Many people stroll through life feeling like they don’t deserve the good life that they have. They feel like an imposter and may expressly label themselves as such. When they receive compliments or praise, they reflexively deflect them by explaining that they were just lucky or that they have good helpers. Some explain that this was only due to their religion or family. Unfortunately, these statements tend to minimize one’s own appreciation of the talent and hard work that led to the accomplishment. A reply of “thanks” might be more appropriate.
In this work, Hibberd, an English psychotherapist, labels these and other behaviors as “Imposter Syndrome” and offers readers an opportunity to up their game. She really wants us to believe in ourselves instead of putting ourselves down. She seeks a reality-based approach instead of one where people denigrate their own accomplishments – and, in the long run, themselves.
Often, unintentionally, those who suffer from imposter syndrome tend to focus on minor details instead of the bigger picture. Or they procrastinate to avoid feeling defeated by their work. Or they overwork instead of embracing the rich life that their success offers. She offers so many examples with such detail that it’s hard not to identify with these feelings to some degree. In truth, as humans, we all feel like imposters sometimes.
The biggest weakness in this work is that it does not address how to help friends, co-workers, and family overcome these traits. Most of her findings are based on one-on-one therapy sessions. I’m really curious how to deal with this socially in the context of relationships besides psychotherapy. I’d love to learn how to help those around me embrace their life with the utmost passion.
This book directly addresses those seeking self-help through a book instead of relying on a counselor. However, this topic extends much deeper than that into topics like organizational leadership. Getting people to believe in themselves is not the privy of counselors but of those seeking to help people make the most of the life they live. Unfortunately, Hibberd’s approach neglects these opportunities. I’d really like to read a deeper dive with an exploration of wider implications.
The Imposter Cure: How to Stop Feeling Like a Fraud and Escape the Mind-Trap of Imposter Syndrome
By Jessamy Hibberd
Copyright (c) 2019
Hatchette Book Group
ISBN13 9781783253326
Page Count: 210
Genre: Psychology/Self-Help
www.amazon.com