The Source of Your Imposter Syndrome (part 1)
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Here’s a quick and easy way to figure out why you have imposter syndrome. First:
Name three accomplishments that you’re proud of.
They could be things like being promoted, getting great feedback, achieving a goal, fulfilling a commitment, building a good relationship, etc. etc.
Now ask yourself:
Why did those things turn out so well?
If you're anything like me, all your answers look something like this:
I got lucky.
Someone took a chance on me.
I happened to do something that worked.
Everything lined up just right.
Things just turned out well that one time.
What’s happening with all these answers?
When you explain your successes in this way, you are giving away all the credit to luck, chance, other people, and “the right circumstances.”
And if that’s your story for why you’ve been successful in the past, of course you’re nervous about being “exposed as an imposter” now!
You think the only reason things worked out was because you got lucky…
…and now you’re sitting around wondering: “Am I going to get lucky again? Or is everyone finally going to find out what a schmuck I really am?”
Here’s what really happened, with every single accomplishment you’ve ever had:
It was 100% created by you.
Your personality. Your persistence. Your unique insight. Your hard work. Your push-through-and-keep-trying-ness. Your ability to figure it out.
So go back and rewrite that story:
How did those things turn out so well — because of YOU and ONLY YOU?
Oh, and when do do this, does your brain throw a tantrum and start telling you it’s dangerous to feel good about yourself?
Yeah, that’s normal. Want to find out how to get past it?