Imposter Syndrome Isn’t What You Think

But here is a solution anyway

Photo by Rupert Britton on Unsplash

Have you ever gotten goosebumps when you enter a new environment? Something just feels….off. But you’re not sure what.

You’re still the same person.

You’re still on Earth (excusing Astronauts).

Nothing drastic or life altering has occurred.

So why, when entering this room full of new faces, do you feel so on edge?

The feeling of not belonging, Imposter Syndrome, is a very common problem that we’ve all been through at some point in life. Whether the first day of school or joining a new sports team. It’s those moments in life where you feel like you stand out.

For example:

It’s your first day on the job. You’re right out of college and this is your first career like job. When you go to your first meeting, all of your coworkers are people who have been with the company for decades. You feel nervous and anxious about being so young and new and it stresses you out to think of the expectations you are being held to.

What I’ve realized, is that Imposter Syndrome is not truly about feeling like you don’t belong in a space. It’s more so, the discomfort of not knowing. Not knowing the people standing in front of you. Not knowing the…