Test Result
Moderate Impostor Experiences
“You have a generally solid professional identity, but new challenges or high-stakes moments often trigger a 'who am I to be here?' response.”
Your overall pattern
Result: Moderate Impostor Experiences
You fall into the most common range for high achievers. Most of the time, you function well and feel capable. However, your confidence is likely situational. When you are in your comfort zone, you feel like an expert. But when you are promoted, criticized, or placed in a room with "smarter" people, the feeling of being a fraud tends to creep in.
You may find yourself occasionally attributing your wins to "luck" or "timing" rather than your own hard work. This is not a pathology; it is a sign that your internal standards are slightly out of sync with your external reality.
"You are not an imposter; you are just a person growing into a new shape."
Typical behaviors
- The 'Just' Qualifier: You might catch yourself saying "I just did what anyone would do" to minimize your work.
- Hesitation to Speak: In high-stakes meetings, you might hold back a good idea because you fear it's "too obvious" or "wrong."
- Situational Anxiety: Your impostor feelings spike primarily during transitions (new job, new role) but fade as you get settled.
Strengths in this pattern
- Humility: You are unlikely to be arrogant. Your doubt keeps you preparing thoroughly and checking your facts.
- Coachability: Because you don't assume you know everything, you are likely very open to feedback and learning.
Common pitfalls
Friction points in your growth:
- Delayed Action: You might wait until you feel "100% ready" to apply for a role, whereas others apply when they are 60% ready.
- Over-preparation: You may spend 5 hours on a presentation that only needed 2, just to soothe your anxiety.
"Reflection point: Is this extra work improving the output, or is it just acting as an emotional shield?"
What you can do next
Small actions you can start today
- Keep a 'Victory Log': Write down three things you did well this week. Force yourself to acknowledge your specific role in them.
- Change your vocabulary: Replace "I got lucky" with "I worked hard and the timing helped."
Longer-term directions
- Separate feelings from facts: When you feel like a fraud, ask: "Is there evidence for this, or is it just a feeling?" Feelings are real, but they are not always true.
Disclaimer and when to seek help
This test describes patterns based on self-reported feelings and is for educational purposes only. It is not a clinical diagnosis. If you find that stress or anxiety is interfering with your daily life, please consider speaking with a mental health professional.