Have you’ve ever felt like an imposter in your job? Worried that someone was going to call you out for not having all the answers? Or tell you you’re not as 
talented/smart/capable as everyone else thinks you are?
Well, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is a pretty common occurrence for both men and women.
But did you know that there are different faces and facets to Imposter Syndrome? Each one is its own archetype for feeling like a fraud.
A lot has been written on imposter syndrome and through my research and studies, I’ve come to recognize that “Imposter Syndrome” is actually the nice way to say that someone is riddled with Self-Doubt.
Self-doubt is the true culprit here that is getting in the way of your success, holding you back and keeping you from achieving all you’re meant to and so much more!
My research has led me to these 5 different self-doubt archetypes, which are the underbelly of imposter syndrome.
Which Self-Doubt Archetype is running you?
Let’s take a closer look at these different Self-doubt archetypes so you can recognize how this unwanted “friend” is showing up in your life. Recognizing your fears is the first step to reclaiming your power back from your them.
You can also take our 3-minute quiz to identify which Self-Doubt Archetype is slowing you down on your path to greater success.
“When you look fear in the face,
it quickly disappears into the nothingness that it is.”
~ Michele Molitor
The Procrastinating Perfectionist
As you may have guessed, the Procrastinating Perfectionist is always striving for more, greater heights of achievements and kudos just to feel “good enough.” You have exacting standards for the way things ‘should’ be done.
Every. Single. Time.
No if’s, ands or buts.
This can be exhausting. Not only for you but for your team as well!
The Procrastinating Perfectionist might look or sound like:
- Everything must be done to perfection and yet that still never feels “enough”
- You keep raising the bar on yourself (and others) so you’re never satisfied with what’s achieved
- “If I were really competent, I would deliver perfect work 100% of the time.”
Their biggest fear? Fear of losing control.
Here are some powerful mental reframes though to get you back on track:
- “Perfectionism inhibits success.”
- “Sometimes good is good enough.”
- “Non-perfection is to be welcomed.”
The Shapeshifter
You’re most likely a Shapeshifter if you find yourself spinning multiple plates just to please others. You’re proud of the fact that you can be a chameleon to fit into any situation as this helps you maintain a feeling of safety.
But all that busyness is just a way to help you avoid feeling the fears and anxiety that are really motivating your actions and behaviors. The problem is that burying these feelings only guarantees that they will come back another day to get your attention until you address them head on. (BTW, this doesn’t have to be difficult. Actually, it’s much easier than you might think!).
The Shapeshifter might look or sound like:
- You’re proud of all the extra hours you’re working, like it’s a badge of honor which validates your contributions
- You don’t mind working long hours as a way to avoid feeling other more uncomfortable feelings or being distracted by negative thoughts
- “If I were really competent, I would be able to do it ALL.”
Their biggest fear? Facing your fears and past traumas.
Here are some powerful mental reframes though to get you back on track:
- “Really, it’s ok to say No.”
- “Slow down and let go of unnecessary tasks so you can focus on the people/activities that really matter.”
- “Set a healthy example for your children and your employees.”
The Reluctant Resistor
This self-doubt archetype is always working hard to prove themselves because you never feel like you’ve gotten ‘there’ yet, to the mysterious land of full potential (even though you’re super talented). You always feel like you’re falling short, comparing yourself to others, leaving you afraid to be seen or judged for your work.
And when the Reluctant Resistor gets called out to improve their work, it is uncharted waters. Leaving you feeling like a failure or worse, berating yourself with a bunch of shoulda/coulda/woulda’s around your work.
The Reluctant Resistor might look or sound like:
- You disregard your success because you think “Everyone can do that.”
- When pushed to take your work to the next level of quality, you get uncomfortable or overwhelmed or threatened
- “If I were really competent, I would learn quickly and easily the first time without any guidance or mistakes.”
Their biggest fear? Fear (or shame) of failing.
Here are some powerful mental reframes though to get you back on track:
- “Effort beats ability.”
- “Real success takes a bit of time.”
- “Challenges are opportunities to learn and grow.”
The Anxious Avoider
This self-doubt archetype avoids getting help or assistance with their work, no matter what. You’re not interested in the opinions or help from others because assistance might just expose your weaknesses that you’re desperately trying to conceal from the world.
And your ego just can’t have that, so you get overwhelmed trying to do it all by yourself.
