This is a Lexicon entry: the mechanism, when it shows up, and the countermeasure. The full correction, with real-world cases and the audit prompt, hasn't been written yet.
Definition
A psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their own skills, talents or accomplishments despite objective evidence of competence and fears being exposed as a fraud. Paradoxically, it is most common among high achievers.
When it shows up
Despite objective evidence of competence; in high-achievers, minorities and people in new roles.
Failure mode
Self-sabotage. Declining opportunities because you don't feel qualified. Chronic anxiety in high performers. Underperformance as a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Countermeasure
List your actual evidence of competence. Ask: "If someone else had this same track record, would I think they were a fraud?" Distinguish feeling incompetent from being incompetent.
Related traps
Also connected in the map6 more, locked
Also revealed
Entry #623 of 631 in The Lexicon · see the full Lexicon