Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
You’re Actually Pretty Great
Alright, let’s talk about a sneaky little voice that likes to pop up and tell you, "Nope, you're not good enough!" It’s like the uninvited guest at every party who critiques your snacks and decor – that’s imposter syndrome. It's the nagging feeling that, despite all evidence, you’re somehow tricking the world into thinking you’re competent.
Spoiler: you're not tricking anyone, and you’re more than competent! Here’s a guide to understanding, dealing with, and ultimately laughing in the face of imposter syndrome.
What Exactly Is Imposter Syndrome?
In simple terms, imposter syndrome is the unshakable (and wildly irrational) conviction that you don’t deserve your accomplishments. It's thinking, "Sooner or later, they're going to figure out I have no idea what I'm doing." Imagine if Batman thought, “One day, Gotham will realize I’m just a guy in a bat suit, not actually a vigilante superhero!” Sounds absurd, right? But that’s essentially imposter syndrome: even high achievers feel like fakes, worried they’re not worthy.
The Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
Do any of these sound familiar?
Feeling like you’re "just lucky": Every achievement is chalked up to sheer chance, like landing on “Free Parking” in Monopoly. (I never get free parking 🥲)
Downplaying your successes: You win an award, and you’re like, "Oh, it was nothing. They must’ve run out of people to give it to."
Perfectionism: Believing that every project must be flawless, like a soufflé that never falls. Anything less? Proof that you’re a fraud.
Fear of being “found out”: Constantly worrying that others will suddenly realize you’ve got no idea what you’re doing. Any second now, that’ll happen.
If any of these hit home, congratulations! You’re a certified member of the Imposter Syndrome Club, alongside famous folks like Maya Angelou, Albert Einstein, and practically every artist who’s ever lived.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome (Without Spontaneously Combusting)
Here’s where the good news comes in: imposter syndrome is totally beatable, and you don’t need a cape or superpowers to do it.
1. Embrace the Inner Cheerleader
Imagine if your best friend were talking down to themselves like you do when imposter syndrome kicks in. Would you say, “Yeah, you’re right; you’re probably just faking it?” No! You’d remind them of their hard work, intelligence, and talent! Now, channel that energy for yourself. Next time you feel like an imposter, picture a mini-you dressed in cheerleading attire, pom-poms and all, shouting, “Go, you! You’re amazing!”
2. Own Your Achievements (With Full Bling)
Own your accomplishments like you’re Beyoncé headlining the Super Bowl. When people compliment you, don’t wave it off or deflect with, “Oh, it’s nothing.” Instead, go full diva. Say, “Thank you!” and give yourself permission to enjoy it. You didn’t accidentally become successful. You earned it! Think of it as mental karaoke: get comfortable in the spotlight.
3. Fail, Fumble, Flourish
You know that kid who fell off their bike 300 times but still kept getting back on? That’s resilience. The truth is, everyone flubs things occasionally. Even experts make mistakes, drop their proverbial (or literal) spaghetti, and live to laugh about it. Your setbacks don’t make you a fraud; they make you human. So embrace those small flubs, take a bow, and keep going.
4. Get a Personal “Brag File”
Keep a file (digital or a good old folder) where you stash every glowing email, encouraging note, or award you’ve received. Feeling down? Open that file and remember all the evidence that proves your brilliance! A solid collection of your awesomeness is the perfect antidote for a confidence crisis. Think of it as your personal museum exhibit, complete with “The Gallery of Me.”
5. Share Your “Imposter” Stories
Fun fact: most people feel like imposters at some point, and sharing your experience can be incredibly liberating. When you realize even the boss’s boss feels like a fraud sometimes, it adds a layer of relatability and helps strip away the mystique around success. Plus, sharing stories of your moments of self-doubt is like an instant ice-breaker at any gathering. “Oh, you thought you were an imposter? Let me tell you about the time I…”
6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Imposter syndrome thrives on the myth of perfection – but in reality, perfection is just a cleverly filtered Instagram illusion. Instead of focusing on everything you could have done, look at what you did do. Progress, no matter how small, is always worth celebrating. Did you finish the project? Did you improve, learn, or even just survive a tough week? Cue confetti cannon!
You, My Friend, Are No Imposter
The ironic twist of imposter syndrome is that it only seems to afflict people who actually are skilled, diligent, and hardworking. So, the next time you feel the pangs of “Who am I kidding?” take a moment, breathe, and remind yourself: you are a work in progress, but that doesn’t make you any less brilliant. There’s no need to wait for the world to give you permission to shine – go ahead and dazzle.
Laugh at the absurdity of imposter syndrome, treat yourself like your own biggest fan, and give that doubting voice the boot. After all, the world needs more of what only you can offer – so go out there and give it to them, fumbles, fabulousness, and all!
See you next week!
Izel…
I still fall for this all the time. It's been getting better but I still always find myself downplaying things and just say it's all luck or whatever.
I find it also helps when you're talking others, who feel like frauds, and you explain to them logically why they are not. And the same things applies to your own situation. Because I can be a great manager and still wear harry potter pjs at home.