The Curiosity Collective #006

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1 Thing I Am Curious About

Why Is Imposter Syndrome So Common Among High-Achieving Individuals?

2 Quotes That I Am Thinking About

1. "The thing about imposter syndrome is that it affects high-achieving individuals who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments, even when there is clear evidence of their competence." - Valerie Young

2. "Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable." - Brene Brown

Breaking the Cycle of Imposter Syndrome: How to Embrace Your Authentic Self and Achieve True Success

As a leader and a leadership coach, I can tell you that imposter syndrome is something that I see all the time, especially among high-achieving individuals.

Let me tell you a story that perfectly illustrates this point. There was a successful leader who felt like a fraud despite numerous accomplishments. He was in a constant state of fear that others would discover he wasn't as talented or competent as they believed him to be.

This is a common phenomenon among high achievers and in this case that high achiever was me.

I see this same story playing out over and over again in the lives of high-achievers. They have all the external trappings of success, but internally they feel like they're just faking it. They attribute their achievements to luck or timing rather than their own hard work and skill.

So why does this happen?

Well, I believe that imposter syndrome is a byproduct of our culture of perfectionism. We live in a society that places a premium on being the best, the brightest, and the most accomplished. It's a culture that values achievement over authenticity, which can make it hard for people to admit that they don't have it all figured out.

But here's the thing: admitting that you don't have it all figured out doesn't make you weak or less worthy of success. In fact, I believe that vulnerability is the key to true success and happiness.

So what can you do if you're struggling with imposter syndrome?

Here are a few tips:

1. Recognize when imposter syndrome is holding you back. If you're constantly second-guessing yourself and downplaying your accomplishments, it's time to acknowledge that imposter syndrome is likely playing a role.

2. Talk to someone you trust. Sometimes just voicing your fears and concerns can help to diffuse them. Share your struggles with a friend or mentor who can provide support and perspective.

3. Reconnect with your values. When you're feeling like a fraud, it can be helpful to remind yourself of your core values and why you're pursuing your goals. Reconnect with your sense of purpose and remind yourself that your achievements are a reflection of your hard work and dedication.

4. Reframe your mindset. Instead of seeing mistakes and setbacks as evidence of your own incompetence, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Adopting a growth mindset can help to shift your focus from perfection to progress.

5. Practice self-compassion. Be kind and gentle with yourself. Recognize that no one has it all figured out and that it's okay to make mistakes. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would extend to a close friend.

Remember, imposter syndrome is a common experience, but it doesn't have to hold you back. By recognizing the role that perfectionism plays in our culture and adopting a mindset of vulnerability and growth, you can learn to own your accomplishments and embrace your authentic self.

Work with John:

• Coaching: I will work with you 1:1 to grow and transform into the person or leader that creates systems, identify priorities, executes your goals, and grows engagement on your teams. If you're interested, please reply to this email with "coaching."

• Writing: I will write for you about leadership, mental health, and employee well-being. If you are interested, please reply to this email with "writing."

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