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Take them out into the woods and show them all the seeds that landed where they cannot grow. Ask them if they're grateful to have landed somewhere they will be

Take them out into the woods and show them all the seeds that landed where they cannot grow. Ask them if they're grateful to have landed somewhere they will be heartily encouraged to grow and supported in the endeavor. If not, ask them, would they really have preferred defeat? I do wonder, do people with "imposter syndrome" realize how revolting they are needing affirmations of their self-worth in the face of their good fortunes?

urbandw311er 5y ago
Imposter syndrome is a very real condition that in many cases can stem from underlying mental health issues or feelings of inadequacy/internal conflict. So I think your take comes across as a little insensitive in this context.
tanseydavid 5y ago
>> "needing affirmations of their self-worth" I do not think it is commonplace for those who experience Imposter Syndrome feelings to freely discuss it with almost anyone, because it is essentially a fear of being "found out." But I can really only speak for myself.
7263255 5y ago
It doesn't work quite like that, but yes, our knowing that we might be suffering from this illusion can make us feel even worse. I don't think it's really about my self-worth. I'm happy with who I am. I often talk about how truly fortunate I am to find something I like doing that happens to pay really well. I know several teachers who are smarter and harder working than I am, but the job market doesn't smile as much on their career. It's further harder when you actually have been the imposter. In my case, I went to a small school and was one of the smartest people there. I worked for two small companies and was their little rock star. Then I landed a job at a company that was made of rock stars. Try as hard as I could, they were more experienced and probably more talented - I just couldn't keep up. A year and a half in, they told me that wanted to try filling my position again. They were super awesome, let me stay on while interviewing, gave me great references, and I found something more at my skill level. Still, I keep wondering about where I fit in at my current job. I think the Peter Principle can apply to everyone. I also got promoted until I reached my level of incompetence. Fortunately, most of us reading Hacker News are in an industry where jobs at every level are plentiful. It's not too hard for us to take a step back if we need more time to prepare for a higher level. It still just hurts to have to fail, job hunt, and be the new person again.

urbandw311er 5y ago

Imposter syndrome is a very real condition that in many cases can stem from underlying mental health issues or feelings of inadequacy/internal conflict. So I think your take comes across as a little insensitive in this context.

tanseydavid 5y ago

>> "needing affirmations of their self-worth" I do not think it is commonplace for those who experience Imposter Syndrome feelings to freely discuss it with almost anyone, because it is essentially a fear of being "found out." But I can really only speak for myself.

7263255 5y ago

It doesn't work quite like that, but yes, our knowing that we might be suffering from this illusion can make us feel even worse. I don't think it's really about my self-worth. I'm happy with who I am. I often talk about how truly fortunate I am to find something I like doing that happens to pay really well. I know several teachers who are smarter and harder working than I am, but the job market doesn't smile as much on their career. It's further harder when you actually have been the imposter. In my case, I went to a small school and was one of the smartest people there. I worked for two small companies and was their little rock star. Then I landed a job at a company that was made of rock stars. Try as hard as I could, they were more experienced and probably more talented - I just couldn't keep up. A year and a half in, they told me that wanted to try filling my position again. They were super awesome, let me stay on while interviewing, gave me great references, and I found something more at my skill level. Still, I keep wondering about where I fit in at my current job. I think the Peter Principle can apply to everyone. I also got promoted until I reached my level of incompetence. Fortunately, most of us reading Hacker News are in an industry where jobs at every level are plentiful. It's not too hard for us to take a step back if we need more time to prepare for a higher level. It still just hurts to have to fail, job hunt, and be the new person again.