Imposter syndrome versus reality
I went to Wellesley College. I went to Harvard University. I have founded 2 international companies. But even through all of that, I have found myself questioning if I was the right person for this? Did I get to this point because I’m the Blind token?
My sister always tells me, “Sara, you’re stronger than you realize.” Why do I need this pointed out to me? Why is it so hard for each of us to see our own worth when it’s clear as day to the people around us that we are in the right place because we are meant to be there and not for some superficial or unearned reason?
Until very recently, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome. But why?
New York based psychotherapist and executive coach Brian Daniel Norton states, “Women, women of color, especially black women, as well as the LGBTQ community are most at risk [to experience imposter syndrome]…when you experience systemic oppression or are directly or indirectly told your whole life that you are less-than or undeserving of success and you begin to achieve things in a way that goes against a long-standing narrative in the mind, imposter syndrome will occur.”
Our society’s corporate culture also perpetuates this imposter syndrome. Women make up half the U.S. population and they have earned more than 57 percent of undergraduate degrees, 48.5 percent of all law degrees, and 47.5 percent of all medical degrees, yet American women still lag substantially behind men in terms of leadership positions. According to Pew Research, 60% of people believe that the major barrier to female leadership is having to prove themselves.
So this notion of self-doubt isn’t just a vicious mental game that we often play with ourselves. Unfortunately, our societal system has made it harder for women to thrive in certain spaces. We have the ability; we have the education, but we are still met with very real barriers.
This is not to say that this will always be our reality, but rather to understand the current reality can be changed through the power of our voice and narrative. My advice? Apply for the job that you aren’t entirely qualified for… because your male counterpart will. Negotiate your salary… because you are beyond worth it. Talk about money with your friends… so you can justify your raise. Give a hand back to someone… because you never know when you will need a leg up. Listen intently to other’s narratives… because our stories are interwoven together and we will get stronger as a society when we accept and support one another authentically. Everyone has something beautiful to offer, and you are one of those people!
