It may seem counterintuitive to think that high achievers would suffer from imposter syndrome. But imposter syndrome tends to be the domain of high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments.

No matter how much evidence there is that we’re successfully navigating our lives, jobs and relationships, many of us hold false beliefs that we aren’t actually as capable or smart as others think we are. And that can lead to self-doubt, negative self-talk and missed opportunities.

A psychological term, imposter syndrome refers to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Many high achievers experience this phenomenon when they take on a new role, are met with additional responsibilities and/or opportunities.

Recent research shows there are certain personality traits, characteristic of high achievers, that make them more prone to experiencing imposter syndrome.

I’ve got a lot of people in my circle who can relate. We’re working to reframe these tendencies and turn them into strengths. If these traits sound like you, here’s how to reframe them and stamp out imposter syndrome when it arises.

Big Thinkers
Some experts believe that what triggers imposter syndrome is a cognitive bias that leads intelligent people to doubt their competency. In addition, intelligent people tend to be surrounded by other intelligent people, which leads to skewed social comparisons. Even the most intelligent achievers may have a tendency to think, “If I were really smart, I would already know everything I need to do this.” That pressure achievers put on themselves to already know everything or risk being “found out” by others can make them less likely to ask clarifying questions or ask for help.

Tip #1: Instead of worrying about being perceived as the smartest person in the room, consider yourself to be a curious person who loves to learn and remind yourself what asking questions will do for others. Remember, you’re doing everyone else a favor by asking whatever you are unclear on or want more information about. Ironically, you’ll appear more confident and even more intelligent because you had the courage to ask what you didn’t know.

Overdoers
High achievers often set exceedingly high goals and may feel they have to overwork – even more than necessary – to reach them. If they don’t work long hours and put in everything they’ve got, they’ll feel like they’re cheating the system. When they succeed, as achievers often do, they tend to believe it’s because of the extra work put in. It’s an approach that, when repeated, leads easily to extra stress and burnout.

Tip #2: Instead of focusing exclusively on your To-Do list, write an “I Did” list. Jot down five to 10 things you’ve accomplished that you’re really proud of. No need to overthink this, as the list is for your eyes only. Let that list serve as a reminder that it wasn’t cheating that won your current position or accolades—it’s the sum of your ability and work. You are a super star!

Perfectionists
Achievers tend to hold the bar much higher than others do and that can mean rarely feeling a true sense of accomplishment—even when they jump over an incredibly high bar.

When there is a failure of any size, most high achievers are extra hard on themselves and tend to follow disappointment with deprecating self-talk. But research shows motivating yourself with self-compassion and encouragement is a better predictor of future success. 

Tip #3: Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. If you notice you have an automatic tendency to self-criticize with a negative inner voice, interrupt that habit by making a deliberate effort to say something different to yourself. “I’m awesome and I succeed in the face of challenges.” Here are 15 more to use. Then actively search for evidence that the new statement is true. (That “I Did” list from Tip #2 is winking at you.)

My genuine desire is that these tips support you in minimizing those sneaky feelings of being an imposter that so many high achievers experience and knowing how awesome you are.