Did you ever feel as you don’t deserve the credit others give you for your achievements? Did you believe that it wasn’t as significant or was just a matter of pure luck? Did you think that everyone can do it and there is nothing special about you? That sooner or later, people will figure out that you are not as smart as others see you, and that you are a fraud? I did. We all doubt ourselves at some point or another. And there is a name for that feeling – impostor syndrome.
In this article, I wouldn’t talk about the clinical diagnosis of a disease, but rather about a phenomenon that makes us feel being impostor, pretender or fake and that we don’t deserve the recognition we receive.
I think that everyone had experienced impostor thoughts, at least to some degree. Every business professional has weaknesses, regardless of how successful he appears from outside. Every politician isn’t that resolute at you can judge from the appearance. A religious person has some internal flaws. Extraverts are afraid of being with a lot of people in some situations. The renown public speaker still prepares for each lecture and had butterflies in his stomach. A great athlete may not be as secure and strong as it seems. A financial advisor knows that his own finances may need some care too. Personal organizer consultant may not have her own house in order. Parents of young children wonder why their kids listen, trust and obey them for no apparent reason because they vividly remember that they themselves were kids just a few years back.
There is a truth in all these situations, but only the fraction of truth. The rest is in your head because the strongest critic of yourself is – yourself. Other people probably think of you better than you think of yourself. Therefore, don’t be afraid to be an impostor. Everyone starts as an impostor one day until he’s finally gotten recognition. Being an impostor is the only way to get proficiency.
There is an opposite side of the impostor phenomenon – the overconfidence. This happens when you pride yourself for more than you actually have done or should be credited for. Being humble is a cure for that. Self-awareness is a tool to avoid it.
So, let’s all take a proper attitude toward our own achievements. Let’s start something new without fear that people suspect and will soon “figure us out”. Let’s share our experiences and expertise without comparing to other people, perceived to be more successful. We all successful in something, let’s not be afraid to give your gifts to others!
Sergey Panasenkov
301-706-2801