This week we want to talk about what we’ve all come to know as Imposter Syndrome – which is known as Imposterism in the research community.
Imposter Syndrome is a powerful and derailing experience. People with Imposter Syndrome believe that they have successfully hidden that they are not competent or capable and they believe that their actual accomplishments are not earned. They feel fraudulent and live in fear of being “found out”. Imposter Syndrome leaves people feeling alone and ashamed.
To help you learn more about this syndrome, we invite you to view this short TED-Ed video entitled, What is Imposter Syndrome and How Can You Combat It?. It reminds us that talking about our syndrome with others we trust can ease the feelings and help us to understand that many–if not most–people have felt exactly the same way at one time or another. It’s concerning to hear that an increasing number of people suffer from imposterism across occupations, gender, age, and race.
This week, if you find yourself feeling like an imposter, consider who you can talk with about your feelings and the negative self-talk that accompanies those feelings. It’s hard to grow in your impact, in your life, and in your work if you chronically feel like an imposter.
~ Linda, Stephanie, and Heather