Stress-Less Physician

Imposter Syndrome Thinking


Listen Later

Ever feel like you don’t belong? Like, at any minute, people are going to find out that you’re not as smart or as accomplished as you appear? That your successes are undeserved or illegitimate? That’s Imposter Syndrome thinking. And if you’ve struggled with it, know that it’s more common than you may realize.

The inability to internalize achievements is one, if not the main, source of imposter syndrome. It is as though, despite external, measurable success, a person is unable to shake off feelings of worry, stress and inadequacy. Cognitive dissonance develops between what is true and how a person feels about it. And therein lies the key. It all comes down to how we think. Fortunately, this is not a syndrome in the sense of something that is fixed. It is a phenomenon, and therefore, can be changed. I know. I’ve lived it. And I’ve written a FREE Ditching Imposter Syndrome workbook for you about it. (Available on my website). But first, let’s talk.

“The problem with impostor syndrome or impostor syndrome thinking is that the experience of doing well at something doesn’t change your beliefs. And often the more you accomplish, the more you feel like a fraud. It's as though you can't internalize your experience of success.”  – Dr. Sara Dill

What You’ll Learn
  • Defining Imposter Syndrome (aka Imposter Phenomenon)


  • Signs and characteristics of Imposter Syndrome Thinking


  • The cost of Imposter Syndrome Thinking


  • Why is it so common?


  • 5 steps to permanently ditch Imposter Syndrome Thinking 

Contact Info and Recommended Resources
  • VeryWell Mind: What is Imposter Syndrome?
  • Get Dr. Sara Dill’s FREE Ditching Imposter Syndrome workbook: saradill.com/pl/2147578172 
  • Get the book “The Doctor Dilemma: How to Quit Being Miserable Without Quitting Medicine” by Dr. Sara Dill 
  • Want to catch up on episodes of Stress-Less Physician?   Links and Show Notes are all housed here.

Connect with Sara Dill, MD, The Doctor’s Coach
  • Website: saradill.com
  • Work with me: saradill.com/coaching
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Get a FREE consultation with Sara! Sign up here: saradill.com/schedule
  • Facebook
  • Instagram


Want to know more about me and how I learned to stress less? I recorded a trailer for my podcast that includes some of these details. I’ve also included a short bio below. 


Meet Dr. Sara Dill

Welcome to my podcast, Stress-Less Physician. I’m Sara Dill, MD, board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist. Like nearly all physicians, I used to believe the way to be a good and successful doctor was to work hard, always say yes, and put patients (and everyone else) first. I was successful following that pattern but (as is typically the case) I felt perpetually stressed out, overworked and unhappy. 

Compelled by the truth that I’d worked too long and hard to simply accept stress as inevitable, I was determined to find the answer. In order to fully devote myself to discovering a solution, I took a sabbatical from my practice and studied life coaching. I completed two life coach training programs, numerous other courses, read 100s of books, and used coaching to transform my own relationship to work.

What I learned was that stress is a symptom. It all has less to do with the actual hours you work than with your thoughts about your work.

With this knowledge, I took control of my life. So can you! But you don't have to take years or go on sabbatical. I did it so you don't have to. And I’m here to help.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Stress-Less PhysicianBy Sara Dill