21 Comments
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Tinashe D. Ndhlovu's avatar

Great post Martin. You give great insights on Type 1 & Type 2. Overcoming imposter syndrome is always an ongoing process, presentations gave me the same feeling but preparation and reframing the narrative does help.

Thanks for the recommendation 😀 😊.

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Dylan Muggleton's avatar

Great post Martin. Presentations also affect me in the same way, with the visible shaking. The framing of nervousness to enjoyment is a great way to manage it.

Thank you for also mentioning Something Greater.

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Zan Tafakari's avatar

Was literally going to mention to Martin that your recent essay on comfort zones would fit quite well here!

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Mark Palmer's avatar

A guest on my podcast recently said, "If you feel like you're in the wrong place, you're in the right place." I like that one.

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Martin Prior's avatar

That’s a great way to think of it.

The ability to be comfortable with discomfort is something I think we need to instil in the next generation of children.

So often these days we see parents protecting their children too much from this.

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Johnny B's avatar

Fabulous article Martin. The 1-2-3 format is a winner. The topic of imposter syndrome is an issue for a lot of folks it seems. When I think I'm deep in the imposter weeds, I try to remember a couple of things...my Why firstly. Why am I doing this thing that seems out of my wheelhouse? If you have a good Why, it's pretty much all you need. Secondly, I always like to remember the line from Hamlet....This above all: to thine own self be true. I'll be sure to check out the other writers you've mentioned here. Cheers brother!

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Martin Prior's avatar

Thanks Jonny. Glad you enjoyed it.

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Steve Henneberry's avatar

What if your boss is actually Type 2, as you describe it, and only portrays himself as Type 1 to disarm the staff? This would make them feel that he is vulnerable, which makes him human, while also letting them know he will be prepared to listen to suggestions. What if you are mistaking his opening pawn for a checker move? Then again, I was not in the room.

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Martin Prior's avatar

I guess that’s very possible. Either way he’s being vulnerable in a way I’ve not seen before.

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Raveen's avatar

Really informative and insightful article. I think it just goes to show the fact that in life, we encounter or see many people who seem perfectly all right and are at peace on the outside, but on the inside, they're battling their own demons and are grappling with serious personal issues that aren't known to others.

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Martin Prior's avatar

Indeed. That’s why we should always try to employ empathy as we simply don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life.

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Raveen's avatar

Yeah, fully agreed. There seems to be a lack of empathy in today's world.

I wanted to ask, Mr Martin, would you maybe consider recommending my newsletter?

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Martin Prior's avatar

Hi Raveen, thanks for reaching out. I know you are new to Substack so it’s difficult to get a feel for your articles. What are your plans for your Substack in terms of content and posting cadence? Are you aiming for weekly? Thanks.

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Raveen's avatar

My content consists of my opinions on various topics, namely social, politics, economy, environment, and mental health.

Yeah, I'll be posting at least once a week, if not a bit more frequently.

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Coffee Times's avatar

An insightful reflection on Imposter Syndrome, and it's fantastic to hear about your boss's openness and vulnerability in discussing it. Imposter Syndrome is something that many of us grapple with, and it can manifest differently in various situations. Your breakdown of Type 1 and Type 2 Imposter Syndrome is a great way to understand and approach it.

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Martin Prior's avatar

Thanks Winston. It’s a tightrope we all need to walk between experiencing new things and pushing that over into stress and burnouts. The line will be different for all of us.

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Zan Tafakari's avatar

Great one Martin!

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Secure Single's avatar

A great positive take on a topic that is usually presented negatively. We enjoyed your breakdown of the two types of imposter syndrome.

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Martin Prior's avatar

Amazing. Glad you found it useful. Reframing is very powerful for helping here.

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Martin Prior's avatar

Thanks Dylan. It takes a little practise but you can train your brain to frame situations differently which then helps the physical manifestation of those feelings.

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Nov 3, 2023
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Martin Prior's avatar

No worries - hope the wedding goes well! Not long to go now?

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