Imposter Syndrome is real! Here’s what to do about it
Paul White's nationally distributed syndicated column, “Imposter Syndrome is real! Here’s what to do about it,” is published in 22 publications across seven states. This includes the following newspapers and digital publications: Midland Daily News (MI), SFGate (CA), Seattle PI (WA), Connecticut Post (CT), Laredo Morning Times (TX), Huron Daily Tribune (MI), The Telegraph (IL), and more. In this week's article, Paul explores the term imposter syndrome, how it can negatively impact our lives, and ways to eliminate it and live a joyful life!
In the mental well-being world, and even in casual conversations, there’s a term you may start hearing more often. The term is “Impostor Syndrome.”
It impacts all of us to some degree and has the ability to destroy careers, families, relationships, integrity, and character. That’s the negative side of it.
On the positive side, when managed well, it can provide growth and advancement in careers, families, relationships, integrity, and character.
Yes, the list is the same for both good and bad. The good news is that each of us is in charge of managing its impact on our lives, allowing us to either use it as a springboard for the positive or a crutch for the negative.
Today I’ll provide you with a springboard you can utilize for the rest of your life.
So, let’s define imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome refers to a psychological phenomenon where an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud or impostor. They often feel that they do not deserve their success and attribute it to external factors such as luck or help from others rather than their own abilities or hard work. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence in one's own abilities. Given that definition, I would suggest that proper management of impostor syndrome can eliminate feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence in one’s own abilities. Eliminating those feelings is where we can experience the sweet spot of consistent joy and happiness.
A plaque in our home states: Thoughts Become Words, Words Become Actions, Actions Become Character, Character is Everything. Those words define a life principle that is utilized to build a personal foundation of integrity and eliminate imposter syndrome from gaining ground in your life.
Another saying that relates well is: Our True Character is Defined by the Things We Do When We Think No-One Else is Watching. It’s hard to imagine that there’s a single person on this earth that doesn’t have secrets relating to their life, but it’s the type and severity of secrets that can destroy. A person having an affair, having drug, alcohol, or gambling addictions, having an unmanageable amount of debt, being a bully or abuser, of harboring prejudice are all examples of character-defining traits that can instantly destroy someone’s life if discovered. Can you even imagine carrying that around with you each day on top of everything else you face?
It seems like the foundations of all secrets are built upon lies. It’s important to note that lies are progressive. Lies grow and always require additional lies in an attempt to shield the original. They become a massive boulder rolling quickly down a hill, destroying everything in their path. Many attempt to assign different levels to lies believing that “little white lies” are okay, allowing them to create justification.
Funny how the line that determines a little white lie tends to keep advancing through someone’s life little by little until it is miles away from where it began. Someone challenged me in a conversation to attempt to live every day without telling a single lie (as if it’s an impossibility). My response was an acknowledgment of being an imperfect human but turning it back to them and asking “Shouldn’t that at least be the goal each day? And if not, WHY not?” Someone being caught in a lie has a clear path of destruction following right behind the lie that they choose to ignore or even acknowledge.
Solutions? Yes! First, let’s go back to where I was talking about the role that character plays in every person’s life. Positive character eliminates imposter syndrome. Have you ever included a discussion about character in your self-talk? Probably not. Yet, success or failure in every area of your life can trace its roots back to your personal character. If someone were to ask me how they could improve every area of their life, I would tell them to manage their personal character. If they asked me how to do that, I would suggest that they devote time to studying, reading books and articles, listening to podcasts, or watching videos that relate to growing character.
My dream would be that there would be a required class entitled “Positive Character Development” every year in our K-16 education. The positive change that class would bring to the world would be immeasurable.
Another solution is to eliminate the rear view mirror in your life. Your past is not your future. The feelings that trigger impostor syndrome all occurred in the past over which you have no control. You can eliminate the lies and shame of the past by living the truth of the present and the future. The character that defines you can be based on the things you do today when you think no one else is looking. It’s a pure form of being true to yourself. Imposter syndrome is eliminated when you believe in yourself and what you’re capable of. It’s at that point that all anxiety and worry of what others think about you becomes insignificant.
An additional solution can be found in the statement: Faith is the Antidote to Fear! I wish I knew why every person on this earth hasn’t adopted this statement in leading their life. Faith is so powerful. Just look at its definition. Faith: trust; belief; belief without proof; religion; promise; loyalty; constancy. Antidote is a counteracting remedy. Faith eliminates fear. Eliminating fear removes the rear view mirror impact. Eliminating the rear-view mirror eliminates imposter syndrome. Eliminating impostor syndrome means today is going to be a great day, including each new day in our future. GiddyUp!
In addition to being a nationally syndicated columnist, Paul White is an author, motivational and inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach located in Midland, Michigan. He offers self-help and culture development to start your journey towards consistent growth and joy. If you’re interested in getting in touch with Paul, please submit an inquiry via our Contact Page.