Imposter syndrome? Am, I right?

Who thought of themselves when I posted that question?

It hits you at the worst times, For me, my birthday is tomorrow.

I’ve been working impossibly hard on writing, and editing,

I’ve been raising to new, young fur babies. A German shepherd baby, and fierce, and incredibly sweet cat. I have a large NYC apartment, and husband to care for, and clean. Oh and there’s that disability thing I have. I hit job boards every day. I joined a private freelance writing newsletter for work.

Is it enough? Am I enough?

Murphy Brown (in red jacket above^), said “we can have it all.” Meaning; Life work, family, fun, work/life balance. A huge joke for my Xennial generation. Murphy Brown was lying. Let’s call it black humor.

Truthfully, my age group has been left in a state of anxiety, assuming this is real, through perfectionism. We even shared it with GenZ, Y, et all.

Let’s talk “Imposter Syndrome”

According to Stanford University

“Imposter Phenomenon” (more commonly known as “imposter syndrome”, although some researchers prefer the less clinical connotations of the Imposter Phenomenon”),  was first coined by psychologists Pauline Rode Clance and Suzanne Imes (1978) to describe the internal experience of doubting your abilities.

Here I am, breathless, updating my resume, my cover letter, job hunting like mad. I have experience, proof of work, life, I don’t need to lie on my resume. Not good enough.

I feel fruitless, despite mountainous effort to move forward. Is it me? I’ve reinvented myself 3x since my last post, and….I feel I am not good enough. Contrary to popular belief, I feel no need to blame previous generations. No doubt they are caught in this whirlwind too.

How we do we deal with the daunting perfectionism to be better?

How do I start fixing this?

Recognize the problem.

I’m All 5. (cries)

Shaking this is harder than I thought.

According to the American Psychological Association

Up to 82% of people face feelings of impostor phenomenon, struggling with the sense they haven’t earned what they’ve achieved and are a fraud (Bravata, D. M., et al., Journal of General Internal Medicine, Vol. 35, No. 4, 2020). 

As I exhale I realize, it’s a mindset. I inherited some of mine. Its a generational thing. Family of geniuses on both sides. Watching others achievements closely, and being a cheerleader in life, often makes you forget to cheer yourself. Tackling the “concept you are less than, in any way will stop you dead in your tracks. If overthinking is your forte. Insomnia, or move forward towards what you fear.

Go. Do.

Had to throw in a little Jedi master knowledge. It’s true.

Let’s all exhale. There are ways to refocus, renew, and reinvent your self, and headspace. We can be honest with ourselves. Focus on YOU.

Here’s a thought.

I said its my birthday tomorrow, again. Lets start with celebrating our accomplishments.

This past year, I have learned to speak decent French, and basic Italian. I am a writer, and editor. I edited an article on marketing. I have created resumes from scratch, for 2 clients. Hooray! Achievement’s. I am proud I did that.

Now you.

There are several ways to stop Imposter Syndrome. This emotional ennui, needs some help.

Here are some ideas;

Please take care of yourself. Taking time to honor your mental, and physical health is and should be a priority. Difficult to think of you first? God yes, but necessary, or you can’t help others.

Please consider talk to your local, or online therapist. This is 2025 and therapy is no longer a stigma.

If you are in crisis, and would prefer to discuss thing anonymously….

Here are some free resources;

Several free online therapy options exist, providing access to emotional support and resources. 

For immediate crisis support, the Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 confidential support via text. For more general support, 7 Cups connects individuals with trained volunteer listeners. Additionally, resources like NAMI | National Alliance on Mental Illness can provide information and referrals to free therapy options in your area. 

It’s a rough time for many in the employment, and career field. Day to day life is much more intense than it was pre-covid. Imposter Syndrome can cause depression, and self esteem issues. I struggle with this. Especially when job hunting .

Baby steps. Apparently this is process, and may take a while. But….I’m working on it. I hope we all do.