For Those Who Feel Like They Don't Belong

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern that many are conflicted with — continually doubting our achievements, the internal fear of being exposed as a fraud lingering in the background. Seeping into the mind, it can drag even the smartest and most competent of us into a dark hole of despair. We belittle ourselves, the voices within tearing the colour from the world as we continue to sink into the confines of our mind.

An estimated 70% of people experience these impostor feelings at some point in their lives, according to a review article published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science. And in a more recent discovery 9%–82% of people experience impostor syndrome according to a 2020 review.

To fail to realise that we are not that special, would be a disservice to ourselves, we all are in the same boat, we all experience this suffering, but that does not mean it should be viewed as a medical label we have to live with?

I’ve suffered from imposter syndrome for a substantial amount of time in my life as has my good friend; fellow author; stand up comedian; on track to be Dr @muhsinyesilada. He’s even written his own piece on it!

On reflection of the infamous imposter syndrome, I find it amusing, hysterical, to an extent it’s comical. Why? Due to the fact that in the grand scheme of life it really isn’t, it’s an aspect of being human.

We doubt ourselves so what!

Yes, we as a society have a negative perspective on it and yet doubt is decisive. It’s a necessary state, to have doubt is to remain inquisitive. To question everything exhibits active intelligence, a vital skill to maintain throughout life.

And, still, you would suggest, I can’t stop thinking. It’s like a voice in my head is sinking into my consciousness like fungi infecting a fruit from the inside out. I too empathise with this pain. It’s a horrible feeling when a state of confusion is created within an individual that is impossible to shake, the agent of internal chaos toxifying your thought patterns.

To this, I would say and have found this works for me. Not a combination of self-help ideas process and reframing which would only avoid the thought but a deeper realisation.

It’s just a thought. They come. They stay. They go. And the process repeats.

Everyone you have ever met has them, the good, bad and the ugly ones. Alas, it’s a part of being human, we think. Yet we feel the necessity to engage with every single thought rather than observe, this paradigm shift in the approach to thought is one of great enlightenment.

For the chances are you care a lot about your topic and believe in its inherent value to the world. For that reason alone, you are not an imposter, you belong.

Can you empathise with this view? Let me know in the comments or drop me a message on any of the following social networks. I would love to hear from you! — Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube.