Imposter Syndrome: Perfectly Unique

Psychology Today has mentioned that around 70 percent of adults experience Imposter Syndrome at least once in their lives, and approximately 20 to 30 percent of these adults are high achievers in their careers.

Hold up! I know, half of you are probably saying, “No, I’m not a criminal! I would never try to pretend to be someone else.” The other half is probably saying, “Uh-uh, I’m not feeling any symptoms. Not since COVID!”

Don’t worry, none of you are holding any symptoms of criminality, faking, or sham. However, you might feel like you are.

Let me break down Imposter Syndrome to its simplest term. It is the thought that we don’t deserve the success upheld to us, leading to crippling self-doubt about our competence, intelligence, and abilities. This makes us think we are not good enough for the achievements received such as job promotions, bookings from an audition, creating a business, etc. The result is, ultimately, us feeling like…*cue drumroll followed by 10-sec pause for thrilling effect…imposters!

Look, I don’t think there’s any way of sugar-coating this. If I could describe Imposter Syndrome, it’s like that one strand of hair that won’t stay in place when you’re grooming. Everything seems to be well formed and then, ploop. Suddenly you see it pop out of the crowd of hairs, and now it has taken all of your attention. It has become everything you think about. Literally and figuratively, the only thing you’re focusing on.

Maybe adding some hairspray or product may help it go away. But great. You’re already anticipating the worst and preparing for that tiny hair strand to pop back up.

So now you have two options. Either you try to ignore the fact that it’s there, peeping behind the congregation of behaved hairs, or you suppress and hide it, grabbing the nearest cap or fedora (Or beret if you’re feeling extra stylish) for cover.

Man, this is starting to sound like one of those Jordan Peele horror movies…are you thrilled yet?

So, where does imposter syndrome come from? Psychologists have claimed that the symptoms of anxiety and pressure stem from perfectionism, or how I like to describe it, the ‘need’ to be perfect. This relates to a global phenomenon in which all individuals feel like it is absolutely vital to be spotless in their job performance, extra-curricular activities, marriage, etc.

However, of course, whether one believes it or not, we are not born perfect. We don’t grow up to be a perfect specimen of man-kind. Leave that to Marvel films and Romance novels to tickle our fantasies. When one doesn’t feel like they are performing to that standard of ‘perfection,’ it repeats the constant cycle of self-doubt and regret, leading to internal questions being asked: “Why am I here?” “Do I even have what it takes?” “How did I get this job?” “Out of all the incredible applicants, why did they pick me?”

In simpler terms…no success equals more stress.

In terms of many, some clients take career-coaching and therapy in order to find help in dealing with these struggles of imposter syndrome, having hope that, maybe, they can find a solution to break this constant cycle of fear and regret.

Some have even turned to hypnosis in order to completely disentangle imposter syndrome from their work life, but failed unknowingly after noticing the feelings of self-doubt and regret emerging again. Because, like that tiny strand of hair, kept popping up in the back of their heads from time-to-time.

How can you overcome imposter syndrome?

We cannot fully take away imposter syndrome from our lives. It’s like our conscience. Our memory. A negatively-charged method of mentality which constantly takes hold of us at our lowest moments. We can only learn to recognize, address, have the strength to confront, and overcome it.

RACO = Recognize, Address, Confront, and Overcome

First, you must be aware of how you feel. Are you feeling any thoughts of self-doubt and regret? Do you find yourself always putting yourself down at random moments?

Second, you must have the courage to address your problems and struggles with these symptoms. How long have you been dealing with this? How has it impacted your way of thinking?

Third, confront the situation. This is where the real strength comes in. You must be able to accept the fact that you are not perfect. It is in the nature of us, fellow humans (or homo sapiens for the science butterflies out there), to have our strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has a very unique and distinct taste, thought process, and point-of-view that sets each one of us apart, and potentially strike differences and conflicting thoughts between the oppositions. However, we cannot ultimately be the same, and that’s perfectly alright. I’d rather say I impacted and contributed to this world with my own unique perspective than being ‘perfect’ like everyone else. Each of us cannot be replaced by the other. We’re all different.

There’s a whole lot of value in that.

And Fourth: Overcoming. Shall I say more?...*cue victorious orchestral/symphony music

Whether it be in our work, marriage, or social life, imposter syndrome tends to lurk beneath the shadows (wow, please stop me from getting all poetic). It’s the leading reason for why one doesn’t take the bold first-step to career-change, accepting an offered job, new adventures, and worthwhile discoveries. In order to conquer imposter syndrome, we must accept that being perfect is impossible. We cannot attain perfection, but can attain mastery of individuality.

It is not that we should seek to be perfect, but perfectly unique.

- Brandon D. Gille