Mind Your Introductions! A Short Essay in advance of National Imposter Syndrome Day

Imposter syndrome — that sneaking feeling that you are not worthy — can be crippling. It is especially problematic for people who are not in the majority group. As an ally, you can help in ways large and small.

We’ve all been there. A situation in which you look around and can’t believe you’ve been admitted to the company of a group of brilliant people. Or receiving an award and feeling that the judges must have made a mistake. Or over-preparing and over-emphasizing how smart / funny / accomplished you are while at the same time feeling like a bit of a fraud.

All these things are related to imposter syndrome — the sneaky feeling that you didn’t really earn or deserve some major accomplishment or recognition. It’s related to anxiety, to the unwillingness to take risk, to avoiding new opportunities and to feelings of inferiority. It’s that voice in your head that says “you can’t do this!”

While it can be a little motivating in that it can spur you to make greater efforts, the resulting anxiety usually isn’t worth it.

Where does imposter syndrome come from?

Psychologists have reasoned that imposter syndrome, the nasty voices inside our heads telling us that we aren’t worthy, originates in our attempts to make…