Real Imposters

When it comes to imposter syndrome, most people approach the problem from the perspective of cognitive therapy. The solution they could think of is to develop confidence in the person himself so that he could feel good about himself. However, my perspective is different. The traditional approach may solve the problem, for, say, 50 percent of the people, but it will exacerbate the symptoms for the others. Let me explain.

The most sad and tragic fact about imposter syndrome is that there are two types of imposters.

1. Fake Imposter, who thinks he is an imposter but not an imposter.
2. Real Imposter, who thinks he is an imposter and that's true; he is an imposter.

It makes sense to encourage the fake imposters and tell them they are not imposters. But what about the second case? What is the point of telling real imposters that they are not imposters?

You're wrong if you think only fake imposters exist out there. To prove it, let us assume the contrary. I'm exercising reduction ad absurdum. Suppose that all imposters are fake imposters. Then there are no reasons in the first place for those fake imposters to believe that they are imposters. By life experience, everybody knows, that anyone who thinks he is an imposter is not an imposter. This eliminates the possibility for fake imposters even to exist. A contradiction is reached, and my point is proved.

You may have been accustomed to the types of talk in which the speaker assumes that nobody is a real imposter, just elaborating on the effective methods to heighten your ego. They just keep talking effectively ignoring real imposters, whose existence I proved. These methods are going to work effectively only when you are a fake imposter. But if you are a real imposter, this is going to be a disaster. Mostly like, better than chance level, your colleagues will know the truth; They may see you as an imposter or not, and probably they are correct. This is going to be reflected in a lot of ways, most prominently in your salary and job opportunities. If you are a real imposter with a heightened confidence level thanks to psychological therapy, you are going to see that things are off; you expect others to treat you better, but they just don't. You are likely to get angry and blame others and society rather than yourself. You are going to be frustrated. The existence of a gap between objective and subjective views will make you frustrated.

So, the first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to know whether you are a fake imposter or a real imposter. This article will not delve into the specific methods of doing that. You can consult your acquaintances who you think would give you accurate feedback, rather than social feedback. You could consult the internet to find materials to access your skills. There are just many many ways.

So, did you find yourself a fake imposter or a real imposter?

If you found yourself a fake imposter, good. Traditional methods come into play. Just apply the cognitive therapy to heighten your ego.

If you found yourself a real imposter, I'm very sorry for that. You may need to make a decision; You can leave the field, or keep working despite. You know your position the best, and you are the best person to make your career decisions. You can still keep working even when you are a real imposter because of various other reasons such as the cost of changing to a new job. I wish you all the best.

Let me end this short essay with my personal experience. I was a graduate student with a serious imposter syndrome. I tried to measure my skills in many ways, and the conclusion was that I was a real imposter rather than a fake one. So I just left the graduate program, and my Ph.D. was never attained. After moving into industry, I almost never suffered from imposter syndrome, just only occasionally. Changing your specialization could be an effective and realistic solution to your imposter syndrome.

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Your perspective on imposter syndrome offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the issue. By categorizing imposters into "fake" and "real," you highlight a complexity that is often overlooked in standard discussions and treatments of imposter syndrome. Traditional cognitive therapy methods indeed focus on boosting an individual's self-esteem and helping them recognize their accomplishments as valid, which can be highly effective for those who underestimate their abilities or contributions. However, as you point out, this approach may not address the concerns of those who might have genuine gaps in their skills or knowledge that contribute to their feelings of being an imposter.

Your argument introduces a critical consideration: the importance of self-awareness and honest self-assessment. For individuals who genuinely lack certain skills or knowledge, recognizing and addressing these gaps is crucial. This could involve seeking additional training, mentoring, or education rather than simply trying to boost confidence.

The reduction ad absurdum approach you used to argue for the existence of real imposters is an interesting philosophical technique, although it might be somewhat controversial when applied to complex human psychology. The distinction between fake and real imposters as you've defined them simplifies a range of experiences into two categories, which might not capture the full spectrum of imposter syndrome, where the lines between perception and reality can be incredibly blurred.

Your personal story adds a powerful dimension to your argument, illustrating that recognizing one's own limitations and making a significant change, such as shifting career paths or fields of study, can be a viable solution for some people facing imposter syndrome. It's a reminder that the paths to overcoming or managing feelings of inadequacy are as diverse as the individuals experiencing them.

Your perspective underscores the importance of a tailored approach to dealing with imposter syndrome, one that goes beyond boosting confidence to include an honest assessment of one's skills and abilities and, when necessary, taking concrete steps to address identified gaps. It also highlights the significance of choosing environments and roles where one can thrive, recognizing that such choices can be pivotal in overcoming feelings of being an imposter.

 

Criticize my essay.

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Your essay on imposter syndrome presents an intriguing viewpoint, particularly in its challenge to conventional approaches to dealing with the issue. Here are some points of criticism and areas for further exploration:

Broad Categorization: The division into "fake" and "real" imposters simplifies a complex psychological phenomenon. Imposter syndrome often arises from a blend of self-perception issues and environmental factors rather than a straightforward dichotomy of skill or knowledge deficiency. This categorization risks oversimplifying the experiences of many who don't neatly fit into either category, potentially ignoring the nuances of their struggles.

Empirical Evidence: The essay would benefit from incorporating empirical research or psychological studies supporting the existence and impact of "real" imposters as distinct from "fake" imposters. Including evidence could strengthen the argument by providing a solid foundation for the distinction you propose.

Reduction ad Absurdum Argument: While an interesting philosophical tool, the reduction ad absurdum argument used to prove the existence of real imposters might not hold against empirical scrutiny. Psychological phenomena are often not binary and can involve a wide array of contributing factors, making such a binary argument less applicable in this context.

Potential for Negative Self-Labeling: Encouraging individuals to categorize themselves as "real" imposters could have harmful psychological effects, potentially leading to decreased self-esteem and motivation. This self-labeling might discourage individuals from seeking improvement or support, believing their situation is immutable.

Addressing Skill Gaps: While the essay suggests that real imposters should acknowledge their skill gaps, it doesn't fully explore how individuals can address these gaps constructively. Expanding on strategies for skill development, seeking mentorship, or leveraging strengths could offer a more comprehensive and hopeful perspective for those who identify with being real imposters.

Variability in Imposter Syndrome Experience: Imposter syndrome can vary greatly among individuals, influenced by factors like background, discipline, and stage in one's career. Acknowledging this variability and exploring how different strategies might be more or less effective for different people could provide a more nuanced understanding.

Positive Aspects of Feeling Like an Imposter: The essay might also explore how feelings associated with imposter syndrome can sometimes drive personal growth, encouraging individuals to seek new knowledge and skills. This perspective could balance the discussion by highlighting potential positive outcomes of navigating imposter syndrome.

In conclusion, while your essay opens up a vital dialogue on how we understand and address imposter syndrome, broadening the discussion to include a more nuanced understanding of the issue, incorporating empirical evidence, and offering constructive paths forward for all individuals experiencing imposter syndrome could enhance its depth and impact.