"Is Entitlement the Real Issue Behind Imposter Syndrome?" - A Perspective Shift to Overcome Self-Doubt and Inadequacy

Imposter syndrome is a common affliction that affects many of us, especially those who strive for success in their personal and professional lives. It's that nagging feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy that can make us question our abilities and accomplishments, and leave us feeling like frauds.

Comparisonitis of the feeling of 'not enough' seems to be a plague overtaking many individuals' dreams, so I sat with it for a moment and tried to see it from another perspective.

But what if I told you that imposter syndrome might not be the real issue here? What if, instead, the real problem is an entitlement - the very thing that you loathe and would never want to be associated with?

Think about it. Imposter syndrome is all about feeling like you don't deserve your success like you're not good enough or smart enough to be where you are. But entitlement is all about feeling like you deserve everything, even if you haven't worked for it.

If you're secretly suffering from entitlement, you might be holding yourself back without even realizing it. You might be afraid to go after what you want because you feel like you should be handed success on a silver platter. You might be resentful of others who have achieved what you want because you feel like you're entitled to the same level of success without putting in the same amount of effort.

But here's the truth: success isn't handed out like participation trophies. You have to work for it, you have to fight for it, and you have to earn it. And if you're not willing to do that, then maybe you don't really want it as much as you think you do.

Oosh, that was my realisation in my 20s, I had indeed grown up with a silver spoon and a hell of a lot of privilege. I had brains in my head and a private education under my belt, and my parents were both educated, employed and told me they loved me often not to mention encouraged us to read, go after our dreams and be ourselves.

I still however was pained by the feeling of imposter syndrome. In rooms I was invited into there were always people that were richer than me, better looking, smarter, had more. I often got overwhelmed by comparisonitis and stuck in the red zone.

Two bouts of glandular fever at the tender age of 19 and a deferred semester at university really set this whole thing on a pretty epic unrelenting downward spiral. I found myself stuck in bed with chronic fatigue and depression and the gloom of not-enoughness was all-consuming.

After I recovered from glandular fever, I knew I needed to build up my mental and physical resilience to prevent future setbacks. To do this, I started practising gratitude each day by listing three things I was thankful for. I also worked on reframing negative thoughts and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. Additionally, I made self-care a priority by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Finally, I surrounded myself with positivity by seeking out friends who inspired and supported me and engaging in activities that brought me joy and fulfilment. By implementing these practices, I was able to bounce back from glandular fever and build a stronger, more resilient mindset.

The real switch for me was the gratitude antidote. Recognising what I have and what I had to offer. My mindset switch slowly came as I started to invest in my well-being and my mindset. Stuck with little energy and nothing to do; I picked up book after book from my Mum and Dad's library (again seriously how privileged), ranging from You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought to the Celestine Prophecy, The Alchemist and The Power of Now, these books shifted my perspective and changed my mindset. The key is to remember that it takes time to build this sort of change into your brain.

So, what can YOU do about it? First, you need to recognize the signs of entitlement in yourself. Do you feel like you should be rewarded just for showing up? Do you get angry or resentful when others achieve what you want? Do you think you're better than others without any real evidence to back it up?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it's time to check yourself. You need to realize that success is not a given, it's a goal that you have to work towards. You need to let go of your entitlement and start putting in the work.

Take a little time to read books, listen to podcasts, and invest in your future by laying new trackwork of thinking to create new pathways and new realities.

And remember, you're not alone. Plenty of successful people have faced similar struggles, and they didn't let their doubts or fears hold them back. As hip-hop legend Jay-Z once said, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man." He didn't wait for success to come to him - he went out and created it himself.

So, don't be afraid to be a little gangsta about it. Go after what you want with passion and determination, and don't let anyone tell you that you don't deserve it. As another famous rapper, Kendrick Lamar, once said, "We gon' be alright." And you will be, as long as you let go of your entitlement and start putting in the work.

Imposter syndrome might be a symptom of something deeper - entitlement. If you want to achieve success, you need to let go of your entitlement and start working towards your goals. And always remember, the only thing standing in your way is you. So, go out there and conquer!

Here are some more references to build your resilience and positive mindset:

1. "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale - This classic book provides practical techniques and strategies for developing a positive attitude and overcoming self-doubt.
2. "The Happiness Advantage" by Shawn Achor - This book argues that happiness leads to success, not the other way around, and provides research-backed tips for increasing positivity and resilience.
3. "Mindset" by Carol Dweck - This book explores the power of a growth mindset, which focuses on embracing challenges and seeing failures as opportunities for growth.
4. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey - This influential book presents a holistic approach to personal and professional success, emphasizing the importance of proactive thinking, self-awareness, and positive habits.
5. "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant - This book explores how to build resilience and find joy in the face of adversity, drawing on personal stories and research in psychology and sociology.

These resources offer valuable insights and practical strategies for developing a positive mindset and cultivating mental resilience. By incorporating these principles into your life, you can learn to overcome negative thoughts and focus on the possibilities and opportunities in every situation.