If you haven’t heard the term “Imposter Syndrome” before, either you’ve managed to escape its grip, or you didn’t have the term to describe the crippling self-doubt that comes with putting yourself out there. So, before we discuss how to overcome Imposter Syndrome – let’s define it.
Imposter Syndrome: The idea that you’re a “fraud” amongst professionals. You haven’t earned the success you’re achieving, or you never will experience any success because you don’t know what you’re doing – and soon enough – everyone else will find that out, too.
I can sense a lot of you are reluctantly nodding your head in familiarity. So let’s all take a cleansing deep breath and know that we are in this together!
In for 1…2…3…4. HOLD HOLD HOLD HOLD DO NOT LET GO OF YOUR BREATH. Out for 1…2…3…4!
That felt good, yes?
Now that our mind is clear and our bodies are relaxed, let’s talk about how we can overcome Imposter Syndrome (or booger syndrome as I sometimes call it).
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Everyone Has it!
For reals, mostly everyone has experienced Imposter Syndrome. And if you’ve met someone who has claimed they haven’t (*eye roll*) – I would be scootin’ my way along because they cannot be trusted. Even if you don’t *totally* relate to it (which begs the question why you’re reading this?), you’ve probably brushed past it before. If you’ve ever said something to the tune of:
“Maybe before I do more prep work”
“I would, but I’m not qualified.”
“They are better, so I’ll let them go for it.”
“I’m not _____ enough”
…then you’ve had Imposter Syndrome. Which means EVERYONE has it. Which means if EVERYONE has it, then NOBODY feels confident at all times that they know what they are doing. And that alone should eliminate part your of fear. I think April Ludgate (fictional character, I know) said it best.
“I’m gonna tell you a secret about everyone else’s job: No one knows what they’re doing. Deep down, everyone is just faking it until they figure it out. And you will too, because you are awesome.”
Some people are simply better at masking their self-doubt and making it SEEM like they know what they’re doing. Maybe you struggle with this – and that’s ok. It’s a lovely thing to be vulnerable. However, when you let your self-doubt take you out of the game completely, that’s when there is an issue. Continue to put yourself out there knowing everyone else is just as afraid as you are. The more you do it, the less it will scare you.
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