I’ve got this myriad of chatter going on inside my head. In my journey of growth, I have to remind myself again and again to be conscious of the thoughts that pervade my brain. Before I began sharing my work I wondered who would want to read my words. Not just read, but enjoy and appreciate with the same fervor I write with. But in my procrastination, I forgot something important, I am a person too. If I’m writing for just one person in the world, then it should be me. So, the first time I shared my work, I did it solely for me. This mindset shift allowed me to give my friends and readers the grace to appreciate my work at their own leisure and I can’t be more grateful for the unwavering support I received in turn.
One of the reasons why I was hesitant to share my articles (the equivalent of putting myself out there) was a fear of being exposed as a fraud. I put the people who inspired me on a pedestal too high to reach and settled for lurking in the shadows. However, I wanted to live. Fully and unapologetically. So, I had to shrug off the grip of the shadows and follow the light to freedom. After a fierce battle with the fear of failure, life introduced me to a new friend (cue the drumrolls): Imposter Syndrome. The next contestant I was to battle was success.
Imposter syndrome refers to a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments, skills, or talents and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud" despite evidence of their competence. People experiencing imposter syndrome often attribute their success to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities, leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and self-doubt. Sound familiar? It definitely did for me. I remember instances where I talked to friends about shrugging off compliments and there was a unanimous agreement that ‘Compliments are weird! They make you feel uncomfortable’.
Honestly, I didn’t like compliments because I was afraid the giver would realize how severely lacking I truly was. Even when the praise was given in response to something I had worked hard for, I still had to resist the urge to cringe and pass the spotlight onto the next person.
I see imposter syndrome as part of the fear of success because of how it leads to self-sabotage. It ensures you remain in your comfort zone rather than push beyond your limits. Change is very triggering for me and imposter syndrome rears its ugly head at the first sight of insecurity. The fear of the unknown has killed more of my dreams than failure. Imposter syndrome is that voice that tells you you’ll never be enough for greatness and you don’t deserve what you have either. Who gets to decide when your success matters? If it’s you what’s your definition of success? Is success something attainable or an excuse to keep punishing yourself?
Success brings with it opportunity and responsibility; heavy burdens to take up. Imposter syndrome can make you avoid said opportunities due to the fear of failure and exposure. I don’t know about you but if I don’t want the opportunity I definitely won’t take up the responsibility. It’s interesting to me how similar imposter syndrome and perfectionism are. Both so easily hidden, yet largely disruptive to your mental health and self-esteem. With both its like viewing yourself through a smoke screen, creating an inability to accurately perceive your abilities and achievements. Once again it comes back to self-compassion. What’s that inner voice saying about you today? Remember that you have the power to challenge your thoughts.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Take inspiration without letting it define you. Remember that pedestal? Tear it down. You’re exactly where you need to be but that doesn’t mean you’ll stay there. Set small attainable goals and celebrate every milestone. Don’t remain in a mindset where you’re afraid of failure while downplaying your success. An overachiever will overcompensate for their feelings of inadequacy by overworking. A high achiever will practice balance. There’s an overwhelming pressure to prove ourselves, more so when we keep up the comparisons.
Let go. You are enough. You’re not something broken that needs fixing, you’re a human experiencing growth. I’d suggest keeping a journal to record thoughts and emotions related to achievements, challenges, and self-perceptions.
Pose reflective questions such as:
- When do I feel most like an imposter?
- What triggers my feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy?
- How do I typically react when I receive praise or criticism?
- Are there recurring patterns in my thoughts about my achievements and capabilities?
Its important to build a community around you that can help you be comfortable and accountable. Constructive feedback can provide a more balanced perspective on your strengths and areas for growth. If you want some comparison try comparing your actual achievements and qualifications against the unrealistic standards or perceptions that contribute to you feeling like a fraud. You’ll find you’re more capable than you think.
Bible study
2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Psalm 139:14, Philippians 4:13, 1 Peter 2:9
Word play
Validation – recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile.
Peek
You can check out this video with Ali Abdaal talking about imposter syndrome
Musings
Hello and welcome to Universe Unscripted. I hope you’ve enjoyed this article. If you’re new here subscribe to keep receiving content like this. To my subscribers thank you for joining me once more. I appreciate all the support. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Feel free to check out and share my previous posts. Until next time live Beyond the Script and into the infinite.
I enjoyed reading every part of it while being educated more❤️