#Super Ego and Impostor Syndrome
###Super Ego
The superego's function is to control impulses. It also has the function of persuading the ego to turn to moralistic goals - rather than simply realistic ones - and to strive for perfection.
Your super ego may punish you with guilt when your reality falls short of your ideal self’s expectations. The super ego can also reward us through the ideal self when we behave ‘properly’ by making us feel proud.
If your ideal self is at too high a standard, then whatever you do will represent failure. The super ego can be helpful to keep in mind when discussing Impostor Syndrome.
###Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is a feeling of inadequacy that persists even in face of information that indicates the opposite is true. It is experienced internally as chronic self-doubt, minimization of accomplishments and an inability to internalize success.
Impostor syndrome feelings can be divided into three subcategories:
- Feeling like a fake
- Attributing success to luck
- Discounting success
Dealing with Impostor Syndrome and its associated feelings:
- Identify and name your feelings
- Reaching out to your support system (e.g., Accountability Group!)
- Recognize automatic thoughts & question them
- Are the thoughts in your head feelings or facts?
- Be kind to and patient with yourself – recognize progress, don’t expect perfection!
We will watch this talk as a group. After the talk, discuss with your Accountability Groups the following:
- Do you see Impostor Syndrome or your Super Ego playing a role in your job search?
- What are some tactics to work through these feelings during your search?
- How could the members in your Accountability Group support you when you experience these feelings?