According to Merriam-Webster, imposter syndrome is someone’s fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of their ongoing success. While professionals don’t classify it as a mental disorder, it negatively affects many people. I know I have experienced it myself.
My imposter syndrome hit an all-time high in 2021.
I had just completed a summer workshop for disability advocates by The National Council for Independent Living when their executive director approached me. They asked if I wanted to sit on their board as a diversity chair. I was intimidated despite taking on the role.
When I first started, I experienced severe imposter syndrome. I felt so out of my depth. I knew nothing about the organization, and I didn’t understand why I was there in the first place. Had they made a mistake by giving me this board position?
So many times, I thought they should have hired someone with more experience than me.
But once I started getting the hang of things in my role, I became more confident. That eased the imposter syndrome so much, making me feel more comfortable. I was doing an excellent job and knew I finally belonged there. If I didn’t, they wouldn’t have reelected me the following year or for two more years after that. Fast-forward to now, and I’ve left my position there better than when I found it.
Looking back, I don’t necessarily think you can prevent imposter syndrome. The condition is a confidence issue that we as a society have at large. It doesn’t matter the jobs we have or want; at some point, we all feel like we’re not good enough or that someone else would be better suited for what we’re currently doing.
But here is the thing: if we weren’t good, we wouldn’t be where we are now.
If people who offer you a position believe in you enough to do the job, then you should believe in yourself, too. Know that you’re capable of doing whatever you set your mind to. When we realize this, it’s easier to work through imposter syndrome.
Photo by Valeriia Miller on Unsplash
Something I find to help with imposter syndrome is this: When the stories you tell yourself doesn’t seem to help, challenge them. Ask yourself questions. Everyone has doubts and fears. And it’s okay to make mistakes. Thanks! -M
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