The 3 REAL Root Causes of Your Impostor Syndrome (It's Not What You Think)

Key Concepts

• Imposter Syndrome: Believing untrue stories about oneself despite contrary evidence.
• External Locus of Operating: Handing over control of one's life to external factors like circumstances, luck, or other people's expectations.
• Eccentric Perception of Competence: An off-center, externally driven view of what competence should be, often involving unattainable metrics.
• Eclipsed Self-Congruence: Blocking one's true, authentic self through acts of commission (doing things against one's values) or acts of omission (failing to act in accordance with one's values).
• Acts of Commission: Doing something that goes against one's values or authentic self.
• Acts of Omission: Failing to do something that aligns with one's values or authentic self.

3E Root Causes of Imposter Syndrome

The video identifies three root causes of imposter syndrome, all starting with the letter "E": External Locus of Operating, Eccentric Perception of Competence, and Eclipsed Self-Congruence. Understanding these root causes is crucial for eliminating imposter syndrome.

1. External Locus of Operating

• Definition of Imposter: Someone who deceives themselves by believing untrue stories about themselves, despite evidence to the contrary. These stories often stem from past circumstances, experiences, or the opinions of others.
• Definition of External Locus: Believing that outcomes and abilities are primarily determined by external factors like circumstances, luck, or other people, rather than taking ownership. This means handing over the "steering wheel" of one's life to external forces.
• Impact on Imposter Syndrome: An external locus leads to imposter syndrome because individuals adopt external expectations and values, leading them to believe untrue things about themselves and their capabilities. They are no longer living by their own values and authentic selves.
• Example: The speaker shares a personal story about a supervisor who told her that her writing was not good enough for an academic career. Because she admired her supervisor and valued her opinion, she internalized this feedback and began to believe that she was not a good writer, leading to imposter syndrome.
• Symptom: Thinking "I should be more like that" or "I wish I could have that" indicates an external locus of operating, as it involves minimizing one's own values and abilities in comparison to others.

2. Eccentric Perception of Competence

• Definition: An off-center view of what competence should be, influenced by external sources.
• Distress from Imposter Syndrome: This eccentric perception can lead to distress in two ways:
  • Unattainable Metrics: When external sources impose "always" or "never" standards (e.g., "You always have to have the right answers"), creating an impossible standard to meet.
  • Skill Set Mismatch: When the external definition of competence requires skills, mindset, or tools that the individual has not yet developed.
• Actionable Insight: Imposter syndrome can be a valuable signal that indicates a need for professional development. Reflecting on the feeling can reveal specific areas where skills, mindset, or tool set need to be improved.
• Opportunity for Growth: The speaker offers resources (self-study training and direct coaching) to help individuals uplevel their skills and address the root causes of their imposter syndrome.
• Consequences of Inaction: Feeling "not 100% ready" due to an eccentric perception of competence can lead to missed opportunities and internal conflict, hindering authentic growth. This internal conflict creates distress, which can compound over time.

3. Eclipsed Self-Congruence

• Definition: Blocking one's true, authentic self, either through acts of commission or acts of omission.
• Acts of Commission: Doing something that goes against one's values or authentic self.
  • Example: A business owner exaggerating results to win a client.
• Acts of Omission: Failing to do something that aligns with one's values or authentic self.
  • Example: Staying silent in a meeting when one has a valuable idea to share.
• Impact on Imposter Syndrome: Both acts of commission and omission prevent individuals from expressing their true selves, leading to feelings associated with imposter syndrome.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome is not a sign of unworthiness but rather an indication of potential and a call to action. By understanding and addressing the three root causes – External Locus of Operating, Eccentric Perception of Competence, and Eclipsed Self-Congruence – individuals can overcome imposter syndrome, step into their authentic selves, and achieve their full potential. The key is to take ownership of one's life, develop the necessary skills, and act in alignment with one's values.