Is Imposter Syndrome Getting Too Much Attention?

I was invited to speak and facilitate again on Imposter Syndrome. Each time I present to a group, I spend less time discussing what it is and more on how to release its grip of power over us.

We’re all well versed now in what it is and can create long lists of how it shows up in our lives. If you google “imposter syndrome”, you’ll get close to 8 million results. What you won’t get is much narrative on why you’re really not a fraud and how to release the debilitating thoughts that make you think you are.

Some more recent articles speak to the effects of bias and exclusion in making us feel like frauds who don’t belong. This is promising and puts responsibility where it belongs – on the leaders of organizations and institutions who see and treat us in ways that make us feel we’re not enough.

But I’m realizing an even greater reality. To overcome Imposter Syndrome, we must change our relationship with it. And our relationship with ourselves. If we focus on the belief that no one can make us feel any particular way unless we give them the power to do so, then the solution becomes clear.

Don’t give anyone the power to define who you are. How you see yourself is up to you.

I’m not saying this is easy nor am I pretending to be unaffected by how others treat and interact with me. What I am saying is this: 

How we develop as people must place a priority on rediscovering our true selves - who we are beyond our conditioning; separate from our fears, habits and patterns.

Imposter Syndrome is about the masks we wear to protect ourselves, to stay safe and avoid taking too much risk. And it’s about hiding from the fulness of who we truly are and limiting what’s possible because we’re afraid to live the lives our souls are yearning for.

Yes, there is much work to be done to create cultures that are truly inclusive in every way. To adopt company values that encourage risk-taking, seeing failures as stepping stones to success.

These changes and advancements start with you and me. The more we open up to ourselves and recognize how we’re conditioned to think and behave in critical and limiting ways, the more we’ll naturally and authentically lead and live from our true nature of kindness, service, and love. And invite those we live and work with to do the same.

As a coach, facilitator and trainer, I’m focused on helping leaders develop in ways that reach beyond building competencies and high performing teams. Your potential is within you and to unlock it you must know yourself from the inside-out. Within you is where you’ll discover true confidence and your personal power.

A part of you already knows that your best source of guidance is within you. If you’re curious about exploring your inner world, that’s what I do and I’m here to help. I offer free 30-minute discovery calls – schedule yours here.