Rethinking Imposter Syndrome: When Misalignment Feels Like Fraud

Recently, I had a grounding conversation with a neighbour — a fellow business owner who works with a lavender farm and essential oils. As we exchanged reflections about purpose and work, something clicked for me. I realised I had been moving through parts of my professional life without fully embodying what I was meant to offer.

Not because I didn’t care or wasn’t qualified.But because I had been presenting only part of the picture — the structured models, the recognised methods, the credentials — and holding back the deeper essence of my work: my intuitive ability to hold space, to listen without rushing in, and to bear witness to the human experience.

That quiet dissonance had a name: imposter syndrome.But in my case, it wasn’t about not being good enough.It was about not being aligned enough.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological experience where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as “frauds,” despite evidence of their competence. It was first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes.

Common features include:

• Chronic self-doubt

• Attributing success to luck or timing

• Difficulty accepting praise

• Fear of being “found out”

Over time, these experiences can lead to burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion — especially among high achievers and those working in helping professions.

A Different Lens: When It’s Not a Confidence Issue

While imposter syndrome is often framed as a mindset issue, sometimes it’s actually a misalignment issue. From my own journey, I’ve come to understand that when we operate from a place that doesn’t reflect our deepest values or natural strengths, it creates an internal conflict. We feel like we’re not showing up fully — and that can easily be mistaken for fraudulence.

In my case, the imposter feelings didn’t stem from not knowing enough.They came from presenting only the tools and not the full depth of how I hold space — the relational, intuitive, and soul-based aspects of my work.

The Role of Authentic Alignment in Mental Well-being

Emerging research in positive psychology and occupational well-being has shown that authenticity — the congruence between inner values and outward behaviour — plays a significant role in reducing stress and improving psychological resilience.

When there’s a mismatch between how we work and who we are, it shows up:

• As emotional fatigue or disengagement

• As confusion about our purpose

• As tension in client work or professional decisions

Reconnection with our inner clarity often brings not only relief but also renewed energy and effectiveness.

An Invitation to Reflect

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking,“I’m not sure this version of me is the real one…”You’re not alone.

Sometimes what we call imposter syndrome is really the psyche’s way of flagging that something isn’t quite aligned — not broken, but quietly disconnected. In moments like these, clarity can come through conversations, body-based awareness, or even simply pausing long enough to ask:

“What feels true to me now?”

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome is a layered experience. For some, it’s rooted in perfectionism or cultural conditioning. For others, like me, it might be a gentle inner nudge to realign with the work that feels most alive and meaningful.

This reflection isn’t a prescription — it’s simply an offering.Take what resonates. Leave the rest.

And maybe your healing beginsnot in doing more…but in being more of who you already are.

Warmly,

Ana M. Jeremiah

www.thejourneywithin.com.sg

Psychotherapist | Trauma-Informed Presence | Soul-Aligned Space Holder