Freddy did it, I did it. You can do it too.

O.K. I am talking about breaking free from imposter syndrome.

"You are so busy doubting yourself while so many others are intimidated by your potential...''

To me, this line perfectly sums up the paradox of imposter syndrome. I suffered with it - apparently, an estimated 70% of us do as per Laura Bergells . I won't delve into the definition; there are countless resources available for that. Instead, let us embark on a journey of shared experiences and explore how 'Freddy Did It, I Did It, You Can Do It Too' is more than just a catchy title; it's our declaration of empowerment against the pervasive imposter syndrome.

Countless surveys highlight that women are the most common victims of this syndrome. So, I am going to write from my perspective - from a woman's perspective. If you're wondering how Freddy comes into the picture, and you don't have time to read the entire article, skip the queue and head straight to the last line for the punchline.

As women, we find ourselves caught in a perpetual struggle, conditioned to believe we are never enough, forever yearning to be more, to be complete. We are always told not to be confident, not to show that we are enough for ourselves, consistently hearing that we need someone to take care of us. We are conditioned to seek approval. From there, the stupid habit of seeking validation from others arises – wanting validation even from our worst enemies. In this intricate dance of self-doubt, we encounter diverse characters. There are people who genuinely provide feedback, appreciate, and offer valuable insights that help you grow. Then there are those who don't like you, and they can be as mean as it gets. But the worst are those who are not even there to teach you anything, offering something that doesn't make sense and could totally confuse you.

So, how do you overcome this? The first question you need to ask yourself is, are you in the right place? Do you belong there? Did you make your presence overstayed? Do they accept you for what you are, and are they capable of nurturing you in a healthy way instead of crushing you? Very, very important questions to ask. If the answer is no to any of these, be smart, invest in finding a place that lets you be you, and then belong to become what you want to become.

You need to identify what your small fears and weaknesses are. Just tell yourself you can do it and push yourself to take that first step of faith. You sweat and bleed to be prepared for that first step as it gives you confidence for the next one. Two, three, four, and then you will just run over imposter syndrome, and people can see that change in you, and they admire you. Oh, the feeling of those shackles touching the floor is priceless. It worked for me; it could work for you. I am willing to mentor if you need help from me. Let me help you to be you, and it can be a chain.

Interestingly, I came across this article by Freddy that tells me it's not just women. I have an intriguing insight to share from his post: despite individuals appearing to have their lives perfectly in order, it so often isn't the case. So, journey through the intricacies of his article, exploring what worked for him. Much like Freddy, perhaps all it takes for you is a set of Legos and some music to shake off the shackles of imposter syndrome.

Read Freddy's article here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/sad-dads-imposter-syndrome-mindfulness-frederick-hillinger-yh6wc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&utm_campaign=share_via

Here is an interesting quiz by Grammarly : https://www.grammarly.com/blog/imposter-syndrome-quiz/.

Special thanks to Frederick Hillinger and Laura Bergells . I sincerely hope you won't mind me utilizing your articles; I believe we share a collective responsibility to contribute our experiences to the community.