I'm Not Worthy

I

look around my office, symbols of accomplishments adorn the walls. A reputation earned through hard work. A title on my business card indicating I’m the guy, even though the organization is small. Nothing fancy, a nice home in a suburban neighborhood, a quality car, kids with college degrees and jobs. Life is more than good. Then, why do I feel like a phony?

I recently read that an estimated seventy percent of westerners suffer - to some degree - from Imposter Syndrome. You know what I’m talking about. The nagging feeling that your so-called accomplishments are a byproduct of luck. You fear being called out, being exposed for the fake that you really are. You look around at those you admire, following them like a puppy dog hoping that their brilliance will rub off on you. You work harder and longer, strive for excellence and perfection thinking that this will be the magic elixir to what ails you. It’s a nasty cycle that only strengthens your feelings of inadequacy.

In this world of self-help gurus and positive thinking sirens, its easy to think that morning affirmations and self-love will dislodge you from your inability to embrace your value and accomplishments. I don’t have any answers to this quandary. I must dig deep for its origin and be cognizant of the subliminal reflexes that support this feeling of being an imposter. As I strive for a new professional future, the journey must first overcome this psychological obstacle. It is what fuels fears of failure and rejection. The challenge is before me.