Imposter Syndrome

Every single person has felt like an imposter at least one point in their life.  It is when we flood ourselves with the negative emotions and self-talk that tell us and make us feel unworthy.  That voice that says you are not good enough, you are not supposed to get that job, you’re not supposed to make that team, you’re not supposed to have that dating partner.  You do not think you measure up.  But your perception of the situation is starkly different than the reality of the situation.

If only we had the superpower of being able to listen to other people’s thoughts.  We would be hearing a lot of the same message from so many different people.  That is how we judge ourselves and others.  In doing that, we certainly do not feel better about the situation or ourselves.  One of my all-time favorite quotes says

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Additionally, comparison is the foundation for Imposter Syndrome.  According to the very reputable source that is Wikipedia,

Impostor syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon, impostorism, fraud syndrome or the impostor experience) is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments or talents and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud".

A lot of college students experience this, no matter their age or where they came from.  Degree paths such as medicine or law will often note their students identify as fearful that they aren’t worthy of being in that program, or that career path.  No matter the situation, we all feel this seed of doubt at some point in our lives.  It’s whether or not we choose to water it and let it grow that will determine our psychological strength in being confident, or subsequently withdrawing.  Chalking it up to truly believing the internal message that you weren’t supposed to be there all along.

No matter the situation, your mindset, or belief – remember that you are not alone in your thinking.  In fact, you are most likely surrounded by others struggles with the same inner dialogue.  Be strong!  You are exactly where you are supposed to be because you earned it!

For questions and comments contact Joanna at 970-218-9958 or via email.