Another View of Impostor Syndrome: Tripping Over Our Own Feet?

 What if we're inadvertently or subconsciously tripping over our own feet? Perhaps this phenomenon we call impostor syndrome is more about us throwing sticks into our own bicycle spokes. It prompts a question: How much smoother could our journey be if we weren't caught in this self-created loop?

Impostor syndrome isn't just a stumbling block; it's a symptom of a deeper issue – not being fully present in our life and leadership roles. It's akin to an Ouroboros, a snake eating its own tail, perpetuating a cycle of doubt and disconnection. When we're not fully engaged in the moment, impostor syndrome finds fertile ground to grow, blurring our vision like glasses with the wrong prescription.

In this state, we're caught in the illusion that we should have all the answers, ready for every challenge life throws at us, even before it's pitched. But let's pause and reflect: Has anyone ever truly known what tomorrow holds? We're only ever up-to-date until yesterday's news becomes a footnote in history. Even the insights from books or the internet are mere snapshots of a world already spinning away from those captured moments.

Consider this riddle: What keeps coming but never arrives? The answer is tomorrow. Yet, in our relentless pursuit to prepare for these endless tomorrows, we often overlook today – the very place where we live, breathe, and learn.

Each morning brings its own updates, like software patches installed while we dream. Perhaps, then, dealing with impostor syndrome is less about beating ourselves up for not knowing enough, and more about embracing where we are at this moment. It's about breaking the cycle, stepping into the present, and breathing through the doubt. Feeling like an imposter isn't a mark of failure, and it definitely doesn't mean your seat at the table was a clerical error.

Even months into a new role or project—if there are gaps in your knowledge—that's alright! The real question should be: What do I need to understand right now to excel in my role? 

Impostor syndrome is a crafty trickster, whispering lies of self-sabotage while masquerading as a voice of reason. But once we recognize it as a symptom of our disconnection from the present, we can cut through its smokescreen. We can focus on being here, now, growing in each given moment.

Growth is a journey, not a destination. It's about evolving, step by step, with each new challenge and experience. It's about recognizing that not knowing something is not a flaw, but an opportunity to learn and expand our horizons. As I found working with clients, believing that you are already supposed to know frustrates and stifles your ability to learn and grow. 

In the end, impostor syndrome is just one more loop in the Ouroboros. Recognizing it for what it is allows us to break free and leap forward. It's about shifting our focus from what we think we should know to what we can learn right here and right now. In doing so, we find that the path ahead becomes clearer, the ride a little smoother, and our place in the world more assured.

The next time you feel that familiar tug of doubt, remember: You're not an impostor. You're a learner, a grower, a seeker of wisdom on a journey that's uniquely yours. Embrace it, one step, one breath, one moment at a time.

Be well and brave. 

Your fellow journeyman. 

Tray T.S. Deadwyler