IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Defined: Impostor syndrome, also known as impostor phenomenon or impostorism, is a psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.
And according to research there are 5 different types of Imposter Syndrome Personalities:

The perfectionist.
The natural genius.
The rugged individualist.
The expert.
The superhero.
(do any of these resonate with you?) It does not matter if you are a CEO, a Nurse, A Wellness Professional, Coach, Mom, Dad, Athlete, Dog, Cat, Sister, Brother - (Get my point) this is NOT reserved for some.
And no one can outrun our outsmart it
The last 2 months of 1:1 coaching - this came up - across the board and it got me thinking -
why?
Why do we let doubt creep in so much?
I thought about my own journey with the illusive imposter Syndrome - so I'll write from that perspective. For me, it's because I'm not well studied.
No. I'm not.
I struggled with dyslexia growing up. I basically was told numerous times I wouldn't "make it" and in many instances lacked belief in myself. Even though, in so many non-conventional ways - I was and truly am - brilliant and capable.
What I found I did - was to put people on higher level than me - (downplaying my own intelligence) allowing for other's to be the expert and I could be their side kick and I would often times keep myself in relationships where I was told that I was not that great (in so many words)
I think this imposter syndrome starts way before we even know it exists. We didn't walk soon enough as a young child, we didn't make the honor roll, our grades were average - the systems we live in bring us to a place where we are doubtful of our own capabilities.
Even if we breakthrough and find success in our life - these linerging messages are stored in our brains like a sweater that we just won't let go of - and it rears it's ugly head just as we are on the verge of a breakthrough for ourselves.
The solution? I don't have a fool proof one - but here is what I do - Choose my words wisely - how I speak about myself (in my own head) how I reframe or rephrase things if I state something incorrectly and getting real clear on the types of relationships I surround myself with - are of the utmost importance. What happens for you when you are facing the feelig of imposter syndrome? Did you even realize you were doing it?
XO - M
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