Behind the Mask
“Are We as Women Masking Our “Imposter Syndrome” While Men Don’t?” SEELE Lifestyle editor Shefali Karani asks
“You know men don’t really deal with imposter syndrome, right?” a woman after my speech told me. I had just won one of the highest accolades possible at one of my alma maters, and yet I felt like an imposter, exactly like she had pointed out. It made me think about whether I really did deserve the award that I had just gotten. But I also thought about how much we as women mask our imposter syndrome while most men don’t. Here are a couple of ways I used to get over my imposter syndrome while breaking that impossible glass ceiling and wearing heels while at it.
Behind that mask, even while I was dressed up in the most stylish clothes ever on that day, I couldn’t help but feel less than, like I didn’t deserve that award. While people congratulated me, at times I questioned myself if I really was so deserving of this all. Casting my doubts aside, I reminded myself that I did deserve this award in more ways than one. When those doubts creep in, remember that you’re worth it, and that you deserve the best in life. Don’t let your self-doubt bring you down, ever.
You never see the supermodel Gigi Hadid, the singer Rihanna or the it girl Hailey Bieber saying that they ever felt like imposters for being the amazing women that they are, so why should you? Gigi Hadid continues to captivate the fashion world even after becoming a mother, and she does it with such magnetic confidence whether she’s gracing the cover of Vogue or while on the fashion runway. At the Met Gala, Rihanna caught the attention of millions with her baby bump. Hailey Bieber is always reinventing herself with her street style looks and her Rhode skincare brand that has fashionistas waiting for the latest trend. These women have confidence. Always exude confidence, even when you don’t have it. Your confidence will shine through!
With high heels on and a smile, I walked into a room filled with hundreds. All eyes were on me. As I sat down, I quietly composed my thoughts. A few minutes later, I walked to the stage to receive my award. As I finished my speech, the whole crowd applauded. “Imposter syndrome be gone!” I told myself. With my award radiantly shining, the mask that I hid behind disappeared. I was free at last.
