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Am I in the upside down?
What is Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is defined as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist even in the face of information to the contrary (Duverge). With imposter feelings, a person feels like an intellectual fraud and is plagued by chronic self-doubt. The concept of Imposter Syndrome has been around for years and in just about every article or publication I’ve read, it suggests that it is most prevalent among high-achieving women. I can’t personally speak for all women, but I can most certainly say that in both my personal and my professional life I have suffered from Imposter Syndrome.
Here’s the Skinny
I happened upon this interview with Ed Mylett. What was the biggest takeaway for me was what he had to say about ‘focus.’ During the interview, he said the path to becoming rich is mastering the art of being great at one thing. Diversifying comes later AFTER you have mastered that one thing.
His words were a punch in the gut. I have always been proud of the fact that I have multiple jobs, and extracurriculars – you name it, going on at the same time. And, I am often having conversations with myself (yes, I do that) about NOT feeling like I am great at any of them! I sing in church, but I’m not the best singer. I used to dance, but I wasn’t the best dancer – I could get by. Graphic Design, Programming, Marketing, Motherhood, Wifehood, you name it! I literally felt like I was outside of my window watching myself never really hit the mark.
Having low self-esteem and self-doubt fueled the imposter feelings, but professionally, I was not supposed to think these thoughts. I am accomplished and educated, right? I earned what was required, I interviewed and got the job, but I had to contend with the distortion of thought that I was more intelligent than I let people believe.
I knew I had to figure out where to focus my energy, but I could not pinpoint that thing that was MY THING.
Where do I belong?
A friend of mine, in all her infinite wisdom, enrolled me in her a course she was launching about pivoting your career. I am very thankful for having an amazing set of friends. This 5 week course helped me create SMART goals for myself and narrow down what I should focus on. One guess – Education! Ha ha, you’d think I knew that already. However, even after teaching for a decade, I would walk into a room with our lecturers, instructors, and professors and feel inadequate. I don’t have a Ph.D. I didn’t look the part. I didn’t talk the talk, and I sure didn’t walk the walk. I no longer had foggy glasses lenses as I had my eyes focused on the prize. I enrolled at Middle Georgia State University with my sights set on obtaining a doctorate of science in information technology which I will use to apply for a tenure-track position at Kennesaw State University and work in that role until I have enough experience and the opportunity to move into an administrative position within the college.Strategies for staying OUT of the Upside Down
Fully focused and ready to go – how do I ‘keep that energy?’-
- Embrace imperfection and acknowledge it. Hide your weaknesses, and you’ll never overcome them.
- Opportunities can be found in challenges. This will help develop a growth mindset.
- Rather than focusing on speed, emphasize growth. The rule of thumb for learning well is to allow time for mistakes, and learning fast isn’t always the best approach. [Read this post]
- Every time you accomplish a goal, set a new one. Learning never ends. It does not mean that you should stop following a subject just because your midterm is over. People who are growth-minded make sure that they keep themselves stimulated by constantly creating new goals.
XOXO
-Jamie
One Response
I appreciate your transparency. I can definitely relate to feelings of insecurity. The SMART course sounds interesting and enlightening. Love to hear more. Thanks for sharing your journey and congratulations on your doctoral program. Be blessed!