Would you guess that Marcus Aurelius, arguably the most successful Roman Emperor, may have felt what we would call today an impostor syndrome? When he was young, he didn’t believe that he was suited to be an emperor. When he received the news that Antoninus Pius would adopt him to be the next in line for the throne, he cried. He was afraid that he wouldn’t live up to the standards set by Antoninus.

What must have been going on in his mind? Can I really be a good emperor? What if I fail? What will others think of me? What will Antoninus think of me now, knowing my future? What if people realize that I don’t know what I’m doing?

Luckily for Marcus Aurelius, he had a dream. The night after he received the news, he dreamt of having shoulders made of ivory. He took it as a sign that he was not weak and that he could do it. 

Impostor syndrome manifests through chronic self-doubt that overrides any feelings of success or external proof of competence. It’s not just about feeling undeserving; it’s a profound fear of being unmasked, leading to stress, anxiety, and, in severe cases, depression.

When you read Meditations, you can glimpse the mind of Marcus Aurelius and realize that he was often in doubt, needed help, and wasn’t sure about his actions. Again, you could say he suffered from impostor syndrome. He used Stoicism to get over it.

Let’s explore how Stoic principles can help individuals combat impostor syndrome and embrace their achievements with confidence and peace of mind.

Stoic Principles to Combat Impostor Syndrome

1. Focus on What You Can Control

A core tenet of Stoicism is the distinction between what we can control and what we cannot. Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic emperor, emphasized focusing our energy only on what is within our power. When facing impostor syndrome, concentrate on your efforts, your work, and your growth rather than external validation or comparison with others. Recognize that the opinions of others and the outcome of your efforts are beyond your control.

2. Use Rationality to Challenge Fears

Stoicism teaches the use of reason to dispel irrational beliefs and fears. Impostor syndrome thrives on irrational thoughts, such as believing you’re not good enough despite evidence to the contrary. Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, would advise examining these beliefs critically and challenging them with facts about your achievements and capabilities.

3. Embrace Temporary Discomfort for Long-term Growth

Seneca, another Stoic philosopher, spoke about the importance of facing challenges head-on and embracing discomfort for the sake of growth. Impostor syndrome often leads individuals to avoid challenges due to fear of failure or exposure. Stoicism encourages facing these fears, understanding that discomfort is a temporary and necessary step toward personal development and resilience.

4. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful Stoic practice. Instead of focusing on what we lack or fearing exposure as a fraud, Stoicism teaches us to appreciate what we have, including our skills, opportunities, and accomplishments. Practicing gratitude shifts focus from what we think we’re not to what we truly are and have achieved.

5. Reflect on Your Virtues

Stoicism places a high value on personal virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and moderation. Reflect on how these virtues have played a role in your successes and how they can guide you in overcoming feelings of being an impostor. By focusing on your character and ethical conduct, you can find a more stable foundation for self-esteem that is not solely dependent on achievements.

6. Use Negative Visualization

A somewhat paradoxical technique in Stoicism is the practice of negative visualization: contemplating the worst-case scenario. In the context of impostor syndrome, imagine the consequences of being exposed as a “fraud.” Often, you’ll find that the worst-case scenario is either highly unlikely or not as catastrophic as feared. This can help reduce anxiety and put fears into perspective.

I talked about the power of defensive pessimism before. A slight worry can be a healthy response to life challenges as it will push you to prepare for them.

7. Adopt a Growth Mindset

Stoics understand the importance of continuously learning and growing. Impostor syndrome often stems from a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are static. Stoicism encourages a growth mindset, focusing on the process of learning and improvement rather than the fear of failure. Viewing challenges as opportunities to learn can diminish fears of being exposed as an impostor.

8. Seek Wisdom and Help from Others

Stoicism teaches the value of learning from wise individuals. If you’re struggling with impostor syndrome, seek out mentors or role models who have navigated similar challenges. Learning from their experiences can provide practical advice and emotional support, reminding you that you’re not alone in these feelings.

9. Practice Mindfulness and Presence

Finally, Stoicism promotes living in the present and practicing mindfulness. Worrying about being exposed as an impostor in the future distracts from the present moment. By focusing on the here and now—on your current actions and thoughts—you can reduce anxiety and increase your effectiveness and satisfaction with your work.

Putting It All Together

Stoicism provides a robust framework for overcoming impostor syndrome. By focusing on what we can control, challenging irrational beliefs, embracing growth, and practicing gratitude and mindfulness, we can mitigate the fears and self-doubt associated with impostor syndrome.

The Stoic path is not about eliminating these feelings overnight but about gradually developing the resilience and perspective to manage them effectively.

In the words of Marcus Aurelius, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Impostor syndrome, therefore, can be transformed from a barrier into a pathway for personal and professional growth.

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