October 04, 2023 | In Articles
October 04, 2023 | In Articles
The exaggerated esteem in which my lifework is held makes me ill at ease. I feel compelled to think of myself as an involuntary swindler.
In a world where success is celebrated and achievements are applauded, there is a silent battle a lot of people are fighting. Picture yourself in a room filled with applause, your accomplishments acknowledged by peers and superiors, yet this nagging feeling of uncertainty weighs heavily on you. This is the tale of Impostorism.
This haunting phenomenon affects even the most accomplished individuals.
Not too long ago, maybe some two years back, I was new to a particular role. Yet, I was always getting good feedback and praise at a point. It made me think, "Are these people trying to manipulate me to work harder?" because I really could not fully accept that I was doing something extraordinary that had not been done before. The praise came from as far as the Head of that Department as well. It made me uneasy because I thought, "When these people discover that I'm not as good as they think, they will be disappointed." It put a lot of pressure on me to "do too much"- essentially, I was biting more than I could chew so that I would not get found out for fraud, and that was taking a toll on me in different ways.
This unpleasant feeling of not being "good enough" is officially known as imposter syndrome. I call it the It couldn't be me -syndrome because I always said, "It couldn't be me this people are talking about".
A lot of people experience this as well. I recently saw a woman tweet (is that what we're still calling it nowadays?) saying she got nominated as employee of the week and thought she was being "trolled". So this week, we will work on our imposter syndrome together so that when we finally occupy the top roles we dream of, we do not think we are not good enough.
* we won't spam you, never.
19-09-2023
Imposter syndrome is when you doubt your abilities and feel like a fraud, even when you're successful, and NO imposter syndrome is not considered a disease or a mental health issue. It is more of a psychological phenomenon that can affect anyone, regardless of their background or achievements. It's like being at a fancy dinner party, surrounded by successful people, and feeling like you snuck in through the back door. Even Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein battled with some forms of this.
Albert said, "The exaggerated esteem in which my lifework is held makes me ill at ease. I feel compelled to think of myself as an involuntary swindler."
Maya said, "I have written 11 books, but each time I think, 'uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody, and they're going to find me out."
Comparing Ourselves to Others: I don't think the causes of imposter syndrome are as clear cut; a combination of factors could influence it, but one common factor is our tendency to compare ourselves to others. We often see everyone else's highlight reel while only noticing our behind-the-scenes struggles. It's like scrolling through social media and feeling inadequate because everyone else seems to have their lives together.
Perfectionism: This plays another significant role; some individuals set impossibly high standards for themselves and feel inadequate when they fall short. Additionally, comparing yourself to others, especially in the age of social media, can intensify feelings of inadequacy. Past experiences of criticism or failure can also contribute to imposter syndrome, leading to a lack of self-confidence.
Orbé-Austin says that behaviours such as minimizing one's knowledge or seeking external validation do not typically stem from isolated incidents but have deep-seated origins, often tracing back to family influences.
To address our problems fully, we should be able to pinpoint their causes. Finding the root cause of Imposter Syndrome can be a journey. We know that the length or complexity of everyone's journey might be similar, but rarely is it the same; regardless, let's begin together today.
Let's start by reflecting on our past experiences and beliefs about ourselves. Are there any specific events or comments that have contributed to our self-doubt? Understanding where these feelings stem from can help us address them head-on. Journaling can be a powerful tool on our journey because by writing down our thoughts and feelings, we can gain clarity and insight into the patterns and triggers contributing to our self-doubt. I started journaling about a few months ago, and so far, it has affected my mood and enhanced my self-awareness.
Recognizing and Acknowledging Our Achievements
Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, big and small. Write them down and celebrate them because YOU did that. Recognizing our abilities and hard work is the first step towards combating Imposter Syndrome.
I have written 11 books, but each time I think, 'uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody, and they're going to find me out.
Challenge Negative Self-Talk
"It couldn't be me these people are talking about". Why not? You are just as human as the person you think is more capable than you are. Imposter Syndrome often feeds on self-doubt and negative thoughts. Whenever that inner critic starts whispering, counteract it with positive affirmations. Let's always remind ourselves of your skills, past successes, and the value you bring to the table.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
I noticed that because I was so scared of being found out as a fraud, I was also terrified to fail or look like I was struggling. I would not ask for help when needed, but we must remember that failure is a natural part of growth and success. Instead of letting it fuel our imposter feelings, let's reframe our failure as a chance to learn and improve. Embracing a growth mindset and viewing setbacks as steppingstones towards progress should be the goal.
Celebrate Your Uniqueness
Remember that you bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. Embrace your individuality and value your diverse contributions to your work and relationships. Emphasize your strengths and let them shine.
Seek Support
Don't suffer in silence. Reach out to trusted friends, mentors, or support groups. Sharing your feelings of Imposter Syndrome can provide validation and reassurance that you're not alone. Together, you can navigate through these feelings and support each other.
Imposter Syndrome is a common experience many people face, regardless of accomplishment.
You are not alone.
We must recognize that these feelings do not reflect our true abilities. We are capable and deserving of our successes.
Embrace your achievements, celebrate your strengths, and don't let self-doubt hold you back. You are not an imposter; you are the real deal!
Maybe we should make this a mantra- anytime that feeling starts creeping out, you can repeat to yourself, "I am not an imposter, I am the real deal".
If you are successfully dealing with or have dealt with imposter syndrome, don't hesitate to leave some tips in the comment.
31.May.23 by Jessie W Ghartey
* we won't spam you, never.
19-09-2023
.jpg)
