Imposter syndrome is frequently mentioned topic. Did you even thought about what really hides behind though?
In this post, I discuss imposter syndrome: how you might be experiencing it without realizing and what can be done to change your mindset.
I faced this myself when considering starting a blog or growing my Instagram account. I knew what I wanted, but it’s challenging to avoid self-doubt when you’re just starting, lacking results, or things aren’t progressing as hoped.
Navigate to where you want to go:
- A Syndrome or Just a Self-doubt Thought?
- All the Difference
- It has a Bright Side
- How to Shift Perspective
A Syndrome or Just a Self-doubt Thought?
When I first heard someone use the term”imposter syndrome,” I didn’t fully grasp its meaning. However, as I later learned, it’s a phenomenon I’ve experienced myself. So why didn’t I recognize it for what it was?
I’m not fond of being defined by labels or putting myself in boxes, as that’s not where I feel most comfortable. Perhaps that’s why I believe this term “Imposter syndrome” shouldn’t be used as is.
The term “imposter syndrome” can be misleading, as it’s not a clinical diagnosis or disorder. Instead, it describes a common psychological experience of self-doubt.
I prefer to call these “who am I to…?” thoughts. You might ask yourself, “Who am I to teach this subject?” or “Who am I to deserve this promotion?
But then isn’t imposter syndrome or “who am I to” just another expression for self-doubt? And if it is, why do we need to address it with a special label? That’s what I’m trying to unpack in this article.
So what exactly is the difference between imposter syndrome, “who am I to” thoughts, and self-doubt?
As I see it; when it comes down to it, imposter syndrome, “who am I to” thoughts, and self-doubt can essentially be viewed as different flavors of the same underlying issue – they’re all just variations on the theme of questioning our own worth and abilities.
All the Difference
If imposter syndrome is a persistent feeling of being a fraud despite evident success, often accompanied by fear of being “found out,” how do we recognize if there’s evidence or not? Isn’t this highly subjective?
For instance, let’s say I want to launch a cooking course. I’m not a chef and have no formal education in culinary arts.
However, people enjoy my food and have mentioned it occasionally. I consider myself a great cook and enjoy sharing recipes, as I’ve been doing it for years. But who am I to teach others? There are many skilled cooks out there, and typically, everyone needs to cook, so others also have years or decades of experience.
If I create this course, why would people pay to learn something they already know or can easily Google?
The most crucial thing, I’d say, is realizing that no one is you, and that’s your power.
If you remain authentic, everything you do, even if someone has done it before, and I guarantee you that someone probably did, will be unique.
The key is not to get distracted and truly focus on your authenticity; otherwise, you’re just copying others, which won’t work long-term.
Another important realization is that unless you’re a complete beginner (in our case, someone who doesn’t know how to turn on an oven), you’re a professional to some degree – for some people. The people who will eventually engage with your content the most. For instance, for those who actually don’t know how to operate an oven.
That’s where the value lies.
If you’re truthful, authentic, and clearly state what your course includes, it will find its trainees. Yes, it will appeal to a specific group of people, but that’s precisely why you’re doing it – not to help those who are already kitchen masters, but to assist those who aren’t but want to improve.
It Has a Bright Side
As counterintuitive as it may seem, imposter syndrome can actually offer some unexpected benefits.
While it’s certainly not a comfortable experience, there are valuable lessons and personal growth opportunities hidden within these feelings of self-doubt.
Let me explain a bit more about how this seemingly negative phenomenon can actually have some positive outcomes when we look at it from a different perspective.
It Keeps You Humble
Imposter syndrome, though tough to deal with, can actually help you become more humble.
This humility is great for personal and career growth. It makes you more open to learning from others and accepting feedback.
At work, it can help you become a better leader. You’ll be easier to talk to and more willing to give credit to your team. You’ll also be open to new ideas. This kind of humility isn’t a weakness – it’s a strength. It helps you build better relationships and create a workplace where new ideas can flourish.
It Fuels Continuous Learning
Doubting yourself can actually help you grow.
When you’re not sure about your skills, you tend to look closely at what you can and can’t do. This helps you find areas where you need to improve. You might start learning new things to keep up with your job or pick up new skills.
- You could take classes, go to workshops, or read books to fill in gaps in your knowledge.
- This process might help you discover new passions or boost your confidence.
- Feeling unsure can also push you to ask for help from people with more experience. This can really speed up your learning and help you grow both personally and professionally.
It Cultivates Empathy
Feeling unsure about yourself can help you understand others better.
When you worry about your own skills, you start to see that everyone has doubts sometimes. This can make you kinder to people around you.
You might be more patient when someone makes a mistake or more supportive when they’re not sure about something.
This kindness can help you make better friends and work better with others. When you know that everyone feels unsure sometimes, you can help create a place where people feel okay talking about their worries and working together to solve problems.
How to Shift Perspective?
The Question, Not the Answer
The thought “Who am I to…?” often makes us doubt ourselves. It’s like a voice in our head that makes us feel we’re not good enough.
But what if we could use this thought to help us instead of stopping us? Let’s see how we can turn this question into something that pushes us forward.
Think of it like standing on a diving board. You might ask, “Who am I to dive?” and feel scared. But what if you asked, “Who am I to miss out on this fun?” Now, the question makes you want to try.
Here are some easy ways to change “Who am I to…?” into something positive:
- Add “not” at the end: “Who am I to not try?”
- Think about how you could help: “Who am I to not share my ideas?”
- Remember how far you’ve come: “Who am I, after all I’ve learned, to not give it a shot?”
- Think about inspiring others: “Who am I to not set a good example?”
- Be curious: “Who am I to not check out this chance?”
Here are some easy ways to change “Who am I to…?” into something positive:
-
- Add “not” at the end: Who am I to not try?
- Think about how you could help: “Who am I to not share my ideas?”
- Remember how far you’ve come: “Who am I, after all I’ve learned, to not give it a shot?”
- Think about inspiring others: “”Who am I to not set a good example?”
- Be curious: “”Who am I to not check out this chance?”
Why Not Me?
Let’s try something new. Instead of asking “Who am I to do this?”, let’s ask “Why not me?” This simple change can make a big difference in how we face challenges and chances.
“Why not me?” is like a strong, confident voice inside us. It reminds us that we deserve good things just as much as anyone else. It tells us we can do it, and we have a chance to succeed.
When we say “Why not me?”, we’re telling ourselves:
- I can do this too
- I deserve a chance
- I’m good enough to try
- My ideas are worth sharing
- I can learn and grow
This new way of thinking can help us be braver and try new things. It can push us to go after what we want, instead of holding ourselves back.
I love why not me perspective. This one made me actually create my blog and let me do what I’m passionate about. If others done it, trust me on this one, you can do it too!
The Right Mix of Confidence and Openness
As we start to think “Why not me?” and feel better about ourselves, it’s important to find a good balance. We want to be confident but also open to learning. This is called “confident humility.”
Confident humility means being sure of yourself while still being open to new ideas. It’s like having a strong foundation of self-belief, but also being flexible enough to adapt and learn. This balance lets you stand firm in your abilities, while still being open to change and growth.
It’s about being brave enough to put yourself out there, but humble enough to know you don’t have all the answers. This is the perfect state you want to exist in.
This balance helps us try new things without fear, accept advice gracefully, celebrate our successes while staying motivated to improve, and continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth.
Leave a Reply