Imposter syndrome for all - how we can reframe imposter feelings to serve us

“The exaggerated esteem in which my lifework is held makes me very ill at ease. I feel compelled to think of myself as an involuntary swindler.” Albert Einstein

What I love about this quote is that Einstein was near the end of his life when he shared it with a friend. First of all, if you are experiencing imposter feelings, you are in good company. I believe that when imposter syndrome or feelings show up, it is often an indicator that you have grown or expanded in some way or are about to. If we could embrace these feelings as friends showing up to say, “Great job! You have just done or are about to do something amazing” how would our lives change?

According to some estimates, 70% of successful people experience imposter syndrome. That sensation of feeling like a fraud is usually caused by the belief that despite their objective successes a person has persistent self-doubt and anxiety about being “found out” and shamed as an imposter. It was widely believed that high-achieving women made up most of the percentage but there is now quite a bit of evidence that men experience Imposter Syndrome as much as women.

It can be very crippling unless we learn how to reframe the imposter thoughts that will come up as we grow and succeed. When we realize that, not only are we not alone in these imposter feelings, they very well could be an indicator of our growth and development we can choose to embrace them. We can laugh and say, “I see you, perfectionist within and I now remember that you are showing up to remind me it is ok to be out of my comfort zone and grow.” Please don’t be afraid to speak your imposter thoughts out loud to a trusted friend, mentor or therapist. They only have power if you keep them bottled up. When you name them and call them out they cannot stop you anymore. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!

Known to many as “The Magnetic Voice,” Monique McDonald is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning vocal specialist and certified Conscious Transformational Coach. Initially terrified to audition or speak publicly, Monique studied intensely with excellent coaches to cultivate her confidence. As a result, she celebrated with outstanding Opera and Master Class performances throughout Europe, Russia, Japan, and the US, including Carnegie Hall, NYC, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. When Monique helps you unlock your natural charisma and your “Magnetic Voice,” you benefit from secrets learned in over twenty years through High Stakes Performance combined with her unique coaching style. Her passion is inspiring charismatic communication and mastery of the human voice to empower entrepreneurs, speakers, and leaders.

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