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You may be working to improve your life, doing something different, or perhaps trying something new you wish to venture into for the long-term. It’s easy to feel like you’re being fake or, that this new version of you is an Imposter.
For those of you who don’t know, here’s a quick Wikipedia explanation – imposter syndrome is a psychological occurrence. Those who have it may doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments. They may have a persistent internalised fear of being exposed as frauds.
Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing this phenomenon do not believe they deserve their success or luck. They may think that they are deceiving others because they feel as if they are not as intelligent as they outwardly portray themselves to be.
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Although it’s been years since I began my self-development journey, imposter syndrome is something I suffered from frequently.
I came to this realisation. In real terms, it was just a sub-type of my inward fears exhibiting as though I was defrauding myself and others. As I dug deeper, I realised this fear had little to do with who I was becoming, and more to do with who I had previously convinced myself, that I was.
I felt undeserving. I had spent so long, accepting the victim label I’d placed over my life. I’d subjected myself to the negative opinions of others, and processed those as facts over the course of decades. This caused me to feel that this life of victimhood, was the real me.
(I’ve talked about moving on from victimhood on my YouTube channel here).
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I was taking steps into my true authenticity – the cheerful, confident, grateful, inspiring individual that I actually was. The inauthentic victim me, was trying desperately to hold me from walking in my true potential. It was an intense fear of walking beyond my comfort zone.
Being subjected to so much anxiety and depression in my early childhood, caused me to take comfort in comfortability. To my mind, anything that put this comfortability at risk, was an immediate threat. This included changes to my way of thinking.
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Imposter syndrome can affect anyone. The root cause for why you may experience this symptom, may look different from mine. I am of the belief however, that it stems from a deep-seated fear. We’re capable, we’ve demonstrated that we can and yet, we somehow lack belief in our ability.
In order to move towards overcoming imposter syndrome, it’s beneficial to find where this fear stems from so we can deal with it, at the root.
The previous beliefs I had about myself, were all I’d known for most of my life. I’d spent that time acting according to that belief system plagued with negativity, a lack of confidence and self-sabotaging thoughts. It became my learned way of thinking, and acting.
To overcome these feelings of self-labelled fraudulence, denial of capabilities, and a lack of faith in my intelligence, I had to reprogram my way of thinking. A key component to this, was deleting the previous software by uploading positive thoughts and correlating actions, on a consistent basis.
I would implement these practices, relentlessly. My life became and still is, a cycle of forward thinking behaviours, self-belief and a positive attitude. Something I call, Practiced Optimism.
I’d spent far too long sat in the mindset of a victim, I needed to spend time consciously thinking like a champion as often as possible, despite how strange it may have felt. This is how I rid myself of the victim mentality. The imposter syndrome I experienced, as I continued, then began to diminish over time.
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You need to know, you’re not an imposter.
You’re simply you and part of the human cycle is to grow, make mistakes, learn, develop and evolve. It’s actually beneficial to behave in the way you want your future self to look. It’s not being fake or an imposter, it’s actually how you apply intentionality to the person you know, you can be. I’ve touched on this in one of my Instagram Reels.
Anyone can learn to drive or play a musical instrument for example. At the point when one begins learning, you won’t know much and will lack in experience, and confidence.
As long as you diligently practice time and again however, your skills will improve. If you refuse to quit, you can become so skilled, that you become the qualified driver or professional instrumentalist.
This example is me asking you to remember, every expert was once a novice. Consistent practice, commitment and performance, is what determines our capability in any field. This concept applies to our personal growth, and is why you must embrace your developing self. You’re not a fraud, you’re evolving.
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Believe it or not, I never completed university. I was studying for a degree in Sociology, when I interviewed for a part time role, to carry me through the summer break until year two of my studies were to begin.
The interviewers took such a liking to me, they offered me a more senior role, full time, with more money. They could see my potential but at the time, it hadn’t come to my own realisation. Ecstatic for the opportunity, I took the job and withdrew from my course.
A few years later, whilst living the rat race life, I knew I always wanted to create something for myself. I sat on my dreams and aspirations however, as penance for falling victim to the plague of comparison. I didn’t have a degree like all the professionals, so disqualified myself from achieving great things.
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I’ve always had a passion for creative writing. Whether poems, songs, blogs or the like, it comes naturally. I knew it was something I was good at and yet, I failed to act for years.
Why? The insecurity I felt in being less than qualified on paper. I knew I could do it, but for fear of feeling like an imposter, I buried my own dreams.
As life progressively spiralled down a mental sinkhole, I thought I was over with. Of course, as you’re already aware, I climbed my way out and are sharing my stories with you. Not only did I work hard to get myself to a better place, I unveiled my giftings from where I’d buried them, and went full steam ahead.
I may not have a degree but my life experience, is unique to me. I’m living out my aspirations because I meticulously found a way to combine my message, with the passion I have for creative writing. I learnt to acknowledge that being authentic in my full potential, is not being an imposter.
I accept, there will always be people smarter, more creative and more successful. There will however, only ever be one me. I stopped comparing myself to others and have used my uniqueness to my advantage.
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Being a better version of you, or becoming a master in a specific skill or field of knowledge takes continuous practice. After all, this is why we know basic survival practices like self-hygiene for example. We practiced, and these things became second nature.
You’re simply applying the same principles when you’re on a trajectory of self-improvement. You’re not an imposter, you’re exactly who you’re meant to be. Give yourself the opportunity to accept that you’re as brilliant, as you present.
Discard the fear and unbelief, and embrace who you’re becoming – it’s still you.
I will praise thee; For I am fearfully and wonderfully made – Psalm 139:14.
