The psychologist talked about ways to identify impostor syndrome.

Impostor syndrome and the real inconsistency of a position can manifest themselves with similar feelings, but require different solutions — from working with self-esteem to changing the professional path. This was reported to Izvestia on April 13 by Oksana Panina, a business psychologist.

According to the expert, the widespread idea that impostor syndrome is always associated with failures is not true. Some employees may regularly fail to complete tasks, but they do not doubt themselves, while experienced professionals continue to experience inner insecurity even with high results.

The expert stressed that the line between internal anxiety and objective inconsistency with tasks remains thin, but it is important to recognize it. In one case, a person needs to work with self—worth, in the other - a reassessment of the career path.

"The more experienced and competent an expert is, the more questions he has about himself. The paradox is explained simply: after going a long way, a person gets used to his achievements and ceases to perceive them as something special. His level becomes the norm, commonplace, whereas for others it is an unattainable peak. That is why strong experts devalue their results and act out of a distorted perception of themselves and their professional achievements," Panina said.

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At the same time, there are signs indicating a possible mismatch of the position. Among them are systematic mistakes that are repeated despite training, as well as stable negative feedback. An additional signal may be the reallocation of tasks in favor of other employees.

"This is a quiet and at the same time vivid marker of upcoming changes," the psychologist noted.

The expert added that it is worth considering a change of activity even if there is a lack of interest, burnout or a feeling of a "ceiling" in development. According to her, many remain in the familiar environment because of the fear of change.

To make a decision, the specialist recommended comparing two scenarios — the continuation of current work and the transition to a new field. At the same time, it is important to assess where a person feels the most engagement, interest and satisfaction.

Psychologist Tatiana Smirnova said on April 7 that satisfaction from other people's failures is associated with mechanisms of social competition and protection of self-esteem. The expert noted that such a reaction is formed as a result of social comparison and the desire to reduce the feeling of threat.

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