Why Imposter Syndrome is BS

Despite the many benefits that Millennials and Gen-Z have experienced growing up in the age of technology, imposter syndrome may be one of the worst negative outcomes. The Harvard Business Review defines imposter syndrome, “as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. ‘Imposters’ suffer from chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence.” Imposter syndrome is the belief that one is not deserving of their success based on external factors in their life. According to Forbes, around 70% of the population experiences imposter syndrome.

This can stem from many different experiences someone has, such as how they were rewarded and/or not rewarded based on performance growing up, the need for perfectionism, trying to keep up with high-achieving schools/careers, and societal pressures. But the root of it all comes down to comparison. Not lucky for us, in 2021, comparison is everywhere. Whether we notice it or not, we spend every single day comparing ourselves to those around us, especially through our phones. We are given an all-access pass to the lives of millions across the globe and are forced to reexamine ourselves because of it. It’s no wonder so many people struggle with imposter syndrome.

As a career advice platform, it’s important for us to talk about imposter syndrome because it can be a huge part of your career journey and how you view your worth. You may have experienced this in the first few weeks of a new job when everyone around you is making it look so easy and you are struggling to even understand the conversation filled with all new lingo. Or, you may experience this after working in your career for over a decade. You may feel a sense of overwhelm when looking at where you are in your career and not feeling worthy of what you’ve achieved thus far, unsure of where you’re going next.

The good news? It’s all bullshit. And not in the way that it’s not real; of course it’s real and we are here to validate that. But it’s bullshit because it’s technically a false perception of ourselves that our own mind made up (could our minds get any more annoying?).

At Making it in Manhattan, we believe in you and all that you have to offer. We believe you got to where you are today, not from luck or by chance, but because you deserve it. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, check out our top three tips on how to see yourself and your life for all that it is worth.

Journal

The best way to build up your own happiness is to be grateful for what you already have and to believe in all that you can be. Writing down daily affirmations and things you are grateful for can do wonders for changing your mindset. You can buy a gratitude journal with pre-written prompts or you can grab an empty notebook out of your junk drawer and journal without any expectations.

Make a Backwards Bucket List

Jot down a list of everything you’ve ever done -- and we mean everything. Graduated high school? Write it down. Aced a hard class? Write it down. Applied for a job that excited you? Write it down. Writing a backwards bucket list —no matter how big or small the events— will make you realize all that you’ve accomplished and that you deserve to be where you are today. All of the little things make the big things; nothing is by luck or chance. You created this life you are living and you can create your future.

Do a Social Media Cleanse

Now that we know imposter syndrome has everything to do with comparison and nothing to do with actually being a real imposter, it’s time to take a look at who you compare yourself to on a daily basis. Go through all of the social media accounts you follow, and unfollow or mute anyone that makes you feel inadequate about yourself. On the other hand, start following uplifting and positive accounts that make you feel worthy, deserving, and all around good.