Imposter Syndrome, Trauma, and the High-Achiever Spiral
Do any of the following sound familiar?
Walked into a room and immediately thought someone made a mistake inviting you?
Hit a big milestone only to feel… nothing?
Attributed your success to luck, timing, or a clerical error?
Looked around and thought everyone except you earned their spot, which means you had to work twice as hard to prove yourself?
If any of this sounds familiar, you’ve likely had a run-in with Imposter Syndrome. That voice in your head that says, “You don’t belong here. And eventually, they’ll figure it out.”
But here’s the thing: imposter syndrome isn’t just about self-doubt. It has roots in deeper trauma, perfectionism, anxiety, and what some call “high-achiever syndrome.”
Where It Comes From (Hint: It’s Not Because You’re Incompetent)
Imposter syndrome often shows up in people who are actually highly competent, caring, thoughtful, and hardworking. In fact, the more accomplished you are, the more likely it is to sneak in. Why? A few reasons:
1. Trauma’s Whisper
If you grew up in chaos, hypercriticism, or environments where love and praise were conditional, your nervous system may have learned to equate safety with achievement.
Your brain goes: “If I do everything perfectly, I won’t get in trouble.”
That wiring doesn’t disappear when you get the diploma, land the job, or get a promotion.
2. Perfectionism in Disguise
“If it’s not flawless, it doesn’t count.”
“It worked out, but…”
Success feels empty because the bar keeps moving.
3. Classic Anxiety
Anxiety loves to say: “What if?”
What if I fail?
What if I just got lucky?
What if they realize I don’t know what I’m doing?
Your inner alarm system is constantly scanning for danger, even when you’re safe, respected, and qualified.
4. High-Achiever Syndrome
Many high achievers have spent a lifetime being “the responsible one,” the “straight-A kid,” or the person others rely on.
Achievement becomes your identity. If you’re not achieving, who are you?
Cue: Imposter syndrome. Because if your self-worth is built on being impressive, the fear of not being enough turns into an existential crisis.
So… What Can We Do?
First, a gentle reminder: You’re not broken. You’ve adapted to survive. Imposter syndrome is a lingering echo of those old survival strategies.
Here’s what helps:
Name it. “Oh! That’s imposter syndrome talking.” This creates space between you and the thought (i.e. A thought is a thought, not a fact)
Trace it. Ask: “Where did I learn this” A parent? A coach? An old boss?
Check the evidence. “Would a total fraud really work this hard? Get promoted? Achieve this much?”
Practice internal safety. You don’t have to earn your right to belong. You’re already enough.
Closing Thoughts
If imposter syndrome is part of your daily life, you’re not alone, and it’s not a defect. It’s a result of behaviors that used to protect you. But those defenses aren’t useful anymore.
You belong. You’re worth it. You don’t have to prove it. You’re safe. You’re already enough.
And if that still feels hard to believe? That’s okay too. Let’s work on untangling that thread together.