The Five Types

Valerie Young identified five distinct imposter patterns:

• The Perfectionist sets impossibly high standards. A 98% success rate feels like failure because of the missing 2%.
• The Natural Genius thinks skill should come easily. If you have to struggle, you must not be talented.
• The Soloist treats asking for help as proof of incompetence.
• The Expert feels they must know everything before claiming competence.
• The Superwoman/man measures worth by juggling many roles, and falling short anywhere triggers doubt.

Knowing your type reveals the specific distortion driving how you feel.