Imposter syndrome isn’t just self-doubt—it’s the persistent feeling that you’re a fraud, despite clear evidence of your competence.

And when that belief takes hold, it changes how you work. Instead of trusting your abilities, you start compensating:

• You say yes to everything

• You over-prepare

• You push harder and longer than necessary

• You chase perfection to avoid being “found out”

In other words, overworking becomes a coping strategy.