Imposter Syndrome

In my last email, I asked you to guess who the mystery Athlete was that I was explaining.

If you guessed Steph Curry, you are correct!

Many people throw around the term “Imposter Syndrome”, but don’t really understand the history behind it and how it affects Athletes.

Imposter Syndrome will affect a large percentage of people in their lives (especially Athletes).

Imposter Syndrome specifically targets high achievers, and is common amongst Athletes.

SO…WHERE DID IT COME FROM???

Well, it was first conceptualized by Clance & Imes…they first studied how this experience affected women in the marketplace when compared to their male counterparts. Later studies would show that many men were even worse than than women…

Imposter Syndrome is characterized by the inability to internalize one’s success, and belief that peers will eventually recognize that you do not belong.

People Who Likely Suffer:

• People Who Experience Success Too Quickly

• 1st Generation Pros

• People With High-Achieving Parents

• Minority Groups

What It Does To You:

• Can Cause Procrastination

• Can Lead To A Lack Of Effort

• Low Self-Esteem

• Neuroticism (Up & Down Behavior)

• Work Harder-Overprepare (from an unhealthy place)

• Proneness To Shame

• Avoidance

• Verbal Insecurity

• Guilt When Receiving Praise or Outperforming Others

• Self-Sabotage

So, how do you overcome it? Well, remember this:

There are 2 Questions you must answer “YES” to in order to overcome Imposter Syndrome:

1. Am I good enough?

2. Do I belong?

Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. By definition, Imposter Syndrome affects high achievers; so, are you good enough? The answer is YES

Do yo belong? YES. There is nobody who has ever lived, who is living, or who will come after you that can do what you do like YOU do it (read that again).

Here are some Bible verses that will help you along the way as well:

• Romans 8:28

• Jeremiah 29:11

• Galatians 6:9

• Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

…many times, Athletes who have this Imposter Syndrome experience have issues with God’s timing. Read these verses above, pray, and believe!

YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH & YOU BELONG!

Your Friend,

Josiah