Chances are good that there are people reading this who feel like they are imposters. You might find yourself in a roundtable at the International Hoof-Care Summit or a farrier clinic thinking, “I’m not as smart as these people. I’m not good enough. I don’t deserve to be here.”

It’s called imposter syndrome and, believe it or not, it’s relatively common. As many as 82% of people have feelings that they haven’t earned their achievements, according to Dr. Dawn M. Bravata’s research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

“Many people think that feeling like an imposter is unique to them,” Susan David, PhD, co-founder and co-director of the Institute of Coaching, tells Mass General Brigham Hospital. “It’s something that many people go through, including very high-functioning and competent people.”

Men and women handle imposter syndrome differently.

Men generally tend to feel greater anxiety and perform poorly when confronted negatively about their abilities. They often surround themselves with those who are less competent, avoid risk and don’t challenge themselves.

Women generally try harder and perform better when facing the same negativity. They are more likely to feel insecure about how they execute the task and second guess themselves. Women tend to move toward their fears, achieve their goals and yet remain consumed with insecurity.

Beating Imposter Syndrome

How do you overcome it? Psychologists suggest several tips.

1. Talk with trusted peers. Discussing your feelings reduces the sense of…