I was listening to a radio program about entrepreneurs while driving the other day.
I tend to listen to business and creative program topics. A belief that what goes in can take root and blossom into something good in my life.
So back to the program.
The host was interviewing a woman who apparently was pretty successful and well known in her market.
I had never heard of her, but …
That isn’t unusual.
Jeff Dunham makes $20 Million a year, and there are tons of people who look at me with no clue when I mention him, Achmed or Peanut.
Fame isn’t what it used to be.
So this woman, who is very successful:
- has written books,
- has a tv series on a business network,
- has huge conferences where she and her staff train others
- has a huge social following
- is sought by major companies for advice
- and has online courses that sell for thousands of dollars each …
… is afraid people will discover she is an imposter.
She isn’t.
But she suffers from something known as the Imposter Syndrome.
That isn’t unusual either.
During conversations with some of the top ventriloquists of our day, I have heard about their doubts.
Some feel people will be disappointed with their performance because they may think the vent is better than he or she feels they are.
Or that a routine they use, based on a standard premise and modified for their act, is based on someone elses act.
Or that their lips will move and everyone will suddenly think they suck.
I’ve even talked with a vent who, despite massive success, felt that he wasn’t worthy of the praise everyone offers.
And that is the imposter syndrome.
These amazing entertainers have self doubts and feel like an imposter that will be discovered.
During a conversation about this with another friend, she pointed out the reverse.
There are some who feel they deserve accolades and are upset they aren’t recognized as great.
Isn’t it weird how some people feel they deserve something that, in many cases they may not.
While in cases where the praise and accolades are due to genuine talent and taking action, the people think they don’t deserve it.
So my advice to anyone who feels like an imposter, like they don’t deserve the success they receive, keep working.
Keep improving and being the best you that you can be.
The only one you need to impress is you.
And if people are also impressed, accept their praise.
But keep your eye focused on your goal.
Because what others think about you, while it may be nice, doesn’t matter as much as what you think about yourself.
