Imposter Syndrome; Yes, I was actually a Fraud!

Imposter Syndrome: Disconnection From My Divine Purpose

Understanding Divine Purpose

Before jumping into my belief and understanding of the connection between imposter syndrome and Divine purpose, it’s important to understand what I mean by "Divine purpose." This concept goes beyond simple career goals or personal ambitions. It refers to the unique calling that resonates with the deepest parts of your being (your soul), the path you are inherently meant to follow. Your Divine purpose is where your passions, talents, and values converge, creating a sense of fulfillment and meaning. It’s your ultimate, “Why.” Your reason for this existence.

For me, I knew what I was meant to be as a teenager. I knew it when I started Clemson in the fall of 1989 as a Psych major. I knew it deep within, but apparently my intuitive (Divine) knowledge would be swept away by my perspective of peer humiliation (being made fun of for my aspirations), money, power and years of alcohol misuse (the use of any substance, contrary to some beliefs, blocks your channel of spiritual connection).

The Roots of Imposter Syndrome vs. My Understanding

It has been said that Imposter syndrome is fueled in environments where external validation and internal misalignment clash. While societal expectations and personal ambitions often drive us towards certain achievements, they might not align with our true calling. This misalignment creates a fertile ground for self-doubt and the perpetual feeling of being out of place. (A feeling I drank away for many years!)

My belief in the roots of Imposter Syndrom fall in how we manage our perceptions. I say that Imposter Syndrome is ignited by our perceptions of what we think we “should” do in order to measure ourselves against “societal expectations.” (“Should” rules are dangerous!) We are so concerned with whether or not we are doing the “right thing” based on external validation, we lose our internal connection to our divine direction.

When you pursue goals that are not in harmony with your divine purpose, you are essentially living a life that is not authentically yours. The accolades and accomplishments, no matter how impressive, feel hollow because they are not rooted in your true self. This disconnect can manifest as imposter syndrome, a psychological response to living a life that feels foreign to your soul’s desires.

The Divine Disconnect

Consider the metaphor of an artist having to work as an accountant. Despite being competent and perhaps even successful in accounting, they might constantly feel like an imposter. This is because their true calling – the one that brings joy and fulfillment – lies in art. The disconnect between their current path and their divine purpose creates a sense of fraudulence, no matter how capable they are.

This "divine disconnect" suggests that imposter syndrome is not merely about feeling unworthy; it’s about feeling unworthy because you are not aligned with your inherent purpose. The nagging voice of imposter syndrome may actually be your inner self urging you to realign with your true calling. Not necessarily an inner critic voice that can be hushed through confidence exercises. It’s not a lack of self-confidence. It’s not a lack of self-esteem. It’s a lack of self-honor!

Realigning With Your Divine Purpose

To combat imposter syndrome effectively, one must embark on a journey of self-discovery and realignment. Here are a few steps to help you reconnect with your divine purpose:

1. Self-Reflection & Values Assessment - Spend time in introspection to understand what truly makes you feel alive. Identify the values, activities, places, subjects, and causes that ignite your passion and bring a sense of fulfillment.
2. Authentic Living - Strive to integrate these passions into your daily life. This might mean making significant changes in the people, places and things you surround yourself with. As well as adjusting your career and personal goals to better reflect your true desires. (Scary!! But SO WORTH IT!)
3. Mindful Practices - Engage in journaling, mindfulness and meditation to quiet the external noise and tune into your inner voice. These practices can help you gain clarity and confidence in your path.
4. Seek Guidance - Working with a mentor, coach, or spiritual advisor can provide insights and support as you navigate the journey toward realignment. Someone you trust can see what you can’t and can draw your attention to it in a matter that you're open to looking at it.
5. Embrace Growth - Understand that realigning with your divine purpose is a process that may involve trial and error. Embrace each step as part of your growth and learning. Patience, faith and resilience have been the 3 key ingredients to my own journey.

Conclusion: Embrace Your True Path

Imposter syndrome can be a powerful indicator that you are not living in harmony with your divine purpose. Instead of viewing it solely as a psychological hurdle, consider it a spiritual nudge towards realignment. By listening to this inner voice and making conscious efforts to follow your true calling, you can transform imposter syndrome from a source of distress into a catalyst for profound personal and spiritual growth. Embrace your divine purpose, and let it guide you to a life of authenticity, fulfillment, and genuine success.

For me, it took getting sober and feeling pretty lousy in quite a corporate roles to finally take a deeper look at what was going on. I hired a professional career coach during COVID thinking that it was just a new job that I needed, but during that process, I reconnected to my purpose I knew all those years ago. I rediscovered Who I was really meant to be! I took the leap and got certified as a professional coach, started my business as a side gig just to get my feet wet, fell in love with my new profession and here we are today! I can honestly say, since taking my suit off (I never really wore suits anymore, but you get where I am going) and dedicating my work to lifting the lives of others, I have never once felt like an imposter!