There’s a real psychological disorder called Imposter Syndrome. In everyday conversations among business people and those in other helping professions, it has come to refer to the belief that we only pretend to be experts in our niche, and that we don’t know what we’re doing. And that can make you feel like giving up. It’s caused by what I refer to as the FEAR factor:
False Evidence Appearing Real
Imposter Syndrome reminds me of the Wizard of Oz; remember how he pretended to have all this frightening power? Then Toto pulled back the curtain exposing the real wizard. You’re trying to launch or run a successful business, vie for a promotion, sell your art, products, or services. And there’s this annoying voice casting doubts on your hopes and ambitions – you’re fraud – you’re not an expert – no one will pay you – there are tons of people who know more than you do… and on and on.
FACT: There is always a need to learn and get more experience. There will be people more knowledgeable or experienced than you, and people with less.
FACT: Your clients want you. No matter your niche, your caring, and conscientiousness are what set you apart, above how much you know.
FACT: Your talent and knowledge might feel like nothing, no big deal to you. But to others, what you do can be classified as a legit miracle!
Feelings aren’t facts
Start by asking yourself these questions:
What is my unique skill set that makes me the best person to serve my clients?
What can you do that nobody else is doing? What problems do/can you solve? Resolving pain points is your highest value indicator.
The value you add determines your “worth.” Your experience and knowledge are known only to you as part of your inner landscape. Your actions, service, and caring are the real metrics; what you should be using to judge your “qualifications.”
If you were actually an imposter, you wouldn’t get imposter syndrome. Imposters are liars, bent on tricking others and profiting from that deceit. That’s not you. You’re just trying to do good work, and the effort to create something new sometimes always inspires uncertainty. If you occasionally doubt yourself, take it as a sign that you’re one of the good ones. Every well-meaning person who is pursuing something that matters to them feels as though they don’t belong some of the time. ~ Emilie Wapnick on ted.com
Focus on the value you bring – not on being the world’s leading expert
Imposter Syndrome is the domain of the high acheiver. Those who set the bar low are rarely its victim. So if you are relating to what I’m sharing, then pat yourself on the back because it’s a sure sign that you aren’t ready to settled into the ranks of mediocrity. Rather, you’re likely to be a person who aims high and is committed to giving your very best to whatever endeavour you set your sights upon. A noble aim to be sure. ~ Margie Warrell, Forbes:
Let’s be honest: no one can be the best. Giving your best is different from being the best. Confession: I’ve suffered from Imposter Syndrome as a violin teacher. I felt like a fraud. I mean – Itzhak Perlman. Hillary Hahn. Sophie Mutter. There’s a quote by Pablo Casals, the great cellist. Someone asked him why at age 90, did he still practice? He answered, “I think I’m improving.” So if you feel like a fraud, stop comparing yourself to perfection. Lower the bar to a more realistic level.
High achievers are those who worry more about what they haven’t learned/mastered than what they have. They tend to focus on that one person ahead of them than the millions behind.
Iyanla Vanzant, an author, says that “A comparison is an act of violence against the self.” Think about it. It’s abusive, isn’t it? Certainly self-defeating. Don’t trash your talents while questioning your worth.
How to cure feeling like a fraud/imposter? Risk exposure! Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous advice, “Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.” Face your feelings of inadequacies and do it anyway!
RESOURCES
How To Banish Imposter Syndrome and Embrace Everything You Deserve
21 Proven Ways To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Afraid of Being ‘Found Out?’ How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
What it means when you can’t answer the question, What do you want to be when you grow up?
The Surprising Solution to the Imposter Syndrome
Photo by Brunel Johnson on Unsplash
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