Imposter Syndrome
“An authentic community requires a sharing of burdens that goes both ways.”
Imposter Syndrome has become an epidemic. Many people tout this mentality as a sense of solidarity. “Yeah, I don’t know what I’m doing either.”
I’ve heard talks on mindset shifts that center around reasons to feel empowered. I have heard lovely stories of individuals conquering Imposter Syndrome, and yet something is lacking. Is it enough to know others are struggling too?
In 2020, I saw an interesting phenomenon in my circle. Many people of all walks of life were breaking the silence about their mental illness. Some found comfort in the mutual misery, but even they eventually seemed to fall into another category. That category being one of hopelessness. It seemed no one was immune to depression, anxiety, or neurodivergence that impacted quality of life.
Dr. Caroline Leaf speaks on a similar occurrence in her book, Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess. She outlines a case study testing the effectiveness of her 5-step Neurocycle. An incidental finding of her research revealed that awareness actually negatively impacts a person’s mental health. Through mental health surveys and even biometric testing, participant scores were significantly negatively impacted by awareness of their symptoms.
We have been shouting awareness from the rooftops, without a solution. I’m sure it started with good intentions, but ultimately it offered hopelessness. We have been banding together in solidarity around our illnesses to do what? There seems to be a notion that if we are not alone in our feelings, that will take some of the pain. Yet are we truly no longer lonely, or are we enjoying the company of misery for a fleeting moment? This is a Band-Aid for a deadly wound.
You may be asking, what is the solution for Imposter Syndrome then?
Recognize the Lies of Imposter Syndrome.
Lie #1: someONE out there is THE best at whatever work you are trying to do.
This lie implies that there are perfect people out there. It also negates the significance of perspective.
Lie #2: Only THE best has merit.
This lie says, “If you cannot be at least as good as anyone you encounter doing the same work, then your efforts are embarrassing.” This lie also denies the importance of perspective.
Lie #3: whoever that someONE is, they should do the work in solitude.
This lie keeps us isolated, lonely.
2. Respond to the Lies.
The work you are trying to do has much less to do with your ability than Imposter Syndrome would lead you to believe. If you are seeking to do meaningful work, the mindset shift we need is about an authentic, like-minded community.
An authentic community should break down the lie that there is a perfect person somewhere. It should also reveal the significance of perspective. Two people could have equivalent abilities and the same message, but their unique point of view will have a different impact. This is why one thought leader, no matter how popular, will not be loved by every human.
Ideally, the community should reveal the group’s strengths and weaknesses, then facilitate teamwork utilizing that knowledge. This is why there is strength in numbers. The weaknesses can be counterbalanced, or even outweighed.
Like-minded community results in unity around the work to be done. This eliminates loneliness. This takes the highlighter off individuals’ weaknesses. This shares the workload, lightening the burden.
3. Reevaluate Your Standards.
Consider this: Have you ever picked up a book, turned on a podcast, or gone to a conference and expected to never need to do so again? Have you ever sought to learn something new and expected to learn all there is to know on that subject from one person? Then why do you expect to be the end-all, be-all source for someone else?
Whether your Imposter Syndrome is related to your job, a ministry, or even motherhood, the solution is community. An authentic community requires a sharing of burdens that goes both ways. This type of community tears down the lies of Imposter Syndrome.
Author: Tiffany L. Jones
Public Speaker and Author of The Cursed Brain
