In talking with people about their aspirations day-in and day-out, I’ve come to understand that we ALL experience imposter syndrome at some point. (Those of us that don’t, have much bigger problems.)
Here’s the truth: It doesn’t matter how smart you are, what level job you hold, or how big your house is. It doesn’t make a difference if you’re President…
You simply don’t know everything and you never will. This means you may not be comfortable in certain situations.
But that doesn’t mean you’re not awesome.
Imposter Syndrome happens when you find yourself playing on someone else’ playing field and keep measuring your performance against theirs. Rather than trying to run alongside them, huffing and puffing, I suggest figuring out how to get back on your own turf.
For example, if everyone in the room is talking about their big, fat bonuses, stop and think about what’s important to you. Then operate from there.
If people are speaking eloquently in double-jointed sentences and it intimidates you, realize you can change the game by speaking from the heart.
If the topic is about something you know little about, sit back and enjoy learning.
If everyone is talking passionately about politics and you put your love into something else, talk about that.
Although it may not seem like it, no one person in a room makes up the rules. And no one person, ever in life, can tell you which set of values you have to operate from.
Hell no. Blow the whistle on that shit and get back on your own playing field.
Always seek to improve yourself.
And win on your own terms.