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I recently cleaned up my X account to make sure I am only following accounts that either:
- Provide relevant business advice
- Post motivation, philosophical, and practical advice
- Teach about writing & how to do it successfully.
One of the accounts that survived the massacre of accounts is that of Dakota Robertson (@WrongsToWrite).
Recently, he discussed imposter syndrome in a way that resonated. I’ll include it at the bottom of the email for you to check out yourself if you’d like.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is when you have a desire to do something but don’t do it because you feel like you are not qualified enough. Therefore no one will, or should, listen or learn from you.
We all suffer from this. Be it in relationships, work, passion project, or even health
- “She’s too good for me. I don’t deserve her”
- “Why would anyone listen to me? I don’t deserve that promotion.”
- “Maybe getting in better shape just isn’t for me.”
We convince ourselves that we are not qualified and settle for where we are at.
At first glance, imposter syndrome is bad. It’s the devil on your shoulder whispering sweet nothings in your ear and convincing you to stay put.
“Nahhhh aren’t you comfortable where you are? Why risk it all? And if you fail, how embarrassing will that be?” - The devil on your shoulder, probably.
Recognizing Imposter Syndrome
So, is it actually bad? As in most cases, the answer is that it depends. It all comes down to if and how you recognize it. If we all feel some sort of imposter syndrome then what separates those who STILL accomplish x, y, and z versus those who don’t?
This is the part where you talk back to the devil on your shoulder, respectfully.
“You’re right. I am an imposter. But so is everyone else and we are all just fighting to create the life we envision. It doesn’t matter if I don’t know everything. All that matters is that I can help one person one step behind me and if I continue learning and growing I can really make something of this.”
Now the devil is probably confused and will yell a few choice words at you before he vanishes into pixie dust.
As Dakota discusses, imposter syndrome is a just a feeling. The negative aspect comes from how we label that feeling. Such as, “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not qualified”.
Through recognizing it we can turn it into an opportunity for growth. It is your chance to go from who you used to be to who you desire to be — and the life you desire to create.
Discomfort is a biproduct of all good things in life.
- Getting in shape is hard
- Building a business is hard
- Learning a new skill is hard
And hard is uncomfy. In “hard” lies opportunity.
- Recognize
- Reframe
- Rebuild
Next time you feel the imposter-syndrome-devil-on-your-shoulder clawing for your attention just remember, he’s not actually the devil. He’s a feeling. And you have control over how you respond to that feeling.
Hear me out. If nothing else, let me be your ginny pig in your imposter syndrome world.
Labeling myself as a “writer” is extremely uncomfortable. More like a wannabe writer (shut up, devil). Seriously though. What have I written? What do I have to show for myself? Arguably nothing.
Recognize
- I can be a writer if I want to be a writer.
- What is “a writer” anyways?
- I know I don’t feel qualified, but I need to start somewhere.
Reframe
-
What if I commit to being “a writer” and put out 1 newsletter a week?
- Will I improve? Yes.
- Will I learn? Yes.
- Will I challenge myself and grow? Yes.
- Is it possible that at least one person out there will find value in it? Again, yes.
Rebuild
- This looks like an opportunity to become a writer.
- And the only way to become one is to be one and start acting like one.
This isn’t a “hey look at me” story, rather my hope is that it is a relatable one. Ask yourself 2 questions:
- What have I wanted to start in the past but didn’t?
- Why didn’t I start it?
Then go through the Recognize —> Reframe —> Rebuild framework.
Hopefully after reading this and asking yourself those questions you will recognize if you are having the imposter feeling.
And if so, now is your chance to rebuild.
Can’t wait to see it!
Dallen “I am a writer” Reber
