Impostor syndrome
Impostor syndrome is a persistent feeling that your success is undeserved, that your achievements came down to luck, and that you are about to be found out.
Definition
Discounting your own results and putting them down to luck or outside factors, despite objective achievements.
How it shows up in sport
The athlete never really owns their wins, fears not living up to expectations, and grows more anxious the higher the level they reach.
Related tests
Measured with impostor phenomenon scales; the accompanying anxiety with the tests section.
Exercises
An achievements journal and working with your inner dialogue both help.
Related terms and issues
See sport confidence and perfectionism.
Related topics
See also
When you need a personal review
If the challenge recurs, affects results, or causes strong tension for the athlete, it is better to discuss it with a specialist. Sports Talk helps you find a psychologist and a format that fits the sport, age and upcoming calendar.