Imposter Syndrome
- Marlon Taylor
- Feb 25, 2022
- 3 min read
Halt! There is an intruder among us. . . Make yourself known, imposter!!!
Will the REAL hero please make themselves KNOWN?!?!
As we experience growth towards greatness, it is common to feel moments of inadequacy. Imposter Syndrome is feelings of inadequacy or feeling like a fraud; it is common for high achieving individuals. Up to 70% of adults will face this at one point or another in there lifetime. So if you're reading this, you're probably feeling some imposter syndrome even while reading this. But rest assured we will change that soon.
On the path to be great and having aspirations for more than the average will evoke some feelings of imposter syndrome, some might argue that it is natural. There are couple of factors to consider the root cause. Some of us were put under a lot of pressure growing up to perform at perfection level where as others might excel quickly and are often the new person to the bunch. Regardless of where you exist on the spectrum for your origin story, I have some solutions.
At Geared4Greatness, we don't just point out problems, we recommend solutions. We will walk through recognition, reaction strategy, and proactive healing!
Step 1: Recognition
Some times imposter syndrome is not really a gross exaggeration of what is actually happening. When you are thrust into a new space, you really are an imposter. People will look at you with uncertainty and maybe some doubts as they are simply ignorant of who you are and what you are capable of. It is difficult to not feel some sense of inadequacy when in this position but it is a realistic barometer to understand where you are in relation to other who have more experience than you.
Step 2: Reaction Strategy
Now with the ability to understand and recognize this phenomena, we don't have internalize the feelings of inadequacy. Letting those feels fester too long can be a detriment if you let it, trust me, I've lived it far too often.
What I do now instead is remind myself two things
I did not get here from sheer luck or by accident. The work that was done prior matters. I can and will grow into higher rankings if I remain true to my progress.
I am given a bit of grace on the front end, so push yourself to grow. Don't sit back too long.
Having these concepts in my head help me reroute the negative self talk. The critical critic voice can be loud and very repetitive, but with the power of positivity we can use that loud persistent voice for good. You might think this sounds crazy, but talking to yourself in a positive way of encouragement can go a long way. If you don't believe me, just try it and let me know how it goes!
Secondly, GO FOR IT!!! If you don't allow yourself to make mistakes, you might be stunting your growth. When you're starting off new with a different group you will want to perform well to make a great first impression, but don't let that make you paralyze your action due to deep analysis. Remember, it is progress over perfection.
Step 3: Proactive Healing
Last but not least let's make this greatness sustainable. Fend off the imposter syndrome before it gets a chance to grow with the power of self affirmations. There are a multitude of practicing self affirmations.
I personally like to write it down and then post the words in a place that I will see regularly. The constant reminder that you are worthy, you are all the good things you know yourself to be. Close your eyes and imagine that your goals and dreams are already a reality. Positive and hopeful attitudes in the midst of chaos is excellent tool when battling adversity at any point in life. You sometimes need a reminder to let you know you're doing great, so keep pushing!
Overall, Imposter Syndrome is a common feeling for high achievers who feel inadequate. Not always directly linked to a low self esteem, but a symptom of the unsustainable, unforgiving perfectionist. Recognize it is a common feeling that can be combatted with positive self affirmations and progress over perfection. Maybe you're an imposter just because you're brand new but that isn't an eternal feeling. Remember Greatness isn't perfection, it is steadily overcome and reacting as the winner no matter what!
WE ARE #Geared4Greatness!!
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