Admirable or Just a Fraud?

Are you someone others look up to? Should you even be?

It’s not unusual to suffer from imposter syndrome. It can happen to even the best of us. When you wonder if the admiration, recognition, respect, and other rewards you're receiving are even merited. People seem to see only the best of you, not knowing (or acknowledging) what lurks behind, what happens in your low days, what is hidden in the dark. It’s as if you’ve misled them even when that wasn’t your intention. But constantly bringing up the worst of you, your faults and shortcomings, didn’t seem like an option either.

It happens. But you are only responsible for your character. As for your reputation? Only to an extent. Yes, you can drop nitty-gritty facts about yourself to help paint a more accurate picture of who you are. But to micromanage everyone’s impression of you? That would be insane and drive you insane.

People will see you how they can see you. There is usually plenty of projection involved. Wishful thinking too. And you can repeat the words “I’m just human” but their perception of you will still be limited and skewed. And you might just have to accept that.

If, alternatively, you are indeed intentionally misleading, lying and omitting truths, so that your image would be more perfect and grandiose than it really is, even outside of obvious performances, you may be in for an eventual shattering of the illusion and public humiliation. A fall from grace.

What many fail to understand is that, to be admirable, a facade isn’t necessary. There is much to be admired in being human, in facing and overcoming the challenges of it, or even in admitting your struggles with it. To someone somewhere, that is something they currently only dream of. And if you continue being authentic and brave, then there will be more and more to admire as you gain knowledge and foster skills. But it is tempting to skip all this and get to the shiny part.

We all start somewhere and we all have flaws (or “flaws”). Don’t be too harsh on yourself if you are on the path of fostering good and great qualities. 

CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI