Unmasking the Imposter: Directing Your Authentic Life Story By Coline Monsarrat 

Unmasking the Imposter: Directing Your Authentic Life Story

By Coline Monsarrat

Imposter syndrome causes that annoying little voice to whisper in your head, “You’re not as brilliant as they think you are.” It has probably played a role in the theater of most of our minds at one point or another. Let’s face it — who hasn’t felt like they’re about to receive the award for “Best Impersonation of a Competent Person” at some point?

But here’s the thing: If you’re aiming to kick imposter syndrome to the curb, it’s time to turn the spotlight inward. Embracing self-awareness is your ticket to understanding how those sneaky beliefs are keeping you backstage.

Sure, a dash of imposter syndrome can be the provocation that drives us to strive for excellence. But when it starts upstaging your confidence, and raising insecurities and fixating on self-doubt, it’s time for an intervention.

Remember: you’re the director of your own show. Why wait around for others to rewrite your narrative? Also, focusing solely on bad reviews while ignoring the standing ovations is no way to become a star.

In the grand production of our lives, we often become our own harshest critics. Studies have shown that we humans have a predilection for spotlighting our “flaws” and seeking out evidence to reinforce the narrative we tell ourselves. Meanwhile, we cast aside standing ovations, rave reviews, and accolades, dismissing them as mere chance. It’s like we hold a magnifying glass over a bad review in a sea of five-star ratings. Research tells us this self-doubting habit isn’t just a personal quirk — it’s a shared habit many of us unknowingly provoke.

But here’s the good news: you have the power to change the script.

Once upon a not-so-fabulous time in my career, I was that actor on stage who was petrified of being unmasked. Despite getting recognized and promoted, my imposter syndrome kept me from requesting a well-deserved raise. Bizarre? You bet. For more than 20 years, I wore that imposter mask like it was the latest fashion trend. My skewed logic? The higher the salary, the quicker they’d find out my imposter act and realize I didn’t deserve it.

But the plot twist came when health issues necessitated that my professional growth take a back seat. During my time convalescing, I began to face the distorted beliefs about my self-worth. In a pivotal moment that felt like the beginning of a victory song, I tapped into the depths of my psyche and found the roots of my imposter syndrome. Ready for the grand finale? I broke free.

What I learned can provide a script to help others unmask their imposter syndrome and shine in their true starring role. Here are ways to take action:

Master self-awareness.

Picture yourself as a director, watching your biopic with a keen outsider’s eye. It’s not about self-blame, but about spotting those disagreeable plot holes where limiting beliefs lurk — fixating on perceived character flaws. Engage in some deep introspection and rewrite a new script that’s Oscar-worthy. Then grab your director’s chair. It’s time for action!
Perform belief-changing exercises.

Write down a belief that you have about yourself, such as “I’m not good enough.” Then, write down any evidence you have that contradicts that belief. For example, “I’ve been successful in the past, so I must be good enough.” Finally, write down a new belief that you want to have about yourself, such as “I am good enough.” In performing these exercises, you begin to change beliefs that have been sabotaging your success.
Carve out time for introspection and reflection.

Take time each day to consider your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Ask yourself why you made certain choices or reacted in a particular way. This practice can help uncover underlying beliefs and patterns that may be holding you back.

Seek other’s feedback.

Receiving feedback from others can be especially valuable. Don’t be afraid to ask trusted friends and colleagues for their honest opinions on your strengths and weaknesses. An outside perspective can provide valuable insight into how you’re perceived by others and where you may need improvement. It’s also important to be open to learning and growth. Don’t become defensive or shut down when receiving constructive feedback. Instead, consider it as an opportunity for personal development and use it to make positive changes in your behavior.
Practice mindfulness.

This involves being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Mindfulness can help improve awareness of yourself and the world around you.

In the theatre of life, every hero faces self-doubt, but the journey of self-discovery and the road to authenticity are the ones captivating the audience. Understanding and confronting our imposter syndrome isn’t just about self-improvement — it’s about authentically embracing our story, starring in our own show, and earning our standing ovations.

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Coline Monsarrat is a passionate author driven by a mission to help others thrive. She weaves captivating stories that transcend boundaries. Whether through her insightful nonfiction work or the adventure YA book series, Aria & Liam, she imparts valuable wisdom that inspires readers to overcome challenges and embrace their potential. Her new book, You Are Not an Imposter: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Unlock Your True Potential So You Can Thrive (Apicem Publishing, April 11, 2023), offers a powerful and personal exploration of this all-too-common condition. Learn more at youarenotanimposter.com.

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Category: On Writing