Ladies, You Don't Have to Be Afraid to Talk About "Imposter Syndrome"
It’s about time our society starts teaching females that they can achieve various leadership positions in the workforce just as much as their male counterparts. #girlboss
Photo by Elisa Ventur on Unsplash
The term “imposter syndrome” definitely has been discussed before in various news outlets, blogs, and even among the most influential. However, this feeling can often be difficult to talk about from person-to-person or even openly. As a result, this can cause setbacks, self-doubts about one’s success, and the inability to pursue more goals.
According to a Harvard Business Review editorial article, ‘Imposter Syndrome’ is defined as, “A collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success.”
The article also said, “In fact, some researchers have linked it with perfectionism, especially in women and among academics.”
From the outside looking in, people may think, ‘What is she talking about?! They definitely deserve all the award/money/recognition!’
Personally, it is very hard to explain to others who haven’t reached some sort of high accomplishment or felt as if they don’t deserve that certain award they received. People who often feel this ‘syndrome’ say they’re only lucky, feel as if they are a ‘fake,’ or even striving to not fail at what they do.
This mentality can happen with anybody, but it mostly impacts women of color.
Another Harvard Business Review editorial article stated, “Even as we know it today, imposter syndrome puts the blame on individuals, without accounting for the historical and cultural contexts that are foundational to how it manifests in both women of color and white women.”
Therefore, this is a societal issue that is rooted in not only history but how we teach our young girls. Our gender stereotypes and roles are made to be sexist and women–most especially the news media–are measured by their likeability and their physical appearance. It is very superficial to some and there are many theories that correlate to the reasons why women are put in a different standard than men. However, the microaggressions in our culture are indeed another story.
While I have talked about this briefly in a reflection post that I wrote back in January, I realized from my personal experiences that not many women are open about it. I remember after a few months of being appointed editor-in-chief of the Mace and Crown, I felt so burnt out.
I thought to myself, ‘why am I doing this?’ and ‘What is all this work for?’
Then, I started having self-doubts about how I got to my position, comparing my success to others–who were well-off in their careers–, and spiraling into a pretty depressive state. I was scared for that upcoming semester because I didn’t know what the outcome would be. I knew that if I didn’t execute a plan perfectly, then it would be my burden for a long time.
As I went out to apply for jobs, my ‘imposter syndrome’ got the best of me in a lot of interviews. I got interviewed by a NUMBER of the best newsrooms and communication corporations. You name it—the Richmond-Times Dispatch, the Washingtonian, PBS NewsHour, Chatham Star-Tribune, etc. Of course, that says a lot because that’s great potential, but my ‘imposter’ says otherwise.
Staying confident throughout interviews is absolutely tough, especially if you are searching for a “big-girl” job. Hiring managers and editors can be intimidating and it does not help when you have all these doubts telling you that you are not worthy of this position.
Note: Mastering interviews and getting the job will definitely be in another post! :))
Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s completely okay to feel this way. Do NOT be afraid to talk about it with others!
Talk about how you’re feeling to friends who are established in their careers, professors, family members, therapist, mentors, career counselors, etc. It may be difficult to speak about, but it’s better to explain how you’re feeling than to be bottled up inside.
If you’re questioning whether or not you’re doing the right thing, then you are doing the right thing in your career or navigating your way through life. While society and how the majority of women are taught to be, we cannot always solely put the blame on a generalization to a personal perspective of one’s self. It is more important to accept your accomplishments but accept your mistakes or flaws for what it is. The negative feelings are not facts and they do not define you as a person. In fact, the negatives help you grow and learn to not make mistakes again.
Feeling like an “imposter” or being self-critical are very complex feelings that NEVER go away completely, as they just fade out gradually. Making sure you process those feelings is crucial. You should listen to what your “imposter” is saying, but instead of letting it get the best of you, look at it as a challenge to work harder.
My guidance is easier said than done, but once you begin talking to others, you’ll realize the importance of accepting yourself. Never forget there are many people who are in the same boat as you, finding their way. You deserve to credit yourself and all the success in the world.
As one of my journalism professors had said once, “Nobody knows what they’re doing.”
Till next time, bye loves.
