I lived silently with and had no clue about, this "syndrome" for decades. A few years back, I heard about imposter syndrome for the first time. The effect on me was nothing short of miraculous and instantaneous. This is not hyperbole. I went from dread to calm seemingly in moments. It all finally made sense. The epiphany washed all the years of "apparent failure" away leaving me with a name for my demon.
It's difficult to put into words the watershed effect this knowledge had on me, but it still plays out in my everyday work life. I see problems differently now. I'm not judging myself "less than" my colleagues anymore. I ask questions without fear of being viewed as an idiot. I approach problems knowing that no one else has the answer already.
I urge everyone who experiences IS to "name your demon". Naming it deprives it of the power over you allowing you to reclaim your mojo.
One of my mentors who was fabulous at connecting with people, providing life-long guidance, and supporting us through our own career journeys really changed my perspective on a key area of life.
She was 60+ and asked others for help. She had people who were part of her GE Leadership Program 10+ years ago still calling her for career advice or life advice. It was incredible.
One day I asked her - HOW? I can barely get people from college I interacted with to keep up with me. How did you do it for people so long ago?
Her response - I allow myself to be vulnerable.
And she really did - once I started learning more about it, it was really helpful to my friendships as well. We live in an era of social media and perfection - vulnerability means you trust people and can ask for help - the bonds strengthen from it :)
Apologies for the rambling but I was so happy to hear you grew, and still are growing as you succeed at work !
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I lived silently with and had no clue about, this "syndrome" for decades. A few years back, I heard about imposter syndrome for the first time. The effect on me was nothing short of miraculous and instantaneous. This is not hyperbole. I went from dread to calm seemingly in moments. It all finally made sense. The epiphany washed all the years of "apparent failure" away leaving me with a name for my demon.
It's difficult to put into words the watershed effect this knowledge had on me, but it still plays out in my everyday work life. I see problems differently now. I'm not judging myself "less than" my colleagues anymore. I ask questions without fear of being viewed as an idiot. I approach problems knowing that no one else has the answer already.
I urge everyone who experiences IS to "name your demon". Naming it deprives it of the power over you allowing you to reclaim your mojo.
This comment made my day!
One of my mentors who was fabulous at connecting with people, providing life-long guidance, and supporting us through our own career journeys really changed my perspective on a key area of life.
She was 60+ and asked others for help. She had people who were part of her GE Leadership Program 10+ years ago still calling her for career advice or life advice. It was incredible.
One day I asked her - HOW? I can barely get people from college I interacted with to keep up with me. How did you do it for people so long ago?
Her response - I allow myself to be vulnerable.
And she really did - once I started learning more about it, it was really helpful to my friendships as well. We live in an era of social media and perfection - vulnerability means you trust people and can ask for help - the bonds strengthen from it :)
Apologies for the rambling but I was so happy to hear you grew, and still are growing as you succeed at work !