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They're afraid they'll be called out as a fraud.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Jul 10, 2018
Everybody has self-doubts on occasion, but there are those who are tormented by feeling as if they’re frauds and that any success they’ve had isn’t because of their skills or abilities, but because they’ve managed to fool others into thinking that they’re better than they are. That's the case for the self-doubting zodiac signs who, no matter what astrology or their horoscope says, often wallow in these thoughts.
This psychological phenomenon is known as Imposter Syndrome, and while it’s not recognized or defined in the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it is widely accepted by mental health professionals.
When you suffer from imposter syndrome, you have a feeling deep inside that you’re not only a fraud at how you’re thought of at your job or in life, but that at some point, you will be discovered and exposed as the imposter you are. You fear that all your achievements and accomplishments are based on pure luck and that your talents had nothing to do with it.
It’s nearly impossible to sit back and enjoy your success when you have imposter syndrome, and it also can affect how you move forward, especially if you’re always afraid that you will be revealed as a fake.
There are things you can do to help with feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, and self-doubt. First, you need to practice self-care and show yourself some compassion. Then list your accomplishments — just seeing them on paper will help to see them objectively without self-filtering and can change the narrative. Lastly, recognize that you aren’t alone and that there are many people who feel as you do.
When we look at things with a new perspective, do things differently than we did before, and we honor our achievements, we can begin to let go of thoughts of being a fraud and celebrate our victories while moving forward.
1. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
It's difficult for Libras to own their successes and accept praise. Libra individuals are always the ones who deflect a compliment on a project well-done by saying, "It was all Erin. I barely did anything."
Libra downplays everything because they have trouble believing in themselves and their talents, abilities, and skills. Sometimes it feels as if they're superstitious — if they're proud of what they've achieved, it will be taken away from them.
2. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns work too hard and they think too hard. They're the type of person who tends to keep putting energy and effort into something long after most people would have given up on it and considered it finished.
There are times when Capricorns will purposely avoid showing confidence for they don't want to be perceived as bragging or showing off, in case that behavior encourages others to look at what Capricorn does a little bit closer and discover how they're coming up short.
3. LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leos don't want it to be okay or good, they want it to be the best. If Leo does everything better than anyone else, perhaps no one will notice how they're lacking, at least that's what Leo secretly thinks.
Leo has an extremely strong drive to be the top of the heap. If Leo is a group of other brilliant and talented people, Leo needs to stand out as one of the group's brightest stars. No matter how high Leo ascends, they will always have secret doubts that they are worthy of that place.
Leos think that it's their dazzling personality that has gotten them success rather than any kind of skill or hard work.
4. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
It's been said many times that Virgos hold themselves up to impossible standards, but nothing plays into having imposter syndrome more than someone who is a perfectionist and then punishes themselves for not accomplishing the task they set for themselves flawlessly.
If Virgo does something that doesn't come out perfect, they consider themselves a failure. It's an endless negative cycle that puts a lot of pressure on Virgo's emotional health and sense of self-worth.
5. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Sometimes Taurus' fear of failure absolutely paralyzes them. The better Taurus does on a project or in life, the more stress they put on themselves. Taurus' own expectations of themselves affect everything they do until Taurus is completely unable to make a move for fear that it won't live up to past projects and that they'll be exposed as a fraud.
Like anyone, Taurus wants continued success, but they're afraid that everything they've achieved has all been a fluke and can disappear in an instant.
6. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Geminis tend to sell themselves short because they feel as if they aren't really deserving of the accolades they've gotten. Geminis think that because they're charismatic, they've gotten where they have just because of their personalities.
While it's true that an outgoing personality, likability, and being engaging can get you far, it's not as if Geminis don't have the talents and skills to back up their charm. They don't just talk a good game, they deliver. Geminis need to have more faith in themselves and realize that the success they have, they earned.
7. PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces often have that overwhelming and perpetual feeling that they are a big fraud, especially when it comes to something creative they've done. Sure, they can talk a good game and make it seem as if they believe in their talent, but if they were, why are they always so surprised when someone buys a piece of their art, or they're praised for coming up with an outside-the-box idea that's going to save the company millions?
Pisces don't think they're enough on their own; they believe they don't have the abilities or talents to be a success and all their triumphs and the prizes that they've received were a mistake; someday someone will come to their senses and take it all away from them. Pisces individuals are the real deal, need to recognize how gifted they are, and try to appreciate their victories when they receive them.
Christine Schoenwald is a writer, performer, and teacher who loves writing and performing personal narratives. She's had pieces in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Woman's Day, Purple Clover, Bustle, and is a regular contributor to Ravishly and YourTango. Check out her website or her Facebook page.