I was describing something to someone today. She listened attentively, waited for me to pause, and said:
“You know, that sounds like Impostor Syndrome. Have you heard of it?”
A week ago, I would’ve said “no.” Funny enough, however, a friend just posted on that very topic in her blog. I read it a couple of days ago and thought “I can relate to that.” And kept moving. Didn’t think more of it. When it was mentioned to me today, a light bulb went off.
I’ll leave it at that for now (PS: you’re witnessing an “ah ha moment”). In the meantime, if this is a new concept for you (as it was for me), a quick google will reveal some interesting articles. Definitely check out the post I referenced above at Slingbacks and Slingshots, a blog that explores how women can maximize their MBA to catapult their careers.
This is such a coincidence, I was thinking about this a couple days ago but I didn't know it was a syndrome and it had a name. I just thought it was me being me. I read about the solution on the blog you had referenced and I have to admit, the part about talking loudly about your accomplishments is easier said that done. When you do that, it feels like bragging and if someone is quick to point that out (however incorrect they might be, and they tend to usually be men) then it makes you ashamed, further worsening the syndrome. I don't know how to deal with so I carry on feeling the way I do ie hold on to the imposter syndrome.
How do you deal with it?
Hey! Good to hear from you. Thanks for taking time to share your experience. Frankly, I don't yet have a set way to manage. I'm just acknowledging how prevalent the dynamic has been in my life. And it’s a rather new dynamic for me—say the last 3-4 years. Knowing is half the battle. So I feel confident that I can/will develop ways to mitigate. However, I think some of the ideas provided in that blog are a good start. While talking about your accomplishments may not feel natural, I agree that it’s necessary. And, I think there’s a way to do it w/o being off-putting. At the same time, I think it’s telling that we are even concerned about whether we’re off-putting or not when discussing successes. Want to wager on if men are concerned w/that?? 🙂