Impostor Syndrome

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had impostor syndrome. If you could see my hand, I’m raising it so high I’m almost touching the ceiling.

Wait, what is impostor syndrome? It’s an “internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be.” According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Science, around 70 percent of adults have experienced this phenomenon at least once in their lifetime.

In my time on this earth, I’ve “learned” a few of things about impostor syndrome (through observation and personal experience).

• It’s a fairly common phenomenon. Lots and lots of people (and lots of people you know) have experienced impostorism (as it’s also known) – whether you realize it or not. We all question our skills and abilities at some point during our life trajectory. Believe me, many of us are in this club together.

• We all have to do whatever it is we do for the first time. Every single one of us. There’s no getting around it. In other words, we all have to learn on the fly. I’d never built a fence until I built a fence. I did some things at the beginning of building that I changed at the end. I’d never taught a college course until I taught a college course. I’d never founded a business until I founded a business. You see where I’m going here. The first time we do anything it can feel overwhelming and like we’re out of our depth.  

• Warning: this bullet is going to be a social commentary. Women experience imposter syndrome at a higher rate than men – and it has nothing to do with a woman’s ability to perform her role. There is inherent sexism and bias built into our cultural systems (personal and work) that, unfortunately, affect women disproportionally. It’s really a shame. I’ve seen incredibly talented women held back due to self-doubt and feeling inadequate.  

Overcoming impostor syndrome isn’t easy. It can be challenging and hard – especially if people around us aren’t supportive. But I do think we each, as humans, have a superpower that can help combat impostorism. It’s called belief. When we believe in ourselves – truly believe in ourselves – we can move mountains.  

I’ve also learned the essence of being human. That we’re complex, imperfect creatures – but we are capable of the extraordinary. If you feel like an impostor, that’s ok. That’s normal and natural. But don’t let your impostor hold you hostage. We’re all paddling like crazy beneath the surface.

Until next week.

Cheers,

Andy

(All written content created the old-fashioned way.)