Here’s Why You Should Stop Saying You Have Imposter Syndrome
Say & do this instead
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is used to describe those inadequate feelings that arise within us, when we find ourselves in positions where we don’t think/feel/believe we’re not good enough for, or deserving of.
Ultimately, imposter syndrome revolves around, feeling “not good enough” or simply “enough”.
This usually arises as a result of COMPARISON, and your own aspirations towards PERFECTION.
Most of the time, you think you’re not good enough because you want to be perfect, yet at the same time, you’re acutely aware of your ‘imperfections’.
We are all imperfectly, perfect! (If you didn’t get that, read the sentence out loud 3 times)
‘Perfection itself is imperfection.’
— Vladimir Horowitz
Because our societies reward the illusion of perfection, collectively, we have begun to associate perfection with worthiness.
Consequently, this has created an epidemic where people believe that, in order for them to be worthy, they have to perfect.
It’s why filters, photoshop editing, cosmetic surgeries, and BBLs are on the rise.
Our societies have conditioned us to become obsessed with the illusion of perfection.
However, the illusion of perfection is what births the notion of an imposter. Because perfection in itself is an illusion.
Have no fear of perfection — you’ll never reach it.
- Salvador Dali
Why You Should Avoid Saying You Have Imposter Syndrome
At the root of imposter syndrome, are issues of lack of self-worth or doubt in our self-worth.
Confronting the root causes of your feelings head-on, allows you to see your feelings for what they are, which allows them to dissipate rather quickly.
Call yourself out on it, and move on.
Don’t hide your feelings behind a “Syndrome”, which sounds like a disease or affliction that needs some special medication to cure.
Google dictionary defines Syndrome as —
“a group of symptoms which consistently occur together, or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms.”
The association of the word Syndrome with medical diseases and conditions makes it a terrible idea, for you to use it loosely, and self-identify with it.
You do know words are not just words. Words have power.
Don’t label a moment of forgetfulness of your self-worth, as a fixed condition. Or, you’ll risk being trapped behind that condition forever!
Instead of saying “I have imposter syndrome”, do & say this —
Confront your feelings.
Feel them for what they are, feelings of unworthiness.
Say to yourself — “I recognize that I’m having a moment where I’m questioning/doubting my Self-worth”.
Breathe deeply, let go, and then, re-assure and affirm yourself —
“I don’t need to be perfect to be worthy. I am worthy, as I am.”
Always Remember —
You’re deserving of all the good things in life.
You’re deserving of all the wonderful opportunities that come your way.
You’re good enough as you’re because you’re always learning and growing.
Question: What are some of the ways you’ve actively responded to moments where you’ve doubted your self-worth?
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