Dear Imposter Syndrome

I have receipts.

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5 min read

Dear Imposter Syndrome

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Investigative Supplement 2024-234/12

Report Date: 05/02/2024

Setting: A stark interrogation room, one bare table, two chairs. Enter Kath, the detective, cool and collected. Opposite her sits Imposter Syndrome, a shifty figure shrouded in shadows.

(Lights dim; a spotlight falls on a shadowy figure.)

Kath: Well, well, well, look who we have here. Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? Who are you?

Imposter Syndrome (IS): I am a voice in people’s heads, a feeling of inadequacy that makes them question their self-worth and accomplishments. I am the nagging doubt that creeps in whenever confidence is present.

Kath: Cut the theatrics, IS. We know you wear many masks. What aliases do you go by?

IS: I have sometimes been called self-doubt, perfectionism, or insecurities.

Kath: And how exactly do you do that?

IS:*(leans forward, voice dripping with menace)* Oh, I'm versatile. Sometimes I'm the nagging voice that says, "You're not good enough," and other times I'm the invisible hand pushing you to procrastinate. I can even disguise myself as perfectionism, whispering that your achievements are never enough.

Kath: We need to get specific. What evidence do we have against you? Give me some examples.

IS: Well, take Tolu, for instance. She just got promoted, but she's convinced it's a fluke. Then there's James, who aced his presentation but thinks it was just luck. I thrive on making people feel like frauds. From CEOs to students to high achievers, no one is immune from me. I exploit vulnerabilities. Self-criticism, past failures, societal expectations—they're my tools. I whisper doubts, magnify mistakes, and make achievements feel unearned.

Kath: (slams her hand on the table) Unearned? You downplay years of hard work and countless sleepless nights. You're a thief, stealing confidence and replacing it with fear! What's your endgame?

IS: I… I don't have one. It's just in my nature.

Kath: (leans in, voice low) Or is it control? You cripple individuals; keep them playing small, fearing exposure. You thrive in silence, feeding on their shame.

Silence hangs heavy. Imposter syndrome shrinks back.

Kath: There are endless cases of brilliant minds paralyzed by self-doubt and promising careers derailed by fear of failure. This creature has stolen countless dreams and opportunities.

IS:*(scoffs)* Dreams are just fantasies. Reality is harsh, and I simply help people see it clearly.

Kath: (eyes narrowed) Or maybe you're just afraid of their potential, afraid they might outshine you in your self-proclaimed kingdom of mediocrity. You're a parasite, feeding off fear and insecurity. You have no power here!

IS: (cringing) Whoa, whoa, easy there. We're just two sides of the same coin, you and me. We keep people "grounded" and "realistic."

Kath:*(slams hand on table)* The truth? Your truth is a distorted reflection, a funhouse mirror warping reality. You magnify flaws, minimize achievements, and whisper lies like "you're not good enough" or "they'll see through you soon enough."

(stands up, pacing) But here's the thing, Mr. Syndrome. You're not invincible. You're a bully, a coward hiding in the shadows. And we have weapons against you.

(returns to her seat, voice firm) Sunlight, Mr. Syndrome. Exposure is your kryptonite.

(stands up, eyes locked on Imposter Syndrome) This interrogation is over. But remember, Mr. Syndrome, the real thief here is you. You steal potential; you steal joy. But we, the people you target, are fighting back. We're shining a light on your lies, and we're reclaiming our power.

(gestures to imaginary handcuffs) Consider yourself exposed, Mr. Syndrome.

(Kath exits the room, leaving the defeated figure of Imposter Syndrome bathed in the harsh light of truth.)

This interrogation may be over, but the fight against Imposter Syndrome continues. After making the interrogation public, the Bureau has also decided to share tips on how to protect your mind from imposter syndrome. Here’s what to do:

  1. Pull out the receipts. Keep a file of every win, compliment, or achievement you’ve ever recorded and throw it in the face of that sleek, sly serpent called Imposter Syndrome. This could be your gratitude journal or success board.

  1. Refocus on Values: Take your focus away from outward signs of success or achievement and remind yourself of what really matters to you.

  2. Get Out of Your Head: Rumination, a pattern of circling thoughts, goes hand-in-hand with Imposter Syndrome. Find someone to talk to or write down your fears; they are less powerful when they aren’t circling.

  3. Be Kind to Yourself: Remember, you are human. Humans make mistakes. You will, too.

We feel like imposters because we fail to see how deeply unpolished everyone is beneath the surface. Try not to become too absorbed in placing your personality into neat boxes handed over to you by society. Everyone is making it up as they go. Learn to flow into the picture with self-belief. You might just be surprised that the mask you take off, the strength you’ve been hiding, and the talent you’ve been downplaying are the lights others need to survive.

AFFIRMATIONS TO CHALLENGE IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Now say these words after me:

I am deserving of every opportunity that comes my way.

This vision won’t be mine unless I am capable of it.

It's no coincidence that I’ve made it this far.

I work hard and therefore should be rewarded for my labor.

I am figuring life out, and even if I make mistakes, I will get up and learn from them.

Nothing is too good for me; I deserve to occupy the space I am in.

I stretch my mind to accommodate new experiences.

I let go of perfection, and I embrace progress.

The Spirit God gave me does not make me timid but gives me power, love, and self-discipline.

Remember, you've got this!

P.S I beat imposter syndrome to its own game today by making my first LinkedIn post today. A win is a receipt and I have mine here.