Metacognition
Thinking about your own thinking — the internal observer that notices when your brain is helping or tripping you up.
Thinking about your own thinking — the ability to observe and evaluate your own thought processes, learning strategies, and emotional responses. Like having an internal commentator who can say 'I notice I'm catastrophizing' or 'This study method isn't working.' Can be a strength or a burden — in impostor syndrome, metacognition becomes hyperactive self-monitoring.
How it works
Your brain has the ability to monitor and evaluate its own processes — noticing 'I'm catastrophising' or 'this study method isn't working.' This can be a strength (self-awareness) or a burden (hyperactive self-monitoring, as in impostor syndrome).
Think of it like
It's like having a commentator inside your head narrating the game — helpful when they're insightful, exhausting when they won't stop criticising.
What it feels like
You can see your own thought patterns happening in real time, which is powerful but sometimes overwhelming. The observer never fully switches off.