Impostor syndrome & authenticity: How to live authentically in the workplace
More than 80% of people struggle with the sense that they haven’t earned what they’ve achieved and are a fraud.
The return to the physical workplace seems to be bringing about a resurgence of “impostor syndrome,” even as there is an increase in the desire for personal authenticity.
According to an article in Frontiers In Psychology, “The impostor syndrome refers to the notion that some individuals feel as if they ended up in esteemed roles and positions not because of their competencies, but because of some oversight or stroke of luck. Such individuals, therefore, feel like frauds or ‘impostors.’”
According to a study in The Journal of General Internal Medicine, up to 82% of people struggle with the sense that they haven’t earned what they’ve achieved and are a fraud.
What is authenticity?
Authenticity can be defined as being and acting consistent with who you hold yourself out to be for others and who you hold yourself to be for yourself. So, while impostor syndrome and authenticity are not mutually exclusive, they can certainly feel that way. In fact, one of the best ways to overcome impostor syndrome is to focus on behaving authentically.
One of the very human traits that can interfere with authenticity is the desire to be liked or at least well-thought-of.
Sel J. Hwahng, Ph.D., assistant professor at Towson University, wrote, “We all want to be admired, even if few of us would openly admit as much. Thus, in situations where we perceive that authenticity will cause a loss of admiration, we will fall short of being straightforward and completely honest.”
It would appear that there’s a negative spiral: If you feel like a fake, you’ll be prone to act in an inauthentic or dishonest manner. Being less than true to yourself engenders feelings of being an impostor.
Coping strategies
How can professionals overcome impostor syndrome and live authentically? Here are four 1strategies proven to be effective mechanisms for coping with impostor syndrome:
1. Face facts: Look at the steps you took to get where you are. Focus on the facts that support your being in your current role. Look at what you have accomplished without minimizing your achievements.
2. Focus on gratitude: “Thank you” is an excellent weapon against feelings of inadequacy. When someone compliments or praises your work, resist the urge to diminish or falsely inflate. A simple “thank you” acknowledges the other person and helps you to accept that you’ve done something.
3. Drop the perfectionism: Voltaire said, “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” Still, many professionals feel the need to hide any imperfection, leading to inauthenticity and greater feelings of being a fake. Acknowledging one’s fallibility and giving yourself the freedom to be wrong is honest and liberating.
4. Accept the feelings: A wise therapist once said, “Maybe you are a fake, but if you keep performing at your current level no one else will ever know.” Feelings of being an impostor will reoccur. When they do, thank your mind for sharing its negative thoughts, then dismiss them. The feelings, like all feelings, will pass. Focus on the truth.
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