Overview

• Arthur Brooks finds that many successful individuals struggle to accept compliments because they worry about letting down mentors and supporters
• He warns that this fear can evolve into imposter syndrome, where people feel like frauds despite clear evidence of their accomplishments
• Brooks argues that social media’s emphasis on positive highlights deepens self-doubt by masking everyday challenges and setbacks
• He contends that feeling like an impostor can actually signal authenticity, since true frauds seldom question their own legitimacy
• Experts recommend kinder self-talk, objective progress tracking, supportive peer communities and professional help when negative thoughts persist