Is it really impostor syndrome or something else?

We need to have a family meeting about impostor syndrome, okay?

I hear it all the time from my executive coaching clients, during speaking engagements, and amongst my friends...and it always leaves me asking the question I posed to you above: is it really impostor syndrome or something else?

Is it a real thing? Absolutely. Have we experienced it in some form or fashion over the course of our lives or careers? Yes.

Be clear that I'm not saying there's no merit to the concept. I’ve talked about it at length and even did an entire episode of my old podcast about it (dang, I miss podcasting!).?

During the first year of my doctoral program, I was tossing the idea around about writing my dissertation on this subject. When I read the original study, however, I realized...wait...I don't have impostor syndrome at all! Here's a line from the original study (FROM 1978!) that stopped me in my tracks:

Women who experience the impostor phenomenon maintain a strong belief that they are not intelligent; in fact, they are convinced that they have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise.

Not intelligent? That ain't me AT ALL. And it's not you, either.?

What I’ve realized over time is that the core of our fears and what really holds us back is a fear of being judged - not the fear of us being seen as less intelligent than we really are (especially as high-achievers).

This can play out in thoughts that run through your head like:

?? If I do this (courageous/non-traditional/unexpected) thing, will they see me for who I really am and judge me for it?

?? What will they think of me?

?? Will they be able to tell that I don’t know what I’m doing??Will I get called out?

I could go on.

As that snowball of self-doubt grows, we call it a ton of other things than what it actually is.

Instead of a fear of being judged, it’s…

• I have impostor syndrome.
• I have a fear of public speaking.
• I’m an introvert/extrovert.

We give power to so many other things, instead of owning our truth and standing in it.

Maybe your truth is…

?? I know what I’m doing and I’m going to act like it.

?? I am called, qualified, and capable to do what X thing.

?? What other people think of me is none of my business.

?? Public speaking intimidates me, but it will not defeat me.

?? Impostor syndrome is real, but it will not define me.

See a pattern here?

Take control of your thoughts from here on out and reframe the story you’re telling yourself in your head.

You’ve got this, friend.

To your success,

Amber L. Wright

P.S. This post was first sent as an e-mail to my e-mail community. Wanna join so you don't miss a post like this when it's shiny and new? Subscribe at www.wordswellsaid.com!

About the author

Amber L. Wright is a communication expert and founder of Words Well Said, a personal development company that helps organizations do a better job at making their people feel seen, heard, and valued. As an executive coach and speaker, she guides leaders toward expressing their highest selves with confidence and grace. Her popular TEDx Talk entitled, “Ask Better Questions to Build Better Connections,” has inspired people all over the world to become stronger communicators in their everyday lives.?She has been mentioned in Fast Company, Essence, and Mashable, and is currently pursuing a doctorate of education in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California.