Imposter syndrome – such a terrible name and it just feels dirty to say, right?
Recently I spent time with LeanInAgile (LIA) DMV Spiral chatting about this topic! Such a fun time!
I have listened to other talks and reading articles and trying to determine if this was a thing I had (like a rash), could overcome or could help others deal with.
I realized it truly is all in your head. Seriously, in your head. It’s a thought. A thought is not fact. It’s a thought. (Thank you Pahla Bowers for all your podcasts on this topic – it finally sunk in!)
Such a great article form Psychology today pointing out that “Suffering from imposter syndrome makes you part of a not-so-exclusive club. CEOs, Olympic athletes, and presidential nominees have all experienced imposter syndrome. In fact, up to 70 percent of the workforce suffers from this, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and tennis great Serena Williams.”
Wow! 70% Tom Hanks? Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor?
So – really – honestly – truly – YOU – are NOT alone!
Take a breath, consider that feeling in your head, (and probably in your gut) remember, it is a thought, and be good to yourself! Respect your abilities, have confidence in all that you are! I believe you have the job you deserve, based on the experience you have gained and you are amazing!