The 'Oprah Effect' and Imposter Syndrome
It's a common myth that...'Everyone experiences Imposter Syndrome'.
This myth is often driven by the fact that the lines between Self Doubt and Imposter Syndrome get blurred, when in fact they are two completely different experiences (I cover this in my book)
The generalization that “we all have Imposter Syndrome” minimizes the experiences of those genuinely struggling. While research suggests that up to 70 percent of people may encounter Imposter Syndrome, it’s imperative not to dilute its gravity or assign labels, stereotypes, or other “descriptions” of what people with Imposter Syndrome look like or have been through.
We don’t put people in a box.
I speak to individuals regularly who DO NOT and never have experienced Imposter Syndrome.
These individuals carry professional titles such as neuroscientist, marketing director, CEO, board member, head of HR, management consultant, brand manager, entrepreneur, professional athlete, and surgeon to name just some.
And recently -USA Olympic Bronze Medalist - Ilona Maher voiced the fact she doesn't experience Imposter Syndrome either via a video shared by The Female Quotient
Ilona was asked in an interview... 'how she deals with Imposter Syndrome?" ... she DOESN'T have Imposter Syndrome.
This was unfortunately an all too common assumption people can make of successful Women and I am so glad she has called it out. Not every Woman experiences Imposter Syndrome (nor man or gender diverse individual).
And it's time (and has been for a long time) to shift this narrative away from Women only.
Imposter Syndrome is not about Women, it doesn't discriminate and many Men are sharing their experiences around the world, including famous Men. Of all the questions this person could have asked Ilona, what a shame they chose to ASSUME she experienced something she doesn't.
The key thing all of the above individuals have in common - they’re all high performing, high achievers - but Imposter Syndrome isn’t a part of their experience.
And when this is the case...
I call this “the Oprah Effect.”
Why?
Because despite having all the 'background and environmental exposures' that are common with Imposter Syndrome, Oprah has never experienced it.
She always BELIEVED she was destined for greatness.
As she says...'I don’t have any of those imposter feelings that so many people have.” She goes on to explain, “I don’t have high highs and I don’t have low lows. Which is a good thing, because no matter what I’m going through, I know I’m going to come out of it, and be okay' - Oprah.
Can I get an Amen?
Her words intersect beautifully with Imposter Syndrome.
If you are experiencing Imposter Syndrome - know it’s not your fault and you're not alone. Remember you're in the majority with 70% estimated to experience it, but I know it can feel isolating.
The good news is, you hold the power to conquer it.
Once you understand the inner story / narrative that is underpinning your Imposter feelings.
Or maybe during this self exploration- you'll come to the conclusion that you're not experiencing Imposter Syndrome at all?
Perhaps it's self doubt or another fear entirely?
I wrote Conquer Your Imposter™ so you don't have to figure this out on your own.
My mission is to help you move from being in the 70% and over into channeling The 'Oprah Effect'.
Imposter Syndrome is not something you have to live with, you just have to decide you're ready to step out of its shadow.
And my book - Conquer Your Imposter™ is your expert toolkit.
Until next week.
Alison
