🍂 The Rise of ‘The Imposter Syndrome Humblebrag’

So I was going to post this in a museletter but it felt a little too crude and harsh. And then I felt myself wanting to write and expand on the topic, to pursue the many tangents that beckon, and to mitigate any risk of being misunderstood as I try, simultaneously, to make a provocative point.

But… I decided to just post it here instead, in the safe assumption that you are smart enough to sense my intent here (which is, in a nutshell: check your privilege, the imposter syndrome is natural and we need it—don’t get rid of it—but also know that other folks probably feel it tenfold more than you, and for unfair reasons so: ease up and lets focus on helping everyone feel more of a sense of belonging). Here it is, anyhoo.

The Imposter Syndrome is very popular right now. In many cases it’s a genuine felt-experience of those struggling to internalise a sense of achievement and feel a sense of belonging. But I’ve also noticed a rise in what we might call ‘The Imposter Syndrome Humblebrag’—a phenomena whereby people (often privileged white males in positions of authority and influence) use the claim of ‘I Have Imposter Syndrome Too’ as a means of thinly veiling a monologue of self-congratulatory humble bragging. Such folk are also likely to believe in the myth of meritocracy. Let’s unpack.

The imposter syndrome is a psychological function.

It’s a functioning aspect of our psychology. Popular as it is to talk of ‘getting rid of our imposter syndrome’—we all have it, and we all need it.

The imposter syndrome is an evolutionary function—our minds scan our social ecology for potential threats. It can only go by the data it has—the external projections of others. Ergo, because we don’t know the inner-worlds of others, we are left to compare our inner world to the preened external worlds of others. This naturally creates a big contrast.

Further, the more ‘successful’ you become—the more you rise as a leader—the more likely you’ll be surrounded by talented peers. Your sense of being an imposter is therefore very reasonable, and could be a sign that you are doing well, and that you’re in the right place.

Feeling like an imposter helps you to better anticipate, prepare, adapt and survive in complex social ecologies. Personally, my sense of being an imposter ensures I never take things for granted—it keeps me guessing, improving and growing. We all have the imposter syndrome (even if some people don’t have enough of it). But…

Systemic inequality is a societal dysfunction that exaggerates and exacerbates the imposter syndrome in less-than-helpful ways. For those who come from intersectional circumstances—say, as a woman of colour, or as a differently-abled person with English as an additional language—the imposter syndrome is often unhealthily real and felt. It amplifies the hidden prejudices and biases of society.

I’m a huge fan of the generative powers of self-doubt—but this is a different story. This is the story of every day—in many subtle ways—society telling you that you don’t fit or you don’t belong.

Thus, if you are in privileged circumstances—maybe don’t make the imposter syndrome part of your story. Or maybe do, sure. I mean: it’s interesting (maybe) and humanising. But we should also know: it’s a bit trite now, and can eclipse some of the many advantages we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. Instead, focus on using the your privilege as a resource. Do what you can to cultivate more of a sense of belonging amongst folks. Even if it means ceding credit and power to others. Naturally, this is more paradoxical and complex that ever. We’ll circle back this and go deeper, someday.