Fraud or Perfectionist? Understanding the Imposter Gap

If you’ve ever sat in a high-level meeting or finished a successful project only to feel like you’ve "tricked" everyone into thinking you’re competent, you aren’t alone. This is the hallmark of Imposter Syndrome—a phenomenon where high achievers attribute their success to luck rather than skill, living in constant fear of being "found out."

However, recent research suggests that Imposter Syndrome doesn't exist in a vacuum. It is deeply intertwined with specific types of perfectionism. Understanding which type you struggle with can be the key to finally owning your successes.

 

The Perfectionism Connection

Not all perfectionism is created equal. While we often view the pursuit of excellence as a single trait, psychologists distinguish between different subtypes. The latest studies have found that Imposter Syndrome is most closely associated with critical and rigid perfectionism.

This type of perfectionism isn't just about having high standards; it’s about the harsh internal monologue that follows when those standards aren't met perfectly. Interestingly, the research found no significant link between Imposter Syndrome and "narcissistic perfectionism." While a narcissistic perfectionist expects perfection from others and takes full credit for their wins, those with Imposter Syndrome do the exact opposite—they take the blame for failures and give away the credit for successes.

The Three Pillars of the "Imposter" Mindset

The study identified three specific characteristics that predict whether someone will struggle with these feelings. If you recognise these in yourself, you are likely caught in a perfectionist loop:

1. Feeling Like a "Fake": The belief that your outward professional persona is a mask that doesn't represent your "true" (and supposedly incompetent) self.

2. The "Luck" Fallacy: Attributing major milestones to timing, luck, or "being in the right place" rather than years of preparation and hard work.

3. Discounting Success: The habit of downplaying wins. Instead of celebrating, you immediately move the goalposts or tell yourself, "Anyone could have done that."

Breaking the Cycle: From "Right" to "Good"

The distinction between these psychological traits might seem academic, but it offers a practical roadmap for overcoming the stress. If your Imposter Syndrome stems from rigid perfectionism, the solution lies in softening those internal rules.

One of the most effective shifts is moving from seeking the "right" decision to making a "good" decision. In a perfectionist’s mind, there is only one correct path, and any deviation is a failure. By aiming for "good enough," you leave room for the human element of trial and error.

Practical Tools for the Perfectionist

To combat the urge to discount your successes, consider implementing these small shifts in your professional routine:

• The Success Journal: Keep a record of your contributions and the specific actions you took to achieve a result. When the "luck" thought creeps in, look at the evidence.

• Practice Gratitude for Effort: Instead of thanking luck, thank yourself for the discipline it took to stay the course.

• The "Enemy of Good" Rule: Remind yourself daily that "perfect" is often the enemy of "done."

By directly addressing the need for perfection, you don't just become more productive—you alleviate the chronic anxiety that comes with feeling like an imposter. You aren't a fraud; you're just a high achiever learning how to calibrate your standards.