I've not only been there, but find myself still there at times. The "syndrome" is real. The best treatment appears to be persistence in cultivating the desired identity. Does this sometimes feel like "fake it til you make it?" Sure, but other times it starts to feel real.
I think that’s part of what makes the experience so strange.
Because it can start feeling like it's performed, and then gradually parts of it start to feel more natural.
I remember hearing that “Fake it ‘til you make it” advice a lot as well before. I think it’s a fine piece of advice in hindsight, although it would probably be better if it was a little more nuanced. At least it’s simple and catchy like that.
The tension of being in the middle of who we are and who we are becoming is real. Seeing it is a sign you are doing the work. And proof that who we’ve become is a stack of adaptations, which means we can continue to adapt.
The old version doesn’t always let go easy. Maybe that’s why it lingers.
I agree, older versions of ourselves usually doesn’t disappear at once. They tend to linger beside the new version for quite a while until the new version is ready.
So yes, I think there’s something real in that tension between who we are and who we are becoming.
Painfully relatable!
What a wonderful Article
I just swept with the flow of your words.
Thanks for sharing and keep writing 💫
Just highlighting this part
Suddenly, something becomes emotionally real before it actually feels real.
And that part is strange, because your ordinary life has hardly changed.
There’s probably a reason people talk so much about “impostor syndrome.”
Sometimes I think the word gets overused.
A good conversation can stay with you for days.
One compliment can feel disproportionately more meaningful.
One recognition can alter how seriously you take yourself.
I’m glad it landed :)
This was a pretty interesting piece, keep up the good work!
Thank you.
Your insight into impostor syndrome is spot on. A very relatable piece !
Thank you, I’m glad it resonated.
I think quite a few of us live with that feeling more than we openly admit.
I've not only been there, but find myself still there at times. The "syndrome" is real. The best treatment appears to be persistence in cultivating the desired identity. Does this sometimes feel like "fake it til you make it?" Sure, but other times it starts to feel real.
I think that’s part of what makes the experience so strange.
Because it can start feeling like it's performed, and then gradually parts of it start to feel more natural.
I remember hearing that “Fake it ‘til you make it” advice a lot as well before. I think it’s a fine piece of advice in hindsight, although it would probably be better if it was a little more nuanced. At least it’s simple and catchy like that.
The tension of being in the middle of who we are and who we are becoming is real. Seeing it is a sign you are doing the work. And proof that who we’ve become is a stack of adaptations, which means we can continue to adapt.
The old version doesn’t always let go easy. Maybe that’s why it lingers.
I agree, older versions of ourselves usually doesn’t disappear at once. They tend to linger beside the new version for quite a while until the new version is ready.
So yes, I think there’s something real in that tension between who we are and who we are becoming.