one’s work and achievements.
2) Constant need for validation
Impostor syndrome often fuels a relentless quest for external validation.
People with this mindset are constantly seeking approval from others to affirm their worth and competency. They feel a need to prove themselves over and over again, believing that their value lies solely in their achievements and the praise they receive.
I’ve personally encountered this tendency in my own journey. The fear of being “found out” as an impostor can make you overly dependent on positive feedback. You start to believe that without constant affirmation, your worth is somehow diminished.
This behavior, however, is self-sabotaging. It robs you of your ability to validate yourself and cultivate self-belief.
Instead, your confidence becomes linked to other people’s opinions, which are often unpredictable and out of your control.
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It’s important to learn to appreciate your own worth and not depend solely on external recognition.
As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
This quote resonates deeply with me as it highlights the importance of taking ownership of our self-worth – a cornerstone in overcoming impostor syndrome.
3) Fear of asking for help
Another common behavior of people who wrestle with impostor syndrome is an intense fear of asking for help.
They worry that reaching out to others for assistance will expose their perceived inadequacy and confirm their fears of being a fraud. They prefer to struggle in silence rather than risk appearing incompetent or needy.
This reluctance to ask for help can be deeply self-sabotaging. It not only adds unnecessary stress and difficulty to tasks, but it also denies one the opportunity to learn from others’ expertise and experience. It can lead to feelings of isolation, as the person struggles alone while everyone else seems to be managing effortlessly.
It’s important to remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of strength and wisdom. It shows that you value growth over ego and understand the power of collaboration and shared knowledge.
In my video on imposter syndrome, I delve deeper into this topic. I explain why we should not fight but embrace feeling like an imposter, as it is a sign of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.

A quote from renowned author Brené Brown encapsulates this beautifully: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
This courage, which includes asking for help when needed, is ultimately what leads us towards greater authenticity and fulfilment.
4) Downplaying achievements
An individual battling impostor syndrome often downplays their achievements, attributing their success to external factors such as luck or timing, rather than recognizing their own skills and hard work.
This tendency to dismiss one’s achievements reinforces the belief that they’re an impostor who’s tricked others into thinking they’re competent.
Downplaying success not only robs you of the joy of accomplishment, but it also reinforces the impostor narrative. By constantly belittling your achievements, you reinforce the idea that you’re not deserving of your success.
This behavior is not only self-sabotaging but also contradicts one of my fundamental beliefs: the power of taking responsibility.
Taking responsibility means acknowledging the role we play in our own successes, as well as our failures. It’s about recognizing our own abilities and contributions, rather than attributing our achievements to luck or other external factors.
As philosopher and psychologist William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.”
Recognizing and celebrating our achievements is a crucial part of this attitude shift, helping us overcome impostor syndrome and live more authentically.
5) Avoiding challenges
People suffering from impostor syndrome often hesitate to take on new challenges due to their fear of failure. They’d rather stick to what they know they’re good at than risk exposing their perceived incompetence.
This fear of being found out often leads them to stay within their comfort zones and avoid opportunities for growth and learning.
This avoidance behavior limits personal development, stifles creativity, and prevents individuals from exploring their full potential. It also contradicts one of my deeply-held beliefs: embracing obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
Instead of seeing challenges as threats, we can choose to view them as opportunities to learn and grow. By stepping out of our comfort zones, we can discover new abilities, acquire new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.
In my video on “the illusion of happiness,” I delve into how chasing happiness can make us miserable and how true contentment comes from embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself.

The words of author Neil Gaiman beautifully encapsulate this concept: “The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision…Start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there’ll always be better writers than you…but you are the only you.”
Embracing challenges is an integral part of writing our unique stories.
6) Overworking to prove worth
In an effort to hide any perceived incompetence, individuals with impostor syndrome often find themselves working excessively. They believe that by working harder than everyone else, they can prevent others from discovering their ‘fraudulence’.
This overworking is often accompanied by a persistent feeling of not doing enough, regardless of the actual quality or quantity of their work.
While hard work is admired in our society, the constant striving to prove one’s worth can lead to burnout and impact overall well-being. It’s a self-sabotaging behavior that not only affects one’s health but also hampers productivity and creativity in the long run.
This pattern of behavior is contrary to my belief in prosperity aligning with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change.
It’s not about accumulating wealth or working ourselves into exhaustion, but about cultivating a sense of purpose, creativity, and ethical participation in the economy.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
Overcoming impostor syndrome involves redefining success on our own terms and finding balance in our lives.
7) Fear of success
Paradoxically, those struggling with impostor syndrome often harbor a deep-seated fear of success.
They worry that success will only raise the stakes, increasing the pressure to perform and the risk of eventual exposure as a fraud. They may even subconsciously sabotage their own success to avoid these perceived risks.
This fear not only limits their potential but also prevents them from fully experiencing and enjoying their achievements. It’s a self-sabotaging behavior that stems from the belief that they are not deserving of success.
This mindset is in stark contrast to my belief in the fundamental worth and dignity of every individual. Each one of us is deserving of success and should be able to celebrate our achievements without fear.
As Marianne Williamson famously said, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
8) Neglecting personal needs
In their quest to prevent others from discovering their perceived fraudulence, those grappling with impostor syndrome often neglect their own personal needs.
They may sacrifice sleep, exercise, or self-care in order to spend more time working or studying, believing that this extra effort will help them ‘catch up’ to their peers.
This neglect of personal needs can lead to physical health problems, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and can negatively impact relationships and overall quality of life.
This behavior runs counter to my belief in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth.
By prioritizing self-care and nurturing our physical and emotional wellbeing, we can create a strong foundation for personal success and resilience.
As Audre Lorde wisely said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Recognizing and attending to our personal needs is not selfish but crucial for our overall wellbeing and success.
Empowering Transformation
The complexity of human psyche and behavior is intrinsically linked to our self-perception and beliefs. One such intricate relationship manifests in the struggle with impostor syndrome.
This pattern of self-doubt and fear of exposure, while challenging, can also be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation. It prompts introspection, encouraging us to confront our fears, challenge our limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion.
For those grappling with impostor syndrome, recognizing these self-sabotaging behaviors is the first step towards reclaiming their authenticity and personal power.
By acknowledging their strengths, embracing their vulnerabilities, and celebrating their achievements, they can begin to dismantle the impostor narrative.
Whether it’s learning to ask for help, taking on new challenges, or prioritizing self-care, each step taken is a victory against the impostor within. The journey may not be easy, but every stride forward brings us closer to a more authentic and empowered version of ourselves.
In the words of Carl Rogers, a prominent psychologist and one of the founders of the humanistic approach to psychology, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
This acceptance is at the heart of overcoming impostor syndrome; it’s where genuine transformation begins.
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