I feel like my generation has perfected impostor syndrome. But that’s just me. And also it’s not like we’d take credit for it!
This piece was re-published.
I have spent a lifetime chasing wins. Get the A, accomplish every goal I’ve ever had on time (if not earlier), impress everyone always—and do it all without any help. Some would call that being motivated, and to an extent, they’re right. I’m certainly motivated… by a deep, crushing fear of being found out and losing everything.
My name is Nicole, and I deal with impostor syndrome.
According to experts, there are five subcategories to impostor syndrome; is anyone surprised that I’m all five rolled into one? (Overachieving even in my mental illness. Go me!) The thing about this particular brand of anxiety is that it all ties back to two main factors: success and self-worth.