The Anxious Avoider might look or sound like:
- Asking for help is as painful as going to the dentist or doing your taxes, so you avoid it for as long as possible
- Having to depend on others to get something done only leads to disappointment or failure, which only reinforces the idea “I should just do it all myself.”
- “If I were really competent, I could do everything by myself.”
Their biggest fear? Fear of being found out as a fraud.
Here are some powerful mental reframes though to get you back on track:
- “Competent people know how to ask for help.”
- “It’s ok to build on the work of other experienced people.”
- “Smart people seek out others who know more than they do.”
The Fearful Follower
This archetype loves to hoard knowledge, research, books, and credentials to fill your brain with more information so you can always have the right answer at the ready when asked. Constant learning and education is a way of seeking outside validation for what you already know but are afraid to claim as your expertise.
You go way above and beyond because of one perceived failure in the past that causes you to now hide out in the shadows feeling ‘not enough’ in some way shape or form. You’re convinced that you need to have all the answers before you can declare yourself as an expert.
The truth is, no one has ALL of the answers (except maybe Google…).
The Fearful Follower might look or sound like:
- You feel you need to get the next credential to prove you know what you’re doing before applying for a new position.
- You don’t want to share information with the rest of the team until you’re sure you have it all “right” first.
- “If I were really competent, I would know everything there is to know about ______.”
Their biggest fear? Trusting themselves, their expertise or their intuition
Here are some powerful mental reframes though to get you back on track:
- “The path to expert takes many roads.”
- “You can never “know it all.”
- “You don’t’ need to have all the answers but you can be clever enough to find someone who has the answer you’re seeking.”
Regardless of which self-doubt archetype is driving your behaviors and actions, no matter which face of Imposter Syndrome you might be wearing, the good news is, you can always take that mask off.
You can rewire your thinking with new thoughts to get better outcomes.
Remember: You are perfectly imperfect just as you are, and just as you aren’t.
The more you can learn to love and appreciate yourself, with all your quirks and foibles that fuel your unique contributions to the world, the more you will find peace within yourself.
~ ~ ~
When you’re ready to reclaim your voice, your power and your peace of mind, then schedule your complimentary and confidential Discovery Call with Michele here.
She’ll listen carefully to what you’re challenged with and let you know how she can help you make a quantum leap forward in your life in as little as 90 days. What are you waiting for?
Wouldn’t you agree that life is too short to live from a place of fear?
~ ~ ~
Ready to release your imposter syndrome once and for all?
Join the How To Become UnShakeable membership with your 30-day trial.
The HTBU membership is a welcoming community that will share with you a powerful and invaluable program to help you uncover the root causes of your Imposter Syndrome – Self-Doubt!
In the UnShakeable program, you’ll learn how to Rewire your mind, heart and spirit with new empowering beliefs and habits for success.
Enabling you to reclaim your dignity, reminding you of your value and worth so you can stand tall in your confidence, and ask for what you deserve – both personally and professionally.
I look forward to talking with you!
Michele Molitor, CPCC, PCC, RTT, CHt
Your Mind Detective
Michele Molitor is a trailblazer in personal transformation.
For over two decades, she has been utilizing her expertise as a coach, hypnotherapist, speaker, and author, to intentionally address the pervasive mental health crisis we face today.
As the founder and CEO of Nectar Consulting, Inc., and co-author of the best-selling book “Breakthrough Healing,” her mission is to empower busy professionals to conquer anxiety, self-doubt, and toxic stress, paving the way for fulfilling lives and careers.
Dubbed “The Mind Detective” by her clients, Michele’s unique Rapid Rewiring™ approach masterfully infuses coaching with a variety of other science-based techniques including emotional intelligence, neuroscience, positive psychology, somatic therapy, Rapid Transformational Therapy and HeartHealingTM.
She has provided executive coaching, training, and leadership development globally to individuals and teams in a variety of industries verticals. Helping organizations revitalize their teams, enhance emotional intelligence, create strong cultures of positive communication while infusing them with clarity, purpose, and greater productivity.
As a nationally recognized speaker, certified executive coach, certified Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and HeartHealing® practitioner, certified hypnotherapist, consultant, trainer, and writer, Michele’s vision is to help create thriving work cultures were dignity and emotional well-being are cultivated through acceptance, belonging, and connection.
Nectar Consulting, Inc. is a Certified B Corporation.
Helping others to #DoWellByDoingGood.
#RapidRewire #SomedayStartsNow #UnlockThePowerOfYou
