Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and have a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud.” Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing this phenomenon remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve all they have achieved. An extension of this includes those who have aspirations but somehow feel it’s only a dream for them, sort of a “things like that doesn’t happen to me” attitude.

It’s a constant feeling like you don’t belong. This syndrome is a severe issue for successful people and others who self sabotage before giving themselves a chance. We may see the word fraud and feel that it doesn’t fit us, but that is because we think of the definition, which includes wrongful or criminal deception but the part about claiming or being credited with accomplishments or qualities does. Why? This behavior must stop.

We deal with a lot in life. You live, and via experience or exposure, you get aspirations. Most people have aspirations, and they pass as just another dream. Some of us get there, and when we get there, we feel as if we should be on the other side, still dreaming. How did we get here? Do we belong? I mean, is this real? We want the best for ourselves until we get it. Doesn’t that seem a little off? We’ve visualized the moment we could live the way we want to live. We’d obtain this rush of excitement and joy.

We knew that day is going to be more than we could ever dream of seeing. We’d have the ability to take care of ourselves doing what we love. The stability of a healthy income will put daily stress to rest. The money enables freedom that we will be able to share with the ones around us. It is a new feeling of confidence. What could destroy this moment? A joy stealing, paralyzing, evil phenomenon.

How much of a joy stealer is Imposter Syndrome? It takes all the above away on that day. It makes you believe you don’t deserve it. It makes you question yourself in illogical ways. You earned it. You were once unprepared, uneducated, unskilled, but you addressed that. Impostor Syndrome is making you feel as if you are the person who first had the aspiration.

You didn’t stand up that day and walk into this life. You stood up, got knocked downed, had to climb a few mountains, may have had to mount one or two twice because you fell and rolled down. It would be best if you remembered all of this because that is how to battle Imposter Syndrome. You have to convince yourself you are the real deal. You are worthy because you’ve done the work.

In closing, Imposter Syndrome can put us in a position where we don’t celebrate ourselves as we should. It can also handcuff us in a way, causing us to look down on ourselves for having the nerve to think something is for us. Your aspirations are only aspirations until you decide they aren’t. The minute you choose it is a destination, and you prepare yourself for it, it’s on. The game is on.

The game will be played at an expert level because you’ll be prepared with every answer and piece of proof that states you belong. Imposter Syndrome will not stand a chance against you. This knowledge will allow you to have that great day of realizing what once was a dream is now real, and most importantly, you deserve it.

Food for Thought…You do the Dishes.