Written By: Machen MacDonald

Imposter Syndrome, a psychological phenomenon characterized by feelings of self-doubt and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, affects individuals across various walks of life. Despite its prevalence, many myths surrounding this condition perpetuate the idea that successful people are immune to such feelings. I am here to debunk these myths and shed light on the reality of Imposter Syndrome.

BE REAL

To BE REAL, we will explore six key points. Ultimately, my hope for you is you will come to understand that feeling inadequate or uncertain is often a sign that you are on the path to greatness.

B - Belief in Infallibility: One of the common myths surrounding Imposter Syndrome is the belief that successful individuals are naturally confident and free from self-doubt. However, the truth is that even the most accomplished individuals, from athletes to entrepreneurs, often experience feelings of inadequacy. For instance, the legendary physicist Albert Einstein, known for his groundbreaking theory of relativity, initially struggled with academic studies and faced rejection from universities.

E - Expectations of Perfection: Many people believe that high achievers possess a flawless track record and excel effortlessly in all their endeavors. However, this perception is far from reality. A prime example is the renowned writer Maya Angelou, who is celebrated for her exceptional literary works. Angelou, despite her achievements, admitted to feeling like a fraud, stating, "I have written eleven books, but each time I think, 'Uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody.'"

R - Reinforcement of Comparisons: Imposter Syndrome is often fueled by the tendency to compare oneself unfavorably to others. This myth suggests that successful individuals do not engage in such comparisons and possess unwavering self-assurance. However, historical evidence contradicts this notion. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the practical electric light bulb, was initially considered a poor student. Despite his eventual success, he compared himself to others and acknowledged, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." The trap for many is they compare what’s on their cutting room floor with everyone’s highlight reel. Nobody wins the comparing game.

E - Exclusion of Accomplishments: Another myth surrounding Imposter Syndrome is the belief that successful individuals dismiss their achievements as insignificant or attribute them to luck. However, this dismissal of personal accomplishments is not limited to those who have reached great heights. Take the example of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most influential artists in history. Despite his artistic genius, he often struggled with feelings of inadequacy and expressed self-doubt, saying, "What am I in most people's eyes? A nonentity or an eccentric and disagreeable man."

A - Amplification of Failure: Imposter Syndrome often amplifies the fear of failure and the idea that any mistake or setback will expose one's incompetence. Contrary to the myth that successful individuals never experience failure, history demonstrates that even the most accomplished figures have faced numerous setbacks. For instance, renowned scientist Marie Curie, a two-time Nobel laureate, encountered failures and setbacks throughout her scientific journey. She said, "I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy."

L - Limitations of Knowledge: Imposter Syndrome often arises from the perception that one lacks the knowledge or skills to deserve success. However, the belief that successful individuals are born with all the necessary knowledge is a fallacy. Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists of all time, famously admitted, "I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself, I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."

There is a saying by Tom Wolfe that states, “When you know, and you know you know, confidence replaces fear.” I would add to that, “Our real power is in letting go of what we think we know.”

Imposter Syndrome is a complex phenomenon that affects individuals across all domains of achievement. The myths surrounding it, including the notions of infallibility, perfection, and the exclusion of accomplishments, can all be debunked by examining the lives of historical figures. Einstein, Angelou, Edison, van Gogh, Curie, Newton, and hundreds of thousands of others all faced uncertainties, failures, and doubts before achieving greatness.

Recognizing that feeling inadequate or uncertain is not a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity for growth can empower individuals to embrace their journey towards achieving extraordinary things. BE REAL and acknowledge the myths of Imposter Syndrome. Doing so empowers us to break free from its shackles and unleash our true potential.

Make it up, make it fun, and get it done!

#1 bestselling author Machen MacDonald, CPCC, CCSC is an award-winning certified life strategist and business coach with ProBrilliance Leadership Institute in Grass Valley, CA. He helps business people bring their “A” Game to their Hero’s Journey. He can be reached at [email protected] and 530-273-8000