People are very complex individuals. No two humans on this planet are exactly identical. We all have different interests, strengths, weaknesses, and looks. We all are unique in our own ways. But if that’s the case then why are we always trying to be like someone else?
Impostor syndrome is a behavior where individuals will start to doubt themselves, their abilities, and their credibility around people whose skills are much more achieving. This can lead to jealousy and or a depressive and stressed out state that can severely damage a healthy life. Impostor syndrome can occur in pretty much any circumstance; grades, art, music, writing, etc. Anyone can experience this no matter how old, talented, experienced, or popular they are.
I’ve personally experienced impostor syndrome a couple of times late at night right before I go to sleep but never on a long-term basis. But from my short experiences with it the main motive for me to feel like a fraud and doubt myself comes from wanting to be remembered fondly. When I say being remembered fondly I don’t mean being famous or popular, I just wanted people to think about me for my skills and passions. I just saw how much better my friends were at the stuff I wanted to be good at and only thought about how I would never be as good as them and they would be remembered for their talents but not me. I cared way too much about my “Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.” Thinking about this made me very jealous and sad those nights as I thought about their skills compared to mine. As I’ve said before though, this nearly never happens during the day.
Impostor syndrome can be pretty devastating but you can actually use comparing yourself as a positive if you just look at it with the right mindset. Instead of thinking about how better everyone is than you, think about how you can incorporate what you like about them in your lifestyle in a comfortable and healthy way. Like said in “The Mojave Phone Booth” people want their stories to be heard, so why don’t you let people hear YOUR story. You don’t have to be as good as everybody else, you’re perfectly fine being just the way you are, the only reason you think what you’re doing is bad is because you are your biggest critic.
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