Did Everyone Catch Imposter Syndrome?

Several weeks ago, a LinkedIn connection posted about imposter syndrome.?They shared that imposter syndrome appeared to be a new phenomenon; seemingly a byproduct of social media and FOMO.?

After reading, reflexively, I was on board.?I actually agreed with the sentiment, at first. The increase of articles, posts, tweets, and TikToks about imposter syndrome got me thinking. What was with the sudden abundance of material in the media about this “syndrome” and why are all of these women experiencing these feelings now? Is it due to Covid?

Fast forward to this month. I was preparing for a high stakes conversation to discuss an opportunity to showcase a skillset I know I have the talent to master.?This new experience would allow me to work amongst industry professionals at the top of their game. I was immediately excited, and then the overthinking began. I was being called to the carpet. It was time to show and prove.

It is one thing to believe your own hype, but when other people believe in you and know that you are not filled with guff, the expectation is that you will own the stage and perform. This is your moment. Weirdly enough however, when provided with this time to shine, many high achieving professional women are struggling horribly with believing in their own strengths. They actively believe that they are frauds, despite evidence to the contrary.

Insert confused face here.

Why?

I will take a stab at explaining this psychological hornets nest and surmise that the crap underpinning the foundation of this very toxic dynamic is multifaceted. Archaic, patriarchal systems are still punishing women for being problem solvers, for speaking up and challenging the status quo, and for making noise. These systems are rampant and the work to dismantle these schemes is painstakingly slow. The celebration of mediocrity, the promotion of homogeneity, and the performative display of diversity in spaces where women are supposed to thrive gives lip service to our daily wins and creates smokescreens where support and sponsorship should live.?Workplaces are drenched in confounded confusion when women gracefully dispense intelligence, critical thinking and technical acumen in the boardroom, emergency room, court room, and lab. And the microaggressions in response are stifling.

Earlier this year, I received a great book suggestion - How Design Makes the World by Scott Berkun. Prior to reading it, I would wax philosophical about the inequities in the world and naively complain about the lack of solutions to issues facing humanity that impact those around us. After finishing the book, I was left with a clear understanding of how our many social systems and structures have been poorly (on purpose?) designed. With this knowledge, to me, “imposter syndrome” lost its virulence. We must stop the contagion.

Can we fix it?

Of course we can because that's what women do.

But first we must call it out for what it is. We are not imposters. Merriam Webster defines an imposter as one who makes false claims of identity or expertise. My friends performing surgery would not last a day in the OR if they were pretending. My colleagues in tech would flee their Big 4 positions if they could not keep pace with their peers. My ladies in engineering would have quit their Masters programs if their studies were too difficult. They are in these roles, and creating value for their employers and clients. Women are not pretending to be high achievers for clout. We have earned it, and gaslighting women with every achievement must stop. The system is poorly designed.

How do we change this?

We first start at home.

Women everywhere can be mindful about protecting their self-esteem, confidence and mental health by incorporating several strategic behaviors into their routines.

In no order of importance:

1. Write down your accomplishments from the last ten years. If you have major successes dating back before then, include those too. Post this list in a prominent place in your house, office and every place you need to see it.?When you begin to doubt yourself, look at your Hype List and remember the feeling of each success. Bask in it.
2. Create a playlist of feel good music. Football players exit the stadium tunnels to the Eye of the Tiger. Channel your inner running back and turn up the tunes when you feel low.
3. Get a therapist and/or a coach. Temperature check with a professional who can help you unpack feelings of inadequacy and aid you in gaining some insight.
4. Find ways to create value outside of work. Volunteer, mentor, etc. Helping others will help you.
5. Call a friend. Those who know you best are often the best healers.

This week I did numbers two, three and five. I feel centered and ready to attack the new work week. Sadly, the post about imposter syndrome being more prevalent, is true, but more women are talking about it. We are speaking up, and it is not a millennial malady.?It is real for women of all ages, at all levels of the org chart.?

Create space for the women on your team. Understand that the taller the professional ladder, the thinner the air is at the top for those who identify as “woman”. The air is even thinner if you are LGBTQIA+ and/or BIPOC. Disabled? Hypoxic. Give us room to breathe so that we can do our best.

These opinions are my own.