Imposter Syndrome

He looked beside himself with anxiety...

A while ago a good friend of mine had been promoted, but was suffering from imposter syndrome.

"I just feel out of my depth, like I don't deserve it or belong in that position.

I'm too young to be a C-Level Director."

"But they promoted you so must have confidence in your abilities." I responded.

"That's just it - I'm flattered and don't wanna let them down."

"You know what - I really think you need to look at things from a different perspective. No one was ever ready when stretched outside their comfort zone. You have to grow into the person you've been given the opportunity to become." I said.

"OK you might have a point, I just need to get rid of these feelings - I'm having a crisis of confidence."

Emotions often take over. But we need to control them and get back on top of our inner chimp.

Slowly he came round to the idea...and started putting his energy into growth & up-skilling himself - and less energy into feeling out of his depth.

And he's now started to fill the shoes he was given.

Most people have felt this way at some point in their lives and if you haven't, there's a chance you've not pushed far enough outside your comfort zone.

When hit with these feelings, the focus has to be placed on personal growth - not on self doubt and a crisis of confidence.

I've felt this way multiple times.

On one occasion my Dad asked me the question...

"Did you feel like an imposter when you were a toddler and learning to walk?"

Of course not.

I just kept going.

As adults, we develop more fear about being judged or not feeling worthy than a 2-year old ever would.

So do what my Dad said - go back to being a kid.

Learn, grow and fall down.

And by always getting up again, you'll become slightly better every time.

It's the only way to become more.