Why do I attribute my career successes purely to luck or timing?

Feeling that your achievements are due to external factors rather than your own efforts is a common experience, often linked to imposter syndrome. This perspective can stem from a tendency to downplay personal competence and internalize failures, while externalizing successes. It's a way the mind tries to protect itself, even if it undermines self-belief and recognition of hard work.

Research suggests that over 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their professional lives, often leading them to discount their own abilities and attribute success to external f

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Am I the only one who attributes career successes purely to luck or timing?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone attribute career successes purely to luck or timing?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to attribute career successes purely to luck or timing?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to attribute career successes purely to luck or timing?

Is It Weird?

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I just got the principal job, fifty years old, and all I can think about is those veteran teachers, the ones who practically built this place, watching me…waiting for me to fail. …

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Every time I walk past their classrooms, I feel this weird somatic response, like my stomach just clenches up. …

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel like a fraud at work?▾
Yes, many professionals, even those at the top of their fields, report experiencing feelings of being a fraud or undeserving of their position. This is a core aspect of imposter syndrome.
How can I stop dismissing my achievements?▾
To stop dismissing achievements, try keeping a record of your contributions and positive feedback. Regularly reviewing these concrete examples can help to challenge the belief that success is purely accidental.
What's the difference between humility and imposter syndrome?▾
Humility is recognizing your strengths and weaknesses without arrogance, while imposter syndrome involves a persistent belief that you are incompetent or a deceiver, despite evidence of success. One is a balanced self-view, the other is self-doubt.

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