First off, let me extend a bit of a caveat to today’s subject matter. We’re venturing into the realm of mental health, focusing particularly on a pervasive form of self-doubt common in professional circles. As we chart this course, the waters may be a little deeper, and the journey a bit more introspective than usual.

While I will strive to maintain our usual light-hearted and fact-based approach, I am aware that this topic may not resonate with everyone. I encourage you to navigate these waters at your own pace. If you feel it necessary to bypass this article for your own well-being, I respect and support your decision.

However, if you choose to accompany me on this journey, I urge you to share your thoughts, insights, and experiences in the comments, or wherever you find this article. We’re venturing into territory where shared stories can light the way for others. And, as always, your interaction can make this exploration more enriching for everyone.

Remember, this departure from my typical tutorial-based content is meant to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding. If you find it helpful or think it could benefit others, I appreciate your shares and comments.

And, as always, thank you for being a part of this journey. Happy reading!

Jeff

As always, a song recommendation before we get started:

Did you ever feel like a well-dressed fraud? Like you got lucky, and stumbled into the exact right opportunities to get your invite, but any moment now, someone will tap you on the shoulder, clear their throat, and, with an all-knowing smirk, announce to everyone that you don’t actually belong here? Well, grab a coffee (or tea, I won’t judge… much) and pull up a chair, because it’s time to talk about it.

Today, we’re not diving into another tech tool, or discussing strategies to optimize your workflow. Instead, we’re delving into something a little more personal, and a lot more universal. We’re talking about the elusive, yet ever-present phenomenon known as Imposter Syndrome. Most of us have felt it. A nagging doubt or a creeping fear that we aren’t as competent as others perceive us to be. That our success is a fluke, a mistake, an error in judgement by others.

In this journey of self-discovery, we’re going to pull back the curtain on Imposter Syndrome, unmask this invisible saboteur, and embrace the often-ignored reality that even amidst our perceived inadequacies, we are more than ‘enough’.

So, whether you’re a seasoned professional who’s climbed the corporate ladder, a fresh graduate just dipping your toes into the real world, or someone like me, traversing the ever-changing landscape of tech and automation, this is for you. Welcome to my journey with Imposter Syndrome, and perhaps, a closer look at your own.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Have you ever had a funny feeling in your stomach when you walked into a room full of people, and you couldn’t help but think you were the least qualified person there? If so, I can relate; especially when I put myself in the position to write these articles lately, but that’s Imposter Syndrome – an intruder in your thoughts, whispering that you’re a pretender and your achievements are nothing more than lucky breaks, coincidences, or oversights.

Imposter Syndrome isn’t about a lack of skills or competence, but rather a set of (usually subconscious) beliefs that discounts any proof of our actual abilities. It’s an internal echo that says, ‘You don’t belong here. You’ve fooled everyone. You’re not the real deal.’

And guess what? You’re not alone in this. Studies suggest that up to 82% of people experience these impostor feelings at some point in their lives (though the results vary widely, partially because the phenomena has yet to be truly quantified), regardless of their track record, recent success, or position. It can happen to anyone, and it often comes hand-in-hand with achievement and recognition. Sounds paradoxical, right? Well, that’s the essence of Imposter Syndrome.

Despite the internal turmoil it can create, Imposter Syndrome often stays under the radar. It’s rarely discussed in professional circles because, ironically, admitting to feeling like a fraud makes us worry that we might be seen as…well, frauds. But today, we’re shedding light on this elephant in the room. Let’s acknowledge it, understand it, and start the journey of conquering it together.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Now, after understanding what Imposter Syndrome is, the next step is sharing a bit of my personal story with it. Ready to dive into some of my internal battles? Buckle up! It’s about to get real.

A Personal Journey with Imposter Syndrome

In our hyperconnected world, the norm has become to showcase only the most polished versions of ourselves, hiding any semblance of vulnerability or inadequacy. We often seize any opportunity to control the narrative, masking imperfections in our public personas. We have all scrolled through social media feeds brimming with picture-perfect lives, but these over-polished, carefully curated presentations can have a profound impact. Numerous studies have exposed the stark contrast between these seemingly flawless lives and the mental health challenges they can stir up among individual consumers.

Today, however, I want to break this cycle of inauthenticity. I want to let you in on a secret that might just surprise you: I, too, have grappled with Imposter Syndrome. I’ve been in the throes of self-doubt, questioned my abilities, and shuddered at the fear of being unmasked as a fraud despite my hard-earned achievements.

Rewind to 2018. I was given a golden ticket: an invitation to join the Power Platform Champions community organized by Microsoft (then known as Azure Advisors). This recognition came as a result of my work with Power Apps and Power Automate. Over the years, the group has evolved, become more relaxed, but I still vividly recall the awe-inspiring words from the introduction, ‘A private, invite-only community for power users,’ ‘On the leading edge…’ and so on. My initial excitement was palpable, but by the time the first call rolled around, it had dissipated entirely. I found myself questioning my right to be there, wondering, ‘Who am I to interject in a discussion with a handpicked global team of professionals? What value could I possibly add here?’

It took months of attending those weekly calls to realize that my unique experiences and use cases were not just valid, but vital. They offered insights that could enrich the collective knowledge of the group. The same held true for the other newcomers who joined with each wave. Now, I’m often one of the first to arrive on the calls, assisting the Microsoft team with link sharing and monitoring the fast-paced chat for overlooked ideas and feedback.

