Why We Need to Stop Saying Imposter Syndrome
- May 5
- 2 min read
When we use certain labels, we start to identify with them rather than going deeper into the underbelly to see the specific behavior behind it.
Every time I hear the term "imposter syndrome," I cringe.
Nobody is actually an imposter - except for the rare characters like you mind find in the movie ‘Catch Me If You Can’. Using this label implies there is something wrong with you, when the truth is that it is inherent in our human nature to have a voice of doubt in your head.
This inner critic speaks in absolutes which is a key indication it’s not the core of who you are. This critic tells you lies like "You’re not good enough" and "No one thinks you have what it takes".
Choosing the Right Fuel
Organizations frequently encourage getting the most out of their people, squeezing the life out of them until that last possible second. If you zoom out for an even more macro view, we have been conditioned in society to encourage negative stimuli (aka fear) to drive results.
But you can choose a better alternative, much like you can choose gas or electric fuel. Motivating yourself from a place of lack and scarcity is a completely outdated, not to mention unsustainable form of fuel.
To truly dismantle the status quo, we need to focus on building our Human Skills of deep introspection to understand your thought and behavior patterns.
When you’re put in a situation where you have a gap to fill with your skills, call it a growth opportunity. You’re bringing your life experience, your perspective, and your people skills to the table. That is called expansion and growth and trusting yourself. You were handed a beautiful opportunity to grow into, and there is nothing imposter about that.
