Yes, You Can Sucker Punch Imposter Syndrome

The first word I’d test drive with my new magic wand would be ‘obliviate’, the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry forgetfulness charm. I would aim it, unflinching, at the originator of the term ‘imposter syndrome’ (IS) before those insidious lips started moving so it would never see the light of day.

Take the following simple yet fun exercise at the end whilst I wait for said wand and the prowess to go with it.

I don’t like how IS gets bandied about too freely like it’s always been at the house party, when the truth is, it snuck in uninvited and ingratiated itself to the host and guests, flying under the radar with its comprehensive ickiness.

It’s the less-than-helpful, tag-along, irritating, stink-face wuss that I could dropkick off a cliff, certain no one would be the wiser...however, that level of simple resolution has long since passed. Concepts (like IS) are difficult to eradicate once they’ve gained a foothold. Replacement with something helpful, supportive, and endearing yet kickass-concentrated with a sense of finality requiring future generations to dig research-deep for the location of this obscure phrase in historical texts ought to do the trick.

There are other more effective ways…

I propose to start with bios.

No, there will be no dropkicking of bios off a cliff.

Many educators, specialists, public speakers, and writers LOVE them.

I suggest wholesale expansion of the framework so that those who feel curtailed or hampered by its ethos, can experience liberation since the aforementioned framework extends underground steel foundations to that dreaded imposter syndrome.

Here come the feelings of inadequacy.

I don’t have enough educational/training qualifications to be considered an expert. Workshop Facilitator. Entrepreneur. People will think I’m a fraud. Inane. Pointless. My employment history…yikes! My skill set? Years of field-specific expertise?? Achievements???!!!

Nothing says, “I don’t belong here/deserve this” like sections of a template (literal or figurative) that need to be left blank.

Except…

There are megatons more to you than the standard perspective lens captures.

Do not.

I repeat.

Do not allow your knowledge/magnificence/genius/mastery/creativity to be cowed by a lack of ‘credentials.’ Be a paradigm shifter here with me and make your own.

Add/delete/edit your bio to the environment required.

And this is in no way meant to dismiss or denigrate the education, professional experience, skill acquisition, etc. of those with licenses and certificates, or who can list a sailing fleet of post-nominal letters after their name (Yeah, I went to university too.)

Of 'absolut-ing' course, the choice could still be made to pursue certification, licensure, or whatever floats your boat.

Simply know that I’ve also met beaucoup people who place more value on what you can accomplish for them and how task efficient/effective you are, combined with proficiency and reliability ratios, over what qualifications you have.

Should I even mention how I’ve interacted with post-graduate degree holders who couldn’t spell, listen, or speak competently?

Isn’t it insane to let something like IS hold you back?

Here’s the Simple Step: Make a fun bio just for the hey of it and give imposter syndrome the finger. Show you've got life cred (valid one-of-a-kind actual lived experience)

Repeat as often as required.

NB: This exercise is not limited to those without achievements up the wazoo. It is also an effective tool for extricating societal seriousness from overly regulated selves who only have one life to live and could benefit from lightening up. Just like sex, it’s fun and enjoyable when done right.

Have a free-for-all and check out some titles below that I put in my bio for fun.

As this piece is being read, I can only ‘caveat’ it by saying, “Use common sense.” If you insinuate medical professional status or something of that ilk when you are clearly not, I will hunt you down with a spaghetti strap and wop you.

The IS Challenge Fun Bio:-

The Dani Writer: Free Thinker, Confidentiality Specialist, Creative Freedoms Connoisseur, Upholder of the Sacred Feminine, Lifelong Learner, Alternative Education Advocate, Dreamer, Music Lover, Solution-focused Communicator, Truth-Seeker, Mango Whisperer, Goddess.

So...undercover visionary, tell me who you are.

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