Imposter Syndrome: Why Competent People Doubt Themselves

Imposter syndrome is one of the most common — and misunderstood — psychological experiences, especially among high achievers. Despite evidence of competence, many people carry a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.In this episode, Mark and Will explore the origins of imposter syndrome, how it shows up clinically and personally, and why it often reflects an outdated story we continue to tell ourselves. We share personal experiences, examine the cultural obsession with effortless success, and discuss how effort gets mistaken for inadequacy. As always, we close with practical, evidence-based strategies to challenge imposter thinking and build a more accurate, grounded sense of self.