Two weeks ago I talked about Imposter Syndrome.
Last week, the Universe laughed at me.
Watch my video to see what I learned from my own bout of Imposter Syndrome.
It was the beginning of a 24-hour virtual event put on by Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs.
I figured “I’m an alum of the law school. I started my own business. These are my people!”
Boy, was that not how it felt.
As soon as I walked in the virtual “room” it hit me. These are real entrepreneurs. They are creating new apps. Talking to angel investors. Launching businesses they’ll sell for gazillions.
Not me. I don’t belong.
I’m a fraud.
And they’re going to find me out.
Look down on me.
Laugh at me.
Wow.
So I said my goodbyes and left quickly.
Let me be clear. Everyone I talked to was lovely. This was me. I was the one telling myself I didn’t belong. Telling myself I wasn’t good enough.
It was a total inside job.
Frankly, it was embarrassing.
I’m in the middle of exploring how Imposter Syndrome hits women leaders especially hard and explaining what to do about it.
Just do it anyway, I’d said. Eventually you’ll realize you are good enough, I’d said. And if that’s too hard, then just tap, I’d said.
I had it figured out.
And there I was. Totally caving to my own Imposter Syndrome.
So I took my own medicine. Went back into the event the next night. (I felt much better.)
I posted about my experiences in Facebook and was overwhelmed by the support I got.
Watch the video for the whole embarrassing story.
I learned a lot from this experience that I want to share.
First, it’s normal to feel like a fraud sometimes.
Second, many really successful women feel like an imposter sometimes. Having the feeling doesn’t mean you are not successful or capable of success.
And most importantly: if you feel like an imposter, know that it is not true.
Please don’t give into that feeling.
The world needs you.
Happy Tapping!
—Nancy
