ELI5: What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is when you feel like a fake, even when you're really good at something.

Imagine you're playing a game of tag, and you're really fast. You tag everyone else easily. But instead of feeling proud, you think, "I just got lucky! They let me win!" That's kind of like imposter syndrome.

It's like wearing a costume. You look like a superhero on the outside, but inside you worry everyone will find out you're just a regular person.

Here's how it works:

• You achieve something great, like getting a good grade on a test or winning a prize.
• Instead of thinking you earned it through hard work and skill, you think it was just luck or a mistake. Maybe the teacher graded easily, or the other contestants weren't very good.
• You worry that people will find out you're not as smart or talented as they think you are. You're afraid of being "exposed" as a fraud.
• This worry can make you feel anxious and stressed, even though you're doing well.

• Downplay their achievements ("Oh, it was nothing, anyone could have done it").
• Attribute success to external factors (luck, timing, help from others).
• Fear failure constantly, even when they've succeeded many times before.
• Overwork themselves to avoid being seen as incompetent.