Ever feel like the imposter experiences are stealing your joy? In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge unpacks the link between imposter phenomenon (known as syndrome) and joy, and why feelings of being a fraud can leave us drained instead of delighted. Drawing on psychology research and coaching practice, she explores the role of self-promotion, comparison, and community support, and shares practical, psychology-backed strategies you can use to fuel momentum. This episode ends with a feminist call to action: let’s stop letting the imposter run the show and start reclaiming joy together

Takeaways

• Imposter experiences are contextual and can be influenced by our environment.
• The imposter cycle includes over-preparing, over-achieving, and feeling relief instead of joy.
• Self-promotion can be challenging for women due to societal expectations and fear of backlash.
• Peer comparison often leads to negative emotions like envy and irritation.
• Communities can transform peer relationships into supportive connections.
• Reframing comparison can turn threats into sources of inspiration.
• Joy should be viewed as a fuel for motivation, not a reward to be earned.
• Turning envy into curiosity can help mitigate negative feelings.
• Supporting other women's successes can create a safer environment for all.
• Recognizing and celebrating joy is essential for personal growth and empowerment.