How Envy and Perfectionism Help Sustain Imposter Syndrome
Briefly

The article explores how perfectionism fosters black and white thinking, leading to envy and feelings of inferiority among high achievers. Perfectionists often compare themselves to those in elite groups, which intensifies feelings of inadequacy, compounding issues like imposter syndrome. Their distorted perceptions prevent them from taking emotional risks, as they fear speaking up due to believing they must achieve perfection to belong. The article also examines envy, which stems from a delusion that overlooks the sacrifices made by others and falsely suggests that possessing what others have leads to happiness.
Envy emerges from idealizing others while devaluing oneself, leading to a distorted perception that others are flawless and free of imperfections.
Perfectionists often feel inferior in comparison to elite groups, experiencing chronic low moods and imposter syndrome due to black and white thinking.
Black and white thinking fosters exaggeration and envy among perfectionists, making it hard for them to take emotional risks—a vital part of self-expression.
The envy rooted in distorted thinking overlooks others' sacrifices, amplifying the belief that happiness is attainable only through the possessions of others.
Read at Psychology Today
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