Ever felt like a fraud even you’re doing well? That was me all throughout graduate school. I agonized over every big project and was convinced that each time my professors would find out that I had no clue what I was doing. But that moment never came. Despite my internal self-doubt and imposter syndrome, I cleared every hurdle but not without a lot of self-doubt, a loud inner critic, and low self-esteem. This blog covers the difference between imposter syndrome and self-esteem and how self-compassion can help.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the persistent fear of being “found out” as not good enough, despite evidence of success. It’s common for those with imposter syndrome to attribute their success to luck, discount positive feedback, and over-research and over-prepare. Their accomplishments don’t usually do much to squash feelings of imposter syndrome making it hard to conquer.

Two women sit at a table near a window talking to each other. This image represents two high-achieving women in Austin, Texas who experience self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and anxiety in successful professionals.

Self-esteem

Self-esteem is how you generally see and value yourself. Those with low self-esteem experience a broad or more global sense of unworthiness or inadequacy. It’s gets to more of the core of who they are and less about their skills or expertise. It’s important to note that someone with healthy self-esteem can still experience moments of self-doubt, but it isn’t persistent and they don’t feel like a fraud all of the time.

How Imposter Syndrome and Self-esteem are Different

While self-esteem and imposter syndrome can certainly go together, there are differences. Imposter syndrome is typically situational and often times achievement oriented. Whereas low self-esteem is pervasive and spills into all areas of life. There can be overlaps with both imposter syndrome and low self-esteem. Someone with low self-esteem may be more vulnerable to experiencing imposter syndrome.

A woman sits on a couch and writes in a journal. This image represents the importance of self-compassion for imposter syndrome in high-achieving women in Texas.

The Missing Link: Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is the antidote to imposter syndrome and low self-esteem but it can be hard to understand what it is and how to practice it. Self-compassion, simply put, is treating yourself with the same kindness that you would offer a friend. If a friend made a mistake or was struggling with imposter syndrome, we would likely meet with them with support, kindness, and compassion. But oftentimes, those with low self-esteem and imposter syndrome have a loud inner critic that points out their mistakes, tells them they are worthless, and doubts themselves. Research shows that self-compassion helps quiet the inner critic that can fuel both imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Sounds great, right?! But how do you do it?

Practical Ways to Cultivate Self-Compassion

A woman sits near a window smiling. This image represents how self-compassion can help reduce feelings of imposter syndrome in successful professional women in Austin, Texas.

Let’s be honest, practicing self-compassion can be hard. Especially if our automatic go-to is to beat ourselves up for mistakes or perceived failures. Some small ways we can incorporate self-compassion in our lives can be recognizing everyone makes mistakes, accepting our imperfections, and talking to ourselves with gentleness and kindness when self-doubt shows up. Some other ways to practice self-compassion include:

Practicing mindful self-talk

Keeping a success file to remind yourself of your accomplishments

Noticing when you compare yourself and gently redirect

Seeking professional support

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome and low self-esteem can be pervasive and isolating. But you’re not alone. A lot of high achievers struggle with imposter syndrome and self-esteem. Practicing self-compassion can help, but it isn’t a quick fix, which is what most of my clients are looking for. It’s a sustainable way to build healthier confidence. The next time your inner critic shows up, try responding with kindness instead of criticism; you might be surprised how much it changes.

Ditch Self-Doubt with Therapy for Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt in Austin and throughout the state of TX!

Imposter syndrome and low self-esteem shouldn’t be running the show. If you are a high-achiever who struggles with imposter syndrome despite your successes, Therapy for Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt in Austin, TX can help.

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Other Services Offered by Dr. Molly Moore of Moore Psychotherapy, PLLC

Are you a high-achieving woman who struggles with anxiety, impostor syndrome, and burnout? I’m Dr. Molly Moore, a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX who specializes in working with high-achieving women just like you. In addition to helping clients ditch anxiety with Therapy for Anxiety, I also help women overcome self-doubt and feeling like a fraud with Therapy for Imposter Syndrome. Therapy for Burnout is for those folks who are exhausted—emotionally and physically—to find relief and be productive without sacrificing their needs. In my practice, I provide Online Therapy in Texas. To learn more about me and the work I do, check out my About Me page and my blog.

Imposter Syndrome vs Self-Esteem: The Importance of Self-Compassion for High-Achievers