Do yourself a favor. Stop saying you have Imposter Syndrome.

Did you know that it was originally called 'The Imposter Phenomenon’? In the late 1970s, two psychologists by the names of Clance & Imes, researched high-achieving women in the academic fields.?Their findings? Women had difficulty internalizing their accomplishments and attributed their success more to luck and other factors. They coined the term,?Imposter Phenomenon and published an article called, ”The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention”.

One of these psychologists, Pauline Clance, later wrote her first book on the topic in 1985 and it was also called “The Imposter Phenomenon”.?

Not Syndrome.?

Interestingly, it’s not easy to find who or when the term changed from phenomenon to syndrome.?

What comes to mind when you hear the word “syndrome”? Things like:?

Tourettes syndrome?

Down’s syndrome?

Klinefelter syndrome

Yep, me too.?

Syndrome tends to be linked with medical conditions that aren’t curable.

Calling it Imposter Syndrome perpetuates the idea that it is something that needs to be cured. Hundreds of books, conversations, and professionals now focus on helping people to “overcome” Imposter Syndrome.?As if there is something wrong with you if you experience it. And, that you'd better figure out how to fix it. Sooner rather than later.

Yet, studies show that the vast majority of women will experience it in their lifetime, making it a common and normal occurrence.?

The original conversation was valuable. It helped women (and some men too) understand they weren’t alone. It created a common language, acknowledgment, and support. It encouraged transparency.?

The definition of a phenomenon is: “a situation that is observed to occur.”?It’s something that exists. That has a different tone than syndrome, doesn’t it?

Imposter Syndrome is described as some combo of self-doubt, a sense of unworthiness, uncertainty about talents and abilities, attributing success to external factors, and fear of fooling others into thinking one is more accomplished than they are.?

Ask Google “how to overcome imposter syndrome” and what comes up is:?

Stop comparing yourself to others

Talk to someone about it

Look at your accomplishments?

Recognize negative self-talk?

Realize it’s not just you

These are all reasonable suggestions for an occurrence that most people will experience. Sound advice for everyone. Good for your mental health, too.?

Saying you “have” Imposter Syndrome sounds like you have something permanent. It’s more accurate to say you “feel” like an imposter.?

Feeling like an imposter.

Feeling nervous that you’re going to be found out for embellishing your accomplishments.

Feeling undeserving.?

Feeling worried that you’re not as smart as people think you are.?

They’re all ‘just’ feelings. They come and go. They’re not a condition nor a curse.?

All feelings are temporary. Syndromes are generally not.?

Rather than saying you have Imposter Syndrome, try these on for size:?

I’m trying something new and I feel anxious.?

I’ve had many accomplishments and I still question whether I’m good enough.?

Sometimes I feel nervous that I’m going to be found out.?

I fear that people will realize I’m no smarter than the next person.?

I’m not as confident as I would like to be in this situation.?

You don’t need therapy, coaching, or medical help to ‘cure’ Imposter Syndrome.?

There is nothing wrong with you.?

Instead of focusing on Imposter Syndrome, find a bigger goal.?

Create a goal that scares the hell out of you and focus on that.?

Will you feel anxious and self-doubt? Absolutely. That's what big goals do.

Will you feel like an imposter? Maybe.

You’ll also feel more alive.?

You can move forward despite the fear and anxiety. Bring it along for the ride with you.?Talk back to it. Put it in the passenger seat and not the driver's seat.

You’re likely to create something much more interesting than Imposter Syndrome.?

Almost 50 years have passed since this concept originated.?

I say it's time for a re-brand.?

How about calling it the "Human Phenomenon"?

If you’ve had feelings associated with Imposter Syndrome, congrats!

You’re human.?

You’re willing to put yourself in situations that are uncomfortable.

You don’t always give yourself the credit you deserve.?

I’d be more concerned if you’ve never had any of these feelings.?

It would mean that you don’t take risks, try new things or challenge yourself.?

Do yourself a favor.?Stop saying that you have Imposter Syndrome.?

It's a human phenomenon.