AUGUST: The Upside of Imposter Syndrome
People who experience impostorism (yes—there’s actually a word for it) carry a quiet but heavy pressure to get everything right. Much like perfectionists, they often feel that even one small mistake could expose them as not capable enough, not smart enough, or not enough in some way. It’s an exhausting way to move through the world—always bracing for the moment someone might “find them out.”
Perhaps you are someone who has rarely been afflicted with self-doubt. If so, where and from whom did you develop an inner compass, and what factors led to a healthy self-esteem versus self-doubt?
If you have worked hard to overcome the noise of self-doubt, you probably grew up in a challenging household. Yet, you figured out a way to cope. How?
Is there an upside to the excessive pressure you place on yourself?
When learning something new, are you more likely to reward yourself for progress made, or do you worry about the next tasks ahead?
A supportive practice of the past doesn’t always fit the needs of today. What beliefs or disciplines need to shift to better fit your evolving needs?
Put yourself in the shoes of a wise grandmother. What would you say to a younger woman who struggles with self-doubt and wants to give up?
What would you say to a younger woman who pushes herself relentlessly, confusing impostorism for motivation?
Takeaways.