Updated: March 22, 2019
On more than a few occasions, I’ve met talented people who can’t seem to realize their full potential. But not because there’s lack of opportunities for them, but because they often doubt themselves and think they’re not good enough.
Take my friend as an example, who has a magnificent voice. In fact, she’s won a few singing contests back when she was in college. And presently, she sometimes busks at Eastwood, where she’d always get enthusiastic claps from an appreciative audience.
Singing is obviously her passion, and I’ve encouraged her to pursue more opportunities. But she always tells me that she just knows how to carry a tune, and she’s not a “real” singer.
My friend is a good example of someone who has an Imposter Syndrome. And you’ll be surprised at how many people experience or think the same way about themselves, including highly accomplished people like Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein.
So why can’t so many of us shake feelings that our ideas and skills aren’t worthy of others’ attention? The answer to this question can be learned in this video from TED-Ed.
In less than 5 minutes, Elizabeth Cox narrates and describes the psychology behind the Imposter Syndrome. And then gives insightful tips on how you can combat it.
