My Beef with Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome - Definition: A psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their skills, accomplishments, or success and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud—despite evidence that they are competent and capable.
Consider my beef with imposter syndrome
a double cheeseburger.
Here’s the thing….
Imposter syndrome is often mislabeling an early feeling of inexperience.
Furthermore, imposter syndrome becomes an easy out, even after we have the experience.
It sucks to suck. But only at first!
And I firmly believe failing is an important part of the human experience. You’re supposed to be bad at things you’ve never done before.
If you’re not, aim higher.
Imposter syndrome gives inexperience too much power.
As if imposter syndrome is a part of a person’s DNA. It is not, and don’t let it be. Anyone can fix inexperience! Be scared, and do the scary thing anyway.
For example: You are pitching your first 6 figure client.
It’s terrifying - You’re nervous and 2nd guessing yourself as the meeting approaches.
Imposter syndrome tells us “you are not worthy of pitching a 6 figure client”. Who are you to add value at this level? Why even bother…. You don’t belong here.
Inexperience tells us “you should be scared, you’ve never done this before.”
And it’s 100% right.
Of course you have anxiety, it's a big deal!
You absolutely better get your shit together, this matters.
Nothing is wrong with you.
Those feelings are all true, those feelings drive us to prepare, and those feelings will evolve the more you do the hard thing.
The only way to get better at pitching 6 figure clients, is to pitch your first one, learn, get better, and do it again.
It is important to have a capacity for discomfort.
You build your capacity for discomfort by doing uncomfortable things.
Don’t let imposter syndrome prevent you from strengthening your mental toughness.
Imposter syndrome robs us of our desired identity.
Let’s throw on that second beef patty to make it a double…
What makes owning imposter syndrome so dangerous is even after you have experience, you’re robbing yourself of your desired identity.
“I am pursuing something important to me, but people will think I’m a fraud”.
“Sure, I’ve built a business.
But I’m no Gary Vee. Who am I to speak on stage?”
“Yes, I’ve had a few gigs.
But I’m not a real musician. Who am I to play an arena?”
“I mean, I’ve taught yoga.
But only to small groups. Who am I to open a studio?”
The truth: You are in the same position as every person who came before and has accomplished what you desire.
Are you running the risk of imposter syndrome being your easy out?
Or are you going to put in the work to pursue the hard thing despite it being totally terrifying.
Be careful of the labels you welcome into your headspace.
Labels have power - It is 100% up to you how you leverage that power!
We are rooting for you,
Moxie 💛
