78 What people get wrong about imposter syndrome and how to beat it
No. 78 – 2 Jun 2024
Welcome to the 78th edition of the True Progress Newsletter, a weekly newsletter on mastering fear and anxiety for optimal performance.
If you’d like to share this newsletter issue via text, social media, or email, just click here, then copy and paste the link from your web browser.
Last week, we had a great turnout at our training hosted by the DC Bar Association where 50+ attorneys participated. We discussed everything from false beliefs around stress and specific ways to master their thoughts and emotions during high stress situations.
INSIGHTS TO REFLECT ON
*
Fear-based stress and anxiety don't care about degrees, experience, or fancy job titles. They only care about keeping you in your comfort zone.
**
The longer you stay in your comfort zone, the more likely you'll suffer from imposter syndrome. The thought that you're not good enough and the accompanying fear that you'll be found out can only be overcome with evidence proving you're capable.
***
“The problem human beings face is not that we aim too high and fail, but that we aim too low and succeed.”
— Michelangelo
EMOTION TO MEET
Neuroscience and brain-imaging research shows that properly naming an emotion is critical to managing and taming it.
Here's 1 to explore:
Antsy
Definition | Feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty.
Example | She felt antsy about this important job interview.
Origin | 1950s: probably from the phrase have ants in one's pants.
CHALLENGE TO GROW
When was the last time you felt imposter syndrome at work? What were you doing when you experienced it? Maybe it was a presentation, leadership meeting, new work assignment, or starting a new job?
Acknowledge your achievements and reflect on them regularly by keeping a proof list that describes your accomplishments and the actions you took.
Some questions to get you in the flow:
“What have I done this week that makes me feel capable?”
“If a younger me could see my life now, what would she be proud of?”
⌾ Reply to this email and let us know how it went.
BOOK JUST READ
Will Storr takes a deep dive into the science and psychology of creative storytelling as a fundamental way to influence and persuade individuals and groups.
He breaks down 4 ways to induce curiosity at the beginning of any story to keep your audience hooked:
Start with a question or paradox
Give a sequence of events but leave a gap somewhere in between
Give expectations and then violate them
Present knowledge of possession of information by someone else
Till next week,
— Carlos & Stef
