Part of self-development is realizing those areas that hold you back as well as the really cool things about yourself.
So what about the things that hold us back?
Here’s one I’ve been reading about lately:
The Impostor Syndrome — where people who seem talented & intelligent call their achievements “flukes” or “accidents” instead of attributing it to their own hard work and effort and are often overcome with self-doubt.
The Quiz
Here’s a quick Impostor Syndrome test – answer “Yes” or “No:
*Do you secretly worry that others will find out that you’re not as bright and capable as they think you are?
*Do you sometimes shy away from challenges because of nagging self-doubt?
*Do you tend to chalk your accomplishments up to being a “fluke,” “no big deal” or the fact that people just “like” you?
*Do you hate making a mistake, being less than fully prepared or not doing things perfectly?
*Do you tend to feel crushed by even constructive criticism, seeing it as evidence of your “ineptness?”
*When you do succeed, do you think, “Phew, I fooled ‘em this time but I may not be so lucky next time.”
*Do you believe that other people (students, colleagues, competitors) are smarter and more capable than you are?
*Do you live in fear of being found out, discovered, unmasked?
Dr. Valerie Young, ImpostorSyndrome.com
A “Yes” to any of the above, “welcome to the club” as Dr. Young says. Read the rest of this entry »
