Imposter syndrome can become a very heavy topic. However, as I researched this topic, I was comforted by knowing how many highly successfully, highly respected people deal with imposter syndrome. It was comforting to know that I am not alone, and there is always hope. Here are a few examples:
“I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.” - Maya Angelou
“Now when I receive recognition for my acting, I feel incredibly uncomfortable. I tend to turn in on myself. I feel like an imposter. Any moment, someone’s going to find out I’m a total fraud, and that I don’t deserve any of what I’ve achieved.” - Emma Watson
“You think, ‘Why would anyone want to see me again in a movie? And I don’t know how to act anyway, so why am I doing this?’” - Meryl Streep
“I still have a little impostor syndrome… It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously. What do I know? I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is.” - Michelle Obama
The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of: ‘I’m a fraud! Oh God, they’re on to me! I’m a fraud!’ . . . just try to ride the egomania when it comes and enjoy it, and then slide through the idea of fraud. - Tina Fey
I am not a writer. I’ve been fooling myself and other people. - John Steinbeck
That list could go on and on, but hopefully, you see those individuals, how accomplished they are, and that they are still dealing with imposter syndrome. So how do we deal with this common experience?
This week on Learning to Lead the live clubhouse discussions, we talked about Imposter Syndrome, how to spot it in yourself (and others), and how you can overcome it. It was a great conversation and a reminder of how important it is to open up and share our experiences with others and realize we aren’t as alone as we may think we are. Here are a few takeaways from the discussion:
Know that everyone deals with imposter syndrome and it never really goes away, we just get better at overcoming it in the moment.
Your ego plays a big role in imposter syndrome. The ego plays an important role in protecting us and keeping us safe, but sometimes it can build up fears that are not real.
Imposter Syndrome often impacts highly successful people more frequently. These are the perfectionists, high achievers, and those who are constantly pushing themselves to succeed. Consider the irony of this fact.
Know the signs of imposter syndrome for yourself: what are the indicators it’s coming on? How can you anticipate the feeling and thinking to prepare yourself and your reaction?
Pay attention to how imposter syndrome may show up in others (in your team or around you). If someone is quiet, not leaning in, not taking on bigger roles or projects, or advocating for their career they may be dealing with imposter syndrome and it’s up to you to help them work through it.
Normalize talking about the valleys and the peaks in your career journey. We live in a culture and society that glamorizes success and often skips over the hard parts, or the moments of doubt. Be vulnerable about your experience and how you navigated imposter syndrome personally and you will help others.
A few things you can do to combat imposter syndrome:
Mindfulness Practices: try a meditation practice, journaling, affirmations of positive self-talk. These practices help you see where your attention is, when you are in negative thinking and self-talk, and when you are overthinking. Mindfulness practices won’t stop the thoughts from occurring but help you better navigate and deal with them.
Stay Curious: seek to continue learning, reading, taking classes. Learning from others expands our thinking and experience.
Lean on your Personal Board of Directors, a Professional or Personal Coach, Mentors, Friends and your Community. Talk to them about your strengths, and use them as a sounding board when you are experiencing imposter syndrome.
Help others: the best teacher is helping others. Become a mentor or sponsor someone else. Help them navigate their imposter syndrome and you will learn a lot yourself.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” - Winnie the Pooh
Remember that you are in control of your reactions to everything, including your thoughts. Be kind to yourself, and remember that you are not alone on this journey. Everyone feels imposter syndrome and is learning how to push through in spite of it. You deserve your success; you deserve your position, and you are worthy.
Quote of the Week
It's not what you are that holds you back, it's what you think you are not - Denis Waitley
Resources
Dr. Amishi Jha: researcher, author, speaker, and teacher focused on the mind and attention
Brene Brown: discusses imposter syndrome on her podcast, including the cultural and systematic challenges
Mentor Mesh: networking and accelerator program to learn from and connect with others across multiple topics
SNL Stories from the Show: Jason Sudeikis - Listen to Jason share his story and his experience with imposter syndrome
Holiday Indulgences: Bobby Flay Chocolate Pancakes & Dark Chocolate Crunch Pretzel Crisps
Listen to the Full Replay
I was travelling this weekend and you can hear the full replay on Clubhouse.
Events
Special Edition: Last week I went to TEDWomen and it was an amazing experience! I will share a write-up of my experience at the conference in a special edition of the Learning to lead newsletter next week. Stay Tuned!
FastCompany Mobile Evolution 2022: How Foldable Tech, 5G, and More Are Transforming the Way We Work on December 8, 2021 - join this virtual event to learn how mobile technology has evolved, how new form factors are changing the ways workers use technology and practical ways that teams can use the latest technology, to boost productivity from wherever they’re working.
How to Build Better Leaders and Managers–Today on December 14, 2021 - join an online event with the author of the One Minute Manager and over 60 other best-selling business books to discover the keys to help you unlock the potential in your organization.
TED 2022: April 2022 - A lot has changed since we last gathered in Vancouver for TED three years ago. We return not for more of the same, wonderful though that was, but to celebrate a new era. Despite the awfulness we’ve lived through, the future beckons with extraordinary possibilities we couldn’t have dreamt of. In medicine, in AI, in clean energy, in the ways we work, the ways we learn, and in the fundamental economic and social systems that underpin everything else. Come and be part of something extraordinary.
Networking & Job Openings
Current Job Openings:
Are you hiring? Send your job to be included in this newsletter and connect with leaders in our network
Next time on Learning to Lead: Giving Effective Feedback
Do you have a question on this topic that you would like us to answer? Send me your question and we will answer it live on clubhouse (you can remain anonymous if preferred)
Join us LIVE in the official Learning to Lead Clubhouse Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 am PT.