I remember some years ago talking with a colleague. She was genuinely excellent at her job. Indeed, she was someone that I really respected. I was, therefore, somewhat surprised when she talked about fearing being found out. She explained that she often felt she was one step away from people realising that she was not, in fact, good at her job. Momentarily, I thought that she was joking. And then I realised that she wasn’t. She really did feel like a fraud. An imposter. Someone who was all façade and no substance. Interestingly, it’s something I’ve seen many times. Those who clearly know what they’re doing full of doubts. And it gets me wondering. Are we really all so fearful of arrogance that we’ve fallen into the trap of Imposter Syndrome?
Firstly, Imposter Syndrome is not a recognised mental health condition. Secondly, it is not a single state. Indeed, Imposter Syndrome can present in a variety of ways. Thirdly, it can lead to diagnosable conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Finally, for many it is very real and very debilitating. Unsurprising given the energy you have to expend to continuously doubt yourself.
I think it’s OK to challenge yourself. Moreover, I’d go as far as to say that questioning what you’ve done and wondering if you could do better is an essential part of the process. Do the work and then check what you’ve done. Ask yourself how you could improve what you’ve done. There does, though, come a point when you have to stop. It’s good enough and good enough is just that. Good enough.
It’s also OK to be honest about your skills and abilities. Contrarily, it’s very un-British to brag about our skills. We really do like to hide our lights under a bushel. Honestly, some of us like to hide our lights deep underground, so fearful are we of others seeing us as arrogant. Cocky. Too big for our boots.
Yet many of us are good at what we do. Some of us excel. A few are absolute geniuses. Getting it done and doing it well keeps the world turning. And the more honest we are about it and the part we each play, the better.
If, despite all of this, you still find yourself fearful of being found out, stop. Take a step back. Take a moment to consider all that you’ve done and achieved over the years. Put yourself in your best friend’s shoes. How would they see you? Importantly, how would you view someone who does what you do and who does it well, like you do? Would you praise them or would you want to bust the façade?
Crucially, start celebrating your successes. Define your successes as just that. Success. Challenge your thoughts. Challenge yourself. Because, deep down, you know that you are doing well. In fact, you’re doing better than well. And you know it.
If you can take the first step, now is the time to take it. If you’re not sure, book an initial consultation here and then take the next step. You know that you can do it, and you know that it makes sense, don’t you?