When it comes to Imposter Syndrome, I recall feeling frustrated by it. Despite knowing that I wasn’t a fake or a fraud, in crucial moments where I had the opportunity to stand out or speak up, it felt so true that it paralyzed me.
Background
I began my career in the late 80’s, climbing the corporate ladder at a prominent computer company. Outwardly, I appeared ambitious and confident, but internally, I was a mess. I felt unworthy of my role to the point of making myself sick and spending hours in the bathroom, overwhelmed. No one would have suspected.
Eventually, I left that job, and many others thereafter. My family and friends were bewildered, some even disappointed. However, no one was more frustrated with me than myself.
Resolving this issue of self-worth became my top priority. I delved into every resource on Imposter Syndrome, but the advice only made it worse. The more I read, the more I believed I was a victim of a syndrome. So, I decided to stop.
Deep down, I knew I wasn’t an imposter. But if I wasn’t an imposter, then who was I? To overcome this affliction, I needed to discover my true identity and give it a name. And over time, I found it – I was going to be… AUTHENTIC.
In the intervening years, I have dedicated myself to helping not only myself but others to feel and be authentic. Surprisingly, it’s not as difficult as it seems once you have a clear definition and a measurable outcome.
The Authenticity Test
Here’s the definition I use and teach: Authenticity is achieved when your thoughts, feelings, and actions align with or surpass your Values, Intention, and Purpose – TFA => VIP.
And here’s what it feels like:
Transparent – you have nothing to hide which means you have abundant time and energy to direct your emotional and intellectual talents into projects that matter.
Happy – you know who you are, comfortable in your own skin. You don’t need brands, labels and titles your mental wellbeing and resilience is the result of your inner world. Your reward is you.
Confident – You can be vulnerable without feeling weak, assertive without being a bully, make mistakes without feeling shame and able to put yourself first without feeling guilty.
Compassionate – your care and compassion is felt by others in a very real way because it emanates from the compassion you have for yourself.
Connected – without anything to hide you have energy to be open and available for others.
Empowered – your authority comes from within
Influential – you draw people in, they come to you because of who you are and the way you operate in the world. It is effortless Influence
No accolades, titles, awards, or labels can ever make you feel this way. But you can. By aligning your words, thoughts, and actions with your values, intention, and purpose, you can practice and become more authentic.
If being authentic is important to you, I invite you to take the next step and book a complimentary call with me, Suzy Jacobs, Executive Communication Coach and Turn-Around Coach for Imposter Syndrome.
Together, let’s embark on this journey of authenticity.
