The PhD Life Coach 4.16 Why you should notice the paradox of imposter syndrome
Dec 15, 2025
Imposter syndrome affects high achievers, who often feel like frauds while simultaneously holding unrealistic standards. Dr. Vikki Wright explores the paradox of feeling inadequate despite achievement, linking it to the Dunning-Kruger effect. She identifies five experiences—like always striving to be the best and viewing struggles as failure—that contribute to these feelings. The discussion emphasizes normalizing effort, confusion, and the iterative nature of research, encouraging listeners to view their challenges with compassion.
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Paradox Of Imposter Feelings
- High-achieving academics often feel like imposters despite objective success.
- This paradox arises from expectations shaped by past rewards and environments.
High Ability, Higher Doubt
- People with the highest ability can be most likely to feel like imposters.
- Holding unrealistic internal standards often fuels those imposter thoughts.
Being The Best Became Belonging
- Many academics come from backgrounds where being the best defined belonging and worth.
- Entering cohorts of other top performers suddenly makes being 'not the best' feel like being an imposter.