Have you ever landed a major accomplishment and immediately thought, that was just luck? Or received praise and felt your stomach drop, terrified someone will finally realize you're not as competent as they think?
That's imposterism, and if you're a perfectionist, you're not just experiencing it. You're experiencing it on steroids.
In this solo episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir breaks down why imposterism isn't a syndrome or a character flaw, but a pattern. She explains exactly why perfectionists are uniquely wired to feel it more intensely, and shares one simple, evidence-based tool you can use the next time these feelings creep in.
Episode Takeaways
- Why feeling like a fraud is actually evidence of self-awareness, empathy, and humility — 70% of people experience imposterism, including the most successful people in the room
- How deficit thinking makes perfectionism and imposterism deeply intertwined, keeping perfectionists stuck in a cycle of achieving and dismissing
- External attribution bias and why perfectionists give luck the credit while keeping themselves the blame
- The Evidence Log: one practical tool to interrupt imposter feelings with objective data the next time self-doubt creeps in
- How identity, culture, marginalization, and lived experience shape the unique flavor of imposterism you carry
About the Host
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.
Connect with Dr. Shabbir
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.
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What is Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD ?
Are you tired of chasing goal after goal, only to feel empty once you get there? Do you appear successful on the outside but feel unfulfilled on the inside? Or are you wondering how to even begin your journey to success?
Welcome to Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD—the podcast that challenges traditional definitions of success and explores what it truly means to thrive at the intersection of ambition and well-being.
Hosted by Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC—Founder and CEO, Dual Board-Certified Physician, and a fierce advocate for mental health. With advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, Behavior Change, and Leadership Development, Dr. Shabbir brings deep expertise to every conversation. She’s also a sought-after Professional Speaker and proud Super Mom to two young girls. Drawing from her multifaceted roles, she offers a fresh, honest perspective on the realities of ambition, success, and sustainable well-being.
Each episode delivers practical, evidence-based strategies to help you break free from burnout, perfectionism, and the endless chase for external validation. You’ll walk away inspired and empowered to build a life that aligns achievement with deep personal fulfillment.
If you're ready to reimagine success with intention and courage, hit subscribe, rate, and review the show—and start your journey to a more joyful, aligned life today.
Connect with Dr. Amna Shabbir:
Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md
Instagram: instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir
Facebook: facebook.com/dr.amnashabbir.md
Website: https://success-curated.com/
YouTube: youtube.com/@Dr.AmnaShabbir