This past Tuesday I attended a panel discussion, listening intently as one of the speakers shared her views on imposter syndrome. To my surprise, she boldly stated that she didn’t believe in it. As someone who has struggled with imposter syndrome throughout my career, I was both intrigued and curious to understand her perspective. Her argument was compelling and refreshing, and it challenged me to rethink my own experiences and beliefs about imposter syndrome.
She emphasized that those who feel like imposters are often the most skilled and capable individuals. According to her, the key is not to question your worthiness but to recognize that your skills, adaptability, proactivity, and honesty are what truly matter. These qualities are the reasons you were chosen for your role, and they are what will drive your continued success.
This perspective resonated deeply with me, and I realized how crucial it is to shift our mindset about imposter syndrome. It’s not about feeling inadequate; it’s about embracing our abilities and recognizing the value we bring to our positions. After much thought, I have changed my views on imposter syndrome. This blog post is a reflection on why imposter syndrome is not beneficial and a reminder that you would not be in your current job or position unless you were truly qualified and equipped with the necessary skills to excel.
Imposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy, despite evident success and accomplishments. It often manifests as a fear of being exposed as a “fraud” who does not truly deserve their achievements. This psychological pattern affects individuals across various fields, from students and professionals to artists and executives. The paradox of imposter syndrome is that it primarily strikes high-achievers, those who have worked diligently to reach their goals, and yet, they feel unworthy of their success.
Imposter syndrome thrives on the myth that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. It convinces you that your achievements are due to luck, timing, or external factors rather than your own abilities and hard work.
I experienced this last summer when I was working as a Law Clerk. I was the only intern who was not about the enter their last year of law school (I was fresh out of sophomore year of university) and had no previous experience, just pure curiosity and willingness to learn.
However, I was given the same type of work and assignments as the other clerks were given, despite the differences in our experiences. I proved myself wrong. I was able to apply skills I had learned throughout my studies at USC so far to my work at the law firm, which made me much more confident in my skills.
The “imposter” mindset can be detrimental, not only to your self-esteem but also to your professional growth and mental well-being. My anxiety and stress were through the roof, I felt the need to overwork myself to “prove” my worth which landed me on the edge of a burnout. I was less willing to take risks or seek new opportunities due to fear of failure.
I didn’t give much thought to the feeling that was once lingering within me the second I felt like I fit in. It was only because of this panel that I gave it another thought…now I realize there are steps that we all should take to make sure we don’t waste our energy thinking we are not good enough.
One of the first steps in combating imposter syndrome is to acknowledge and embrace your skills and achievements. Reflect on the milestones you have reached and the positive feedback you have received from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors. Keep a record of your accomplishments and revisit it when self-doubt creeps in. This tangible evidence can help counteract the negative thoughts that fuel imposter syndrome.
Consider the numerous steps you have taken to get to where you are today: education, training, interviews, projects, and perhaps even overcoming significant personal and professional challenges. These accomplishments are a testament to your qualifications and resilience.
Not to mention — the hiring processes are rigorous, and if you were chosen for a role, it is because you had demonstrated your capability and potential.
Let’s just say I am quite happy I attended the panel as it provided me with a new mindset, enabling me to overcome imposter syndrome.
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