I’ve become a vocal advocate for new builders or business unit makers (‘Citizen Developers’) who might not possess the administrative permissions typically associated with an IT role. I like to think that my perspective adds value, though it took time for me to acknowledge this. That’s why when asked to do a welcome segment on a call last year, I seized the opportunity to speak on the value of new perspectives, and individual contributions. I used my time to warmly welcome new members and to address this very issue, emphasizing that every voice, every experience, adds value to our collective endeavor.

But here’s what I learned from those nerve-wracking experiences: feeling like an imposter doesn’t make you one. It’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to make mistakes. And most importantly, it’s okay to admit that you’re learning and growing, just like everyone else; in fact, honesty about what you do and do not know, and a demonstrated willingness to learn what’s needed is often respected.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome isn’t about eradicating these feelings of self-doubt completely. Rather, it’s about learning to navigate them, and understanding that they don’t define your worth or your capabilities. As we continue our discussion, remember that we all have moments of doubt and insecurity. It’s part of being human. The real challenge, and indeed the real triumph, is learning how to move forward despite those feelings.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

In order to conquer our inner imposter, we must first understand it. Imposter syndrome isn’t just an occasional thought that creeps into our minds on a bad day; it’s a persistent feeling of inadequacy, a fear of being exposed as a fraud despite a consistent pattern of achievement.

I have written eleven books, but each time I think, “Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.

Maya Angelou

Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate – it affects people from all walks and stages of life. You could be a seasoned professional, a student at the top of your class, or even an influential figure in your industry, yet still feel as though you don’t quite belong, as if your successes can be attributed to luck, timing, or even a clerical error rather than your own competence. It’s a paradox that inhibits us, leading to overwork and burnout, or underperformance due to fear of failure or fear of success.

…the exaggerated esteem in which my lifework is held makes me very ill at ease. I feel compelled to think of myself as an involuntary swindler.

Albert Einstein

In fact, you might be surprised to know that some of the most celebrated figures in our society – Maya Angelou, Albert Einstein, and Tom Hanks, to name just a few – have openly shared their experiences with imposter syndrome. If these icons, who have reached the pinnacle of their respective fields, can feel like frauds, it’s clear that this isn’t a problem of not being good enough. It’s a problem of feeling not good enough, and that’s an important distinction.

No matter what we’ve done, there comes a point where you think, ‘How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?

Tom Hanks

By identifying these feelings for what they are – manifestations of imposter syndrome – we can start to challenge and change our own perceptions. We can begin to give ourselves the credit we deserve, to recognize our worth, and to accept that while we may not know everything (lets be real, no one does), we have valuable contributions to make and insights to share.

Combating Imposter Syndrome

Knowing about imposter syndrome and recognizing it in ourselves is a crucial first step, but it doesn’t stop there. We must also actively combat these feelings of self-doubt and fraudulence. Here are some strategies that I, and many others, have found useful.

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Instead of ignoring your ‘imposter’ thoughts and feelings, acknowledge them. Understand that these feelings are part of the human experience and are not a reflection of your actual abilities or worth.

2. Talk about it: Share your feelings with trusted friends, mentors, or a coach. You might be surprised to find how many people can relate to what you’re experiencing, especially when you’ve worked together, and you can ‘trust’ their perspective.

3. Re-evaluate your definition of competence and success: Are you setting unrealistic expectations for yourself? Understand that nobody is perfect and that it’s okay not to know everything. Recognize the value of effort, growth, and persistence. Making things look easy is usually a matter of practice rather than talent.

4. Celebrate your achievements: Find a way to remember your successes and accomplishments. When imposter feelings creep in, remind yourself of these achievements. Some people I know write them down, detail them on LinkedIn, or include some of them in email signatures. I keep mine on a wall in my office (certifications, awards, trinkets, etc.)

5. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend in the same situation.

6. Seek professional help if needed: If imposter syndrome is causing significant distress or interfering with your life, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional counselor or psychologist.

Remember, overcoming imposter syndrome is not an overnight process. It’s about gradual change, self-acceptance, and recognition of your abilities and accomplishments. Be patient with yourself, and remember that everyone – even the most successful people – grapple with these feelings from time to time.

Confronting the Imposter Within: A Final Word

As we wrap up, I want you to remember this: It’s okay to have moments of self-doubt. It’s okay to question yourself. And it’s definitely okay to feel like an imposter at times. What matters is how we deal with it when it happens. Imposter Syndrome is not a defect or a personal failing; rather, it’s a reflection of being human, of pushing boundaries, and of stepping outside our comfort zones to seek something greater.

In the grand scheme of things, I think that feeling like an imposter can be a positive sign. It means you’re growing, you’re challenging yourself, and you’re venturing into new territory. It’s a sign of strength and courage, not weakness. After all, as the adage goes, ‘A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.’

You should have known I’d include at least one nautical reference. Sorry, still not sorry.

Jeff

To everyone out there grappling with Imposter Syndrome, know this: You are not alone. We are all on this journey together. Each of us is trying to navigate our own seas, and it’s okay to feel lost at times. Remember, it’s our unique insights, experiences, and voices that make us valuable.

Thanks again for reading, and best wishes for the rest of the week.