Have You Experienced Imposter Syndrome?

 

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED IMPOSTER SYNDROME?

I spoke to a friend yesterday (one of my many peer mentors), and as I was hemming and hawing about the pros and cons of pursuing some opportunity, he stopped me and exclaimed "What is up with you and the imposter syndrome?! You're awesome and a great leader and you can do anything! I don't get it."

Well, I have to say his comments were both uplifting AND deflating. Uplifting in the sense that he believed in me enough to say that. Deflating as I questioned myself - why DO I do that?

I've heard many things about imposter syndrome -- don't do it! OR It's not real! OR All it means is that you're trying something new/hard, which is a good thing!

After sleeping on it, all of the above feels true. Call it what you want, but it's me being nervous about something and thinking through the possibilities before I dive in (like the Myers-Briggs "J" that I am!). By the way, this quality is also something that makes me a great employee, a great mom, and a great person.

It is part of the key to my success, so why run away from it?