Episode 283: Understanding Imposter Syndrome: Strategies for Becoming a Humble Realist TM with Expert Dr. Valerie Young

Are you tired of feeling like an imposter, questioning your abilities, and holding unrealistic expectations? Do you have these myths floating in your head, like - Everyone else has it all figured out, Success means never doubting yourself, and Competence requires perfection? In this episode, our guest expert, Dr. Valerie Young, co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, will debunk these myths and share the truth about building realistic expectations and accepting self-doubt. Dr. Young is widely considered the leading thought leader on impostor syndrome and its impact on individuals' lives.

Her expertise and insights have made her a highly sought-after speaker and author, and she continues to make significant contributions in the field.

Through her work, Dr. Young discovered that at the core of impostor feelings lies the presence of unrealistic and unsustainable expectations about competence. Armed with this knowledge, she embarked on a mission to help individuals recognize and challenge these beliefs, ultimately empowering them to overcome self-doubt and embrace their true capabilities.

Whether you struggle with imposter syndrome or know someone who does, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Young's wisdom and guidance will help you gain self-awareness, build realistic expectations, and navigate the challenges of impostor syndrome. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired and empowered.

Visit www.gobeyondbarriers.com, where you will find show notes and links to all the resources referenced in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Dr. Valerie Young.

Highlights:
00:01:00 - Dr. Young's Journey
00:07:08 - Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs
00:10:05 - Becoming a Humble Realist
00:14:38 - Competence Types
00:17:08 - Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
00:18:59 - Perspective on Competence
00:21:10 - Feedback and Failure
00:28:35 - Imposter Syndrome and Women Supporting Women
00:42:35 - Staying in Contact and Following Dr. Young

Quotes:
Don't wait until everything is perfect. Half-ass is better than no-ass. Get version one out
the door and course-correct along the way. - Valerie Young

Recognize that people who don't feel like imposters are not any more intelligent or competent than the rest of us. They just have a realistic understanding of what it means to be competent. - Valerie Young

The only way to stop feeling like an imposter is to stop thinking like an imposter and become a humble realist. - Valerie Young

Lightning Round Questions:
What book has greatly influenced you?
● “Making a Living Without a Job” by Barbara Winter and “Games Mother
Never Taught You” by Betty Lehan Harragan
What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
● “Being realistic is the most traveled road to mediocrity.” – Will Smith
What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
● Determined
What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
● Recognizing and wanting to have control of my life to the degree possible.
What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
● “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

About Valerie Young:
Dr. Valerie Young is co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute. Widely considered the leading thought leader on impostor syndrome, she has spoken at over 100 colleges and universities including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Wharton, and Oxford’s Said business school. A former manager at a Fortune 200 company herself, she’s also shared her highly relatable and
practical advice at such diverse organizations as Pfizer, Google, Boeing, P&G, Siemens, Space Telescope Science Institute, Intel, BP, YUM Brands, Microsoft, JP Morgan, Federal Reserve of Kansas City, Diageo, Trane, Molson Coors, NASA, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Basketball Association to name a few.

Valerie’s work has been cited around the world in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Psychology Today, Science, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Irish Independent, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe & Mail, on BBC radio and the Ten Percent Happier podcast.

She’s author of the award-winning book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men, Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It with Crown Business, published in six languages and is a contributor to an upcoming book on impostor phenomenon published by the American Psychological Association.

Valerie earned her doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she studied internal barriers to women’s achievement.

Although her research subjects consisted of a racially diverse group of professional women, much of her original findings have proved directly applicable to anyone with impostor feelings.

Links:
Website: https://impostorsyndrome.com/valerie-young/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieyoung/