Imposter Syndrome and Fear of Flying Are Evil Twins

This is something that struck me on a??recent flight as I closed my eyes in terror and clenched the seat handles for dear life because we were experiencing very minor turbulence as we brushed past the world’s smallest cloud over Luton. Hi, I’m Dave and I have a fear of flying.

Below are 10 ways I’ve linked my aeroplane issues to imposter syndrome. May contain coping mechanisms. If the links are too tenuous for you, please take the nearest exit located on the like button. Today’s flight time is approximately four minutes. Cabin crew clear for takeoff.?

1: Both conditions link to something in your past. In my case, it’s a flight to Ibiza that took a detour via the Thunderstorm From Hell. If you have imposter syndrome, it’s probably because you’re a normal human being that’s had to work hard to find success. You’ve climbed a mountain. Be proud of getting there, don’t look down in disbelief. Unless your plane has just crashed into the side of said mountain in which case that’s a legitimate reason to freak out.

2: If you talk about either of these issues, you’ll realise you’re not alone. Apparently 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their career. That’s basically everyone except influencers. And if I had a pound for every person I’ve met who admitted they also have a fear of flying, I’d have enough for two glasses of my favourite airport wine (Very Large Red) at Belfast City departures.

3: Fears are a work in progress. Challenges are a work in progress. Your career is a work in progress. Your work is a work in progress. Don’t panic. (unless you’re about to land on water and a pilot is shouting “BRACE! BRACE!” because YOU’RE ALL ABOUT TO DIE! Sorry, breathe)

4: Don’t bring too much baggage. In the case of imposter syndrome, I’m referring to emotional baggage from your past that is making you doubt yourself. In the case of flying, I mean actual baggage - because trying to dropkick your TK Maxx travel case into Ryanair’s bag size checker is terrible for stress levels and not ideal for your travel case.

5: Both problems benefit from a good old Spotify playlist. For imposter syndrome, try a collection of songs that remind you of yourself and the challenges you’ve overcome to get here. For fear of flying, songs that chill you out. Maybe avoid Flying Without Wings.

6: People need people. I’ve had hypnotherapy for fear of flying and mentors for fear of failing. Would highly recommend both. Asking for help doesn’t make you an imposter, it makes you more likely to succeed. Shoutout to Ian from Easyjet for my stress-hug on a recent flight to Gatwick.

7: In both cases, you need to be kind to yourself. Celebrate your victories. If you receive great feedback for a presentation, tell someone about it. If you managed, let’s say, an 8am flight from Belfast to Gatwick without any wine, maybe high-five yourself (or Ian), but definitely don’t humbelbrag about it on LinkedIn.

8: Flying sufferers and imposter sufferers tend to seek constant validation. Whenever a flight attendant walks past with a tray of overly-microwaved paninis, I stare deep into their soul and watch for signs of fear. Similarly ridiculous is seeking daily validation from your boss or colleagues. Better to focus on validation from yourself (unless the passenger in the window seat next to you says “is that a thunderstorm?” in which case demand immediate facetime with the pilot and start drafting a will).?

9: Beware Perfectionism. Journeys don’t need to be perfect. Your work doesn’t need to be perfect. Imperfection doesn’t make you an imposter, just a person. That said, if any pilots are reading, please always strive for absolute perfection and avoid clouds at all costs.?

10: Fear of flying and imposter syndrome are about as rational as a live phone-in on GB News. Get out of your own way. Don’t hijack your dreams, or a plane.?

In conclusion, both these conditions are very normal. If you suffer from either, don’t forget to check-in with yourself. If you suffer from fear of flying, don’t forget to check-in five hours early with minimal luggage and the Wetherspoons app.

This is your captain speaking. On behalf of everyone here at Imposter Syndrome Airways, we appreciate you flying with us.?

Don’t forget your broken travel case.?