The Expert
The Expert thrives on having all the required knowledge to solve any problems they face.
To understand and master your specific Impostor type, you will first need to understand the problem and the purpose of your type. Then the proposal can help you with first steps towards overcoming your unique type.
The Problem:
The Expert defines success as knowing everything therefore feel like they have failed when they lack knowledge in even the smallest things.
As an expert, you never feel satisfied with your academic achievements because there is always more to learn, so you downplay even all you have achieved. You feel very uncomfortable being referred to as an expert because no matter how much you know, you are acutely aware of how much more there is to know.
When looking for a job, you avoid applying for any role that you don’t meet every requirement for, even the non-essentials. And in a job, you struggle with asking for a raise because you don’t believe you deserve it considering how much you don’t know.
If you are in a leadership position, your feelings of impostor syndrome might be even higher, because people are regularly seeking out your expertise. So you often end up enrolling on all the degrees, courses, training opportunities you can, so as not to be found out as the fraud you think you are.
The Purpose:
Behind your drive for expertise is a high value for wisdom and knowledge.
You are a natural student. Being intellectual is in your DNA.
The Proposal:
Instead of letting the chase for knowing it all drive you (and those around you) crazy: