Uncomfortable for the win

Yesterday was uncomfortable.

It was uncomfortable on an emotional level — because I was challenging my Imposter Syndrome (IS). I was challenging a set of limiting beliefs and fears which have been quietly blocking me for years.

I do not have a big background in public speaking. I’ve lead team and executive meetings but those were in a very controlled context with people I knew. Speaking publicly or speaking on camera isn’t something I have experience with — and yesterday I had to do both.

I’m happy to report that everything went well — even if I was sweating the whole time.

The best part about this — I know the next time will be easier. I learned that the content is valuable and my presentation works well for the audience. I also learned that my IS isn’t a valid fear. The feedback was all good, the audience was engaged. They wanted more.

The costs of Imposter Syndrome are substantial in corporate environments.

People refuse promotions, hold back great solutions to business problems, and ultimately become miserable at work. The worst part is everyone is afraid to talk about it because they think they are the only one with these kind of fears. In reality almost everyone has IS at some level. We’ve even heard people say they don’t have IS and then do the exact behaviors that prove they do.

Like other mental wellness topics, companies are starting to talk about awareness. This is a good first step but the real value will come when the “why”s behind mental wellness are understood and addressed. When everyone understands the impact on revenue, awareness will not be enough. It’s uncomfortable and hard work but also very necessary.

I know that it’s a big win every time someone pushes through their self limiting beliefs. We learn to appreciate our power when someone can show us these beliefs and help us believe that we are stronger than those limitations. This evolution in mental perspective is available to everyone — even you can do it.

It’s uncomfortable to admit we have IS — and admitting we do is the first step to working through it.