How To Be An Impostor | R.J. Jenkins | TEDxOcala

TL;DR

Navigating through impostor feelings as a means of growth and transformation.

Transcript

I arrived at Columbia University in the city of New York as an undergraduate student in 1999 and the very first person I met there was a young woman named Ariana we were standing in front of the elevators waiting to bring some things up to our dorm room so in the interest of polite conversation Ariana asked me what did you do over your summer I was... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Impostor phenomenon occurs when striving for personal and professional growth.
• 🛟 Veterans often experience impostor feelings upon transitioning to civilian life.
• ❓ Reframing impostor feelings as a natural part of striving and challenging oneself.
• ❓ Institutions and societal pressures contribute to perpetuating impostor culture.
• 🫷 Impostor feelings can be indicators of pushing oneself beyond comfort zones for change.
• 🚫 Embracing impostor feelings as signs of trying and growing.
• ❓ Impostor phenomenon closely resembles values of humility and servant leadership.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the student's encounter with a classmate trigger feelings of impostor syndrome?

The student felt inadequate compared to a classmate's prestigious background, leading to self-doubt and feelings of not belonging.

Q: How do veterans often experience impostor feelings upon exiting military service?

Veterans entering higher education and workforce face challenges of feeling invisible yet conspicuous, doubting their worthiness and belonging.

Q: What are the five Hallmarks of impostor phenomenon identified by the speaker?

The Hallmarks include self-undervaluation, self-consciousness, fear of exposure, reluctance to acknowledge achievements, and attributing success externally.

Q: How does the speaker challenge the mainstream discourse surrounding impostor phenomenon?

The speaker reframes impostor feelings as a natural part of growth and transformation, rejecting the notion of a psychological defect needing to be cured.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Student recounts feeling like an impostor compared to classmates with prestigious backgrounds.

• Director helps veterans navigate impostor feelings upon entering higher education and workforce.

• Embracing feelings of inadequacy as a natural part of personal and professional growth.