Phrases that trigger Imposter Syndrome
In my previously life, I was a Technology Leader.
I spent 16 years in commercial and/or sales roles for USA & Australian founded Tech Companies.
For 10 of those 16 years I experienced Imposter Syndrome.
I learned early in my career – the importance (and power) of words in exacerbating fear based emotions and behaviours.
As a mentor of mine once shared, “Words are Weapons”
And as I like to add ‘They either serve us or sabotage us’.
This also rings true when it comes to Imposter Syndrome.
Outdated phrases ‘chucked around’ often out of habit or outdated ‘norms’ carry implications that can feed the feelings of inadequacy and Imposter Syndrome (despite evidence of competence & accomplishments)
Do any of these sound familiar?:
1. You’re only as good as your last ‘sale’:
If I had a dollar for every time I heard this in my Tech Career, I’d be a gazillionaire.
It wasn’t helpful then and it never will be. This saying implies that one’s worth is only as significant as their most recent success, ignoring the cumulative effort and growth over time. It creates a high-pressure environment where past achievements are quickly forgotten, and constant performance is demanded, exacerbating stress and feelings of being a fraud.
2. Fake it till you make it:
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I loathe this statement.
While intended to encourage confidence, this phrase has the opposite effect. It causes you to label the action you’ve just taken as ‘fake’ instead of owning and internalising the confident steps you just took. This phrase FUELS Imposter Syndrome and kills confidence. You can read more about my views HERE.
3. Leaders are born, not made:
This statement can be particularly damaging as it suggests that leadership qualities are innate and cannot be developed.
For someone striving to improve their leadership skills, this can be demoralising and feed into the belief that they are inherently unfit / don’t ‘belong’ in leadership roles.
4. Good things come to those who wait:
While patience is a virtue, this saying might imply that passive waiting, rather than active effort, leads to success.
It can discourage proactive steps towards personal and professional growth, essential in overcoming feelings of Imposter Syndrome.
5. Opportunity doesn’t knock twice:
This phrase can create a sense of urgency and pressure to seize every opportunity, regardless of readiness or fit.
The fear of missing out can lead individuals to overextend themselves, always say ‘yes’ or feel inadequate when they pass on opportunities.
6. Get out there and rattle some cages:
This can justify a ruthless, ends-justify-the-means approach in a competitive environment.
It might encourage a disregard for the emotional and professional well-being of oneself and others, fostering a toxic work culture that exacerbates stress and feelings of fraudulence.
These are just some I wanted to mention today.
If you have any others I’d love to hear them.
If you hear these phrases and they trigger your Imposter Syndrome it is valid and IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.
These phrases can (and often do) reinforce a culture where relentless competition, constant comparison, and the masking of vulnerabilities are normalised.
They contribute to the perpetuation of Imposter Syndrome by invalidating individual growth processes & values, encouraging unhealthy work cultures, and undermining self worth.
So just a reminder that – words are weapons.
Speak kindly to yourself, always.
