Is It Possible for Imposter Syndrome to Display Signs of Imposter Syndrome

Written By: Dr. Rich Houston, Director of the Culverhouse School of Accountancy

I do believe that imposter syndrome is a valid thing that many people grapple with. However, like many things that permeate the collective consciousness, perhaps it’s being overused in a potentially harmful way. Its definition is “the overwhelming feeling of inadequacy and ‘not belonging’ despite having substantial evidence of being competent and worthy.”

I talked to someone this week who said that she was experiencing imposter syndrome after suffering a setback in one leg of her accounting journey. I asked her whether she felt that she belonged in graduate school and whether she felt as if she earned the prestigious job she will soon start. She said yes to both. I commented that what she was experiencing was likely not imposter syndrome, but rather post-failure feelings of dejection and the dread associated with getting back on the horse. Please don’t allow a temporary setback in one area of your life to color the rest with an ugly crayon.

There are some jokes where the punchline is the cornerstone, and for which the setup can take many forms. I talked to someone who described a number of serious issues he is combating. Exhibiting impeccable timing, he paused for a couple of seconds and said, “but everything else is going great.” Good punchline, great attitude.

I was walking to class while streaming Roxy Music to my hearing aids, but to do so with proper reception I had to put my phone in my breast pocket, where it looked like a pocket protector. What to do.

When someone making a presentation appears nervous, sit up straight, make some eye contact, and smile so as to be a friendly, attentive, and ultimately calming influence.

At the dentist last week, the hygienist said that most people hate going because they had a traumatic experience when they were younger. I associated trips to the dentist with loving the waiting room because it meant New Yorker cartoons, having a crush on Sarah the Hygienist, being told I had no cavities (and a great bite to boot), and choosing a toy from the treasure chest. I wonder whether my life would be different if I had had a cavity on an early visit.

I told four people this week, “I can see in your eyes that you’re really happy.” One had figured out how to overcome a difficult past by not letting ill-meaning people define her, one moved on from a group that was wrong for her, one was realizing how far she’s come, how much she’s accomplished, and how much more she’s capable of, and another was happy because she surrounds herself with great people and appreciates a life shaped by a plethora of good and a very light sprinkling of bad. My prescription is to embrace one or more of these mindsets and internalize them each morning with food or milk.

Capability is not a static concept—one can, with effort, consistently raise their bar. Consider also that “the best they can” will vary across people and time. I guess what I’m saying is that you can play with those you consider to be “the successful kids” by working diligently to elevate what constitutes your best.

I started playing a guitar when I was 27 but stopped quickly because it hurt my fingers. I tried again when I was 49 but stopped because I “got too busy.” At 8-squared, I have good intentions, but I don’t execute. Does this sound familiar?

I knew someone whose license plate was debit and his wife’s was credit. What this means depends on whether you analyze it from a balance sheet (asset vs. liability) or income statement (revenue vs. expense) point of view. I never knew which statement he favored. By the way, Word suggested that I use “wives” as a correction for “wife’s.” Make of that what you will.

How low do you allow your phone battery to get before recharging? I get hives when I go below 65 percent and I talked to a daily one percenter last week. I do believe that there exists an inverse relationship between your percentage and the level of chaos in your life.

In a setting where correlation clearly does indicate cause and effect, your teacher’s effectiveness is directly related to your levels of preparation and engagement.

Someone I know quite well said that they would name their autobiography “Thank You for Signaling.” I responded by singing “Signal as you turn” to the tune of “Whistle While You Work.”

I love my eclectic toothbrush. It keeps tartar off my teeth, relishes a well-made sauce for fried fish, and enjoys, whenst in its cream form, combining with baking soda to produce baking powder.

See you in a couple of weeks.