A year ago, I started a job with no prior experience but an interest. Honestly, the origin of the interest is a bit blurry but after one free course, I decided to expand my knowledge. You already know how that went because I never did expand my knowledge. Overcoming Imposter syndrome is my way of taking you through the turns and twists the last year has brought.
The first thing you should know is I didn’t get the job I wanted. No, I got the job of my interest instead. Don’t get me wrong, I like (read love) my job now. Initially, I thought I was the wrong person for the job. Do you know that feeling of you’ve got to be kidding me? That’s my story.
As life evolves, I continually realise that I wasn’t built for the spotlight. The backstage is my zone, just get the thing to work and bye! Well, that was not to be this time. First, it’s a company everyone knows and secondly, my job is an “everyone wants to know you” kind of job.
How did I end up with Imposter Syndrome? If only I knew. What exactly is it?
Imposter syndrome and its meaning
According to Psychology today, people with Imposter syndrome:
“believe that they are undeserving of their achievements and the high esteem in which they are, in fact, generally held. They feel that they aren’t as competent or intelligent as others might think—and that soon enough, people will discover the truth about them.”
Until recently, I didn’t know what imposter syndrome was, maybe you too. The first time I heard the description, I thought about how similar it is to what I was dealing with. Afterwards, the research on it produced some more information that I could relate with.
What triggers it? I have no idea. However, what you should know is that it can steal everything from you, if allowed to.
Biblical example of people who experienced Imposter syndrome
One prominent person that comes to mind when I think of imposter syndrome is Moses. Up until recently, like many others, I thought Moses was being avoidant. ‘Don’t want to go because you can send someone else’ kind of thing.
Turns out Moses didn’t believe he was good enough. In his own ability, he wasn’t good enough, but God was going to send him in His (God) power.
Do you know the interesting thing about this particular situation? God started grooming Moses early on, before approaching him to send him to Pharaoh. How would Moses see that?
My apologies for assuming you know the story of Moses. You can read from Exodus 3:1– 4:17. In case you’re wondering why it’s so long, you won’t be bored I assure you.
Lessons to be learnt from God’s encounter with Moses
1. God engaged Moses where he was at, not where he thought he could be: For everytime Moses brought up “an excuse”, God didn’t brush it off. He provided answers to those excuses. Only in Exodus 4:14, do we see God get angry at Moses. Why? Moses asked that He send another person. Honestly, I’d also be angry if after patiently providing answers and signs, you do this. At least try and then say No!
2. Moses asked key questions: Many people think Moses was a serial excuse giver. What they fail to understand is that Moses asked the right questions. Questions such as: What if they don’t believe me? Who should I say sent me? Who am I to go to Pharaoh? If it was you, won’t you ask? Besides, He wanted as much information as possible to avoid embarrassment.
Imagine someone finding out you are a fake, not who you claimed to be.
Having written out these points, it’s worthy to note that Moses had signs of a perfectionist. Why do I say so? When you read Exodus 4:10, you see Moses say he isn’t eloquent, but slow of speech and tongue. In Moses’ mind, someone who can speak perfectly should be the one for the job, not him.
Keys to overcome Imposter syndrome
After writing all of this, these are a few keys to overcoming Imposter syndrome:
1. Rest in the knowledge of God: When I began to notice this, my first thought was I don’t deserve this. I’m under-qualified for this role. Later on, Philippians 4:13 gently reminded me that: You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. It’s not your strength, it’s God’s strength in you. Rest in it!
2. Develop more knowledge about it: Looking back now, one of the things that contributed to this was my little knowledge in that area. After developing myself, I’m somewhat more confident in what I have learnt. Please note that this isn’t always the case for many people.
3. Do it afraid: Just like Moses, you may have the perfectionism trait. I need to be perfect before I can try it out mentality. Don’t let that steal from you, try that role out or that sport. Who knows, you could be good at it? If you never try, you won’t know.
Final thoughts
Many statistics say that women are more likely to have imposter syndrome. While I can’t say for a fact that this is true or not, my girls have experienced this. In the process of explaining to my girls what this is, 2 out of 3 said they have experienced this.
For a case study, I reached out to 5 guys in my circle asking ‘Have you or do you experience Imposter Syndrome‘? 3 said No, 1 said yes, and the last said yes, before he turned 18. Out of the 3 that said No, 2 expressed the fact that God qualifies who He calls, so they aren’t too concerned.
Please keep in mind that there are racial undertones, gender bias and a lot more that can contribute to Imposter syndrome.
One major thing I recall contributing to this is societal notions about the company. Like I mentioned earlier, an unknown company was the dream. But, I found myself in what the Nigerian society will term “You’ve made it” industry. What scared me the most was that people would begin to associate me with this company, instead of who they know me to be.
Did that happen? Yes! After living through a year of this, I decided that where I work doesn’t matter, it’s the job I do that matters. Everyone else can go on with their bias in their minds.
If you ask me, Funmi, would do anything different? My answer is yes, I’d find help earlier than I did. I wouldn’t let society’s bias try to rule my life. And I’d bask in the knowledge of God’s strength not mine.
Thank you for reading through my musings today! Do you know anyone struggling to overcome Imposter Syndrome? Share this with them! And don’t forget to unlearn the bias society has dished out.
Read the last post here: His redeeming love
