Have you ever felt like you don't deserve your success? Or that any moment, someone will discover you're a fraud who has somehow tricked your way into your job or school? If so, you've experienced imposter syndrome.

It's not a formal mental health diagnosis, but rather a psychological pattern of persistent self-doubt. People experiencing it feel like their accomplishments are due to luck or fooling others, not their own skill or hard work. They live with a constant fear of being exposed as incompetent.

The term was coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes. Their initial research focused on high-achieving women, but we now know this feeling is incredibly widespread, affecting people of all genders, backgrounds, and professions.

Imposter syndrome shows up in a few distinct ways. Recognizing these characteristics is the first step to understanding the experience.

• Attributing success to external factors. You might credit your achievements to luck, timing, or someone else's mistake. You believe you just happened to be in the right place at the right time, rather than acknowledging your own abilities.

• Discounting praise. When someone compliments your work, your gut reaction is to dismiss it. You might think, "They're just being nice," or "They don't know what they're talking about."

• **Fear of being "found out."

This is a cornerstone of imposter syndrome. It's a nagging anxiety that you will be exposed as a fake, leading to professional or social ruin.

• Perfectionism. You set impossibly high standards for yourself. When you inevitably fall short of perfection, it reinforces your belief that you are inadequate. You might over-prepare for tasks or procrastinate out of a fear of not doing them perfectly.

• Inability to internalize success. Even with a long track record of accomplishments, you feel no lasting sense of competence. Each new achievement is dismissed, and the cycle of self-doubt begins again with the next challenge.

Just about everyone. Studies suggest that up to 70% of people will experience these feelings at some point in their lives. It's a common human experience, not a personal failing.

While it can affect anyone, imposter syndrome often surfaces during times of transition, like starting a new job, changing careers, or beginning a difficult academic program. Stepping into a new role can trigger feelings of inadequacy as you navigate unfamiliar responsibilities.

It can also be especially pronounced for individuals from underrepresented groups. When you don't see many people who look like you in your field, it can amplify feelings of not belonging, making it easier for self-doubt to take root.

From brilliant scientists to celebrated artists, many of history's most accomplished figures have reported feeling like frauds. Understanding that this is a shared experience helps demystify it and see it not as a reflection of your abilities, but as a common psychological hurdle.