Celebrating Women's History Month
Disclaimer:
This article is an opinion piece for informative purposes only, not mental health advice. Consult with your mental health professionals if you need help.
Hope came in and prophesied her imposter syndrome label. She spent about 20 minutes talking to me about her imposter syndrome. The brilliant young woman concluded, “My friends felt the same, too."
What is imposter syndrome?
"Google defines imposter syndrome as "the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high performing in external, objective ways."
For example, a college student got A+ in her final exam and she permited her classamates to convinced her that she failed the test.
Therefore, imposter syndrome is one of the psychological weapons used to put many women and some groups of people in their places–-low-paying jobs, low skills, free labor, and baby machines.
Also, I heard from others and read stories and articles from highly skilled women and many minority women diagnosed with imposter syndrome.
Now.
I invite you to be awake, ask questions, observe, and examine all labels in 2024.
Where does imposter syndrome build its foundation?
Science and stakeholders of society. That's right.
It's true; science supports it. It's also true we had many scientific studies done and supported that women and blacks couldn't vote or have the brain to reason for themselves or their children.
Be wise. Pop psychology is back with the old-century trick– "scholars claimed that cycling would harm (women) reproductive organs, embolden sexual permissiveness and lead to the destruction of the family."
According to some politicians today, Taylor Swift is too stupid to think for herself.
It's not a joke. Look for these claims in scientific literature, which are accessible online, or check the references below.
This syndrome gains ground in the wrong direction, and it's time to let it go.
Have you ever heard fast-food workers label themselves with imposter syndrome? Have you heard a small business owner with a creative skill set talk about imposter syndrome?
However, women with high-powered jobs often talk about imposter syndrome. Many brilliant minority women with high-skilled speak more about it.
All these women have a receipt for what they do and the skills they have. They took the test, went through competitive college, had professional certification with sought-after skills, and yet fell into the pop psychology trap too often.
Last, people who rarely had what these high-skilled women had cornered them and told them, "Get out; you don't belong on the job with the required skills you surpass."
It's just like a stranger telling you that your name on your birth certificate with county stamp is not yours.
Be awake! Be alert! Be aware!
Think about it before you accept any label in 2024. Refrain from believing what others say when you have a receipt for your skill or seat.
Let's leave pop psychology behind and never permit people to reduce you to something you are not.
People can say no to the spread of labels that put them down to become beggars and talkers on social media–--be your own voice, not an echo.
More importantly, take the time to know yourself. That way, no one can tell you who you are.
Everyone has doubts, including your favorite celebrity and Ms. Universe. You can seek help from a practical coach, therapist, or friend to help you build and improve your self-respect.
Let's talk.
Does everyone have doubts?
Then, who are the people who carry imposter syndrome as a badge of honor? Consider it and pay attention when these pop psychologists are on TV or writing books. Who are they? What is their accurate background?
Everyone has self-doubts.
Just do it.
Are you leaving your career, home, or school because you feel anxious? Think again and remember, we have the power of choice.
Everyone has self-doubts, including peaceful people, warmongers, CEOs, and billionaires.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycling_and_feminism
https://hbr.org/2021/02/stop-telling-women-they-have-imposter-syndrome