its been a big lesson for me that men making you feel like you shouldn't be somewhere is not an accurate measure of whether or not you belong in the space.
I’ve honestly just realized that the whole idea of “imposter syndrome” is legit the biggest case of gaslighting in our society. People telling us that we only feel that we don’t belong…
"The fact that you clicked on this video means, I'm guessing, there have been points in your life where you felt like you weren't really supposed to be somewhere." Or, OR, you're like me, and just click every video Leena puts out.
Re:that last section - one of my favourite quotes that I heard in high school is that "the woods would be awfully quiet if the only birds to sing were those who sang best"
I mean, you think those "standing height" desks are bad as a woman, try it in a wheelchair! 1/7 working age adults have a a disability. Accessible spaces benefit everyone and should be standard, not an afterthought.
The fact that adjustable furniture isn't the norm is so ridiculous, it would be useful to literally everyone to be able to change the height of your desk etc to be ergonomic for you
28 and I still dance around in the shops. In the end, being honest and open to the world that our inner child is strong only grows sympathy from others. And at least they'll want to be around us for the fun of it!
Being an "art kid" in high school has really helped me to prevent imposter syndrome. I very quickly realized that I was never going to be the best artist in the room. But I continued involving myself in the art program and had the time of my life. In my feedback from the teacher, he said I was a reliable and consistent force in the classroom and that honestly meant so much more to me than if he'd praised my art - because now any time I'm working somewhere and I feel lesser than, I remind myself that I'm still showing up everyday, helping everyone around me as much as I can, and applying myself. Those are qualities that I can always be proud of and hold onto, even if I don't always feel the most competent.
Those are also qualities that you can move to any other field you may see yourself in. I am glad Leena talked a lot about the soft skills that pay off in dividends, because they are not exclusive to one field/trade. There are adults older than me that still do not understand what “soft” in soft skill means……usually the people who have the wrong idea about what it is, they do not have good soft skills.
Art doesn't have to be good... Yes! A video on that please!! Honestly Leena you astound me, coming out with 6 high-quality, thought provoking video topics a month! I don't know how you do it.
How about art you're getting paid to do? Asking for a friend lmao. I'm doing the best I can, but if I wait until I'm gonna be perfect, I'll never work with my art. I'm straight outta school and got lucky with a couple of amazing and paid art gigs, but I don't feel adequate enough to complete them for money, although I keep practicing and bettering my skill. How do I stop feeling like a scam artist? lol
@@monicaavenidabrasil If you'd like some art-specific advice, I would HIGHLY recommend you check out Struthless. He's an artist and he does lots of self-help type videos that you might find helpful 😊
@@monicaavenidabrasil This might not help, but if people see the end result, and still pay you, and this continues, then they obviously see the value that you bring. You never know until you try, and when in doubt, ask for feedback.
Cavemen actually took care of their disabled and unwell peers, there are several finds showing skeletons with remodeling after serious injuries that would kill an unattended person and even at least one find where the person would be permanently unable to take care of themselves, but living for years anyway. Our notion that cavemen only had use for people who could provide food for the group is provably false.
That line manager job sounds horrible: sex differences aside, imagine how much worse those standing desk meetings would have been for someone disabled in a way that prevented them from standing that long (me) or someone in a wheelchair who's head would only reach above the table if they were lucky.
Okay I didn't think this video would make me cry, but I needed to hear this so much today. I know my boss is unsatisfied with my work, and I know I'm not fullfilling my role within my team at work. But goddammit I have basically no experience in this role, no mentor, and honestly getting no enthusiasm from my team members. Why do I keep thinking that I am the problem? I'm gonna have a talk with my boss this week. Thank you big sis for this peptalk
"Art doesnt have to be good for you to make it" is SUCH a big mood. I am literally an artist professionally, and "Make Bad Art" is one of my personal mantras
I'm a graduate student and have been in school since 2012..almost a decade. Being in the same environment as when i was 18 makes me feel like a child and like i'm in the same place in life simply because i've been in the literal same space for almost a decade. I forget to conceptualize myself as a grown-ass woman and not a teenager. Also, thank you for acknowledging that there are indeed external forces that shape imposter syndrome. I've felt like my imposter syndrome is completely internal. But your video made me realize there are significant external factors. I am a TA in the field of history and at least once a year i have experiences of misogyny with male students. They speak over me, over other female students, and will challenge just about everything I say. They also hold very problematic views of history, specifically those pertaining to racism, colonialism and sexism. These students tend to complain to the professor (they get mad when I don't let them talk over me and spout off their racist beliefs) or give me a negative review. The professor then has a "talking to me" and if i even bring up the fact I feel like misogyny or sexism are involved the male professor then tells me that can't possibly be true and its me who needs to get my act together. Other women in my department have expressed the same feelings and treatment as me. These experiences have made me feel bad at my job and like I don't belong in this space, maybe I would be bad if I taught formally at any point in the future. The reality is that it feels like I've had to choose between letting students be overtly racist and sexist or be liked so my employabilty isn't affected. That should never be the choice.
Thank you for this video! ❤️ I would like to add that if you delve into why you are experiencing imposter syndrome and ultimately decide to leave that field or environment anyway, that is OKAY! As a woman in STEM I felt incredibly guilty when I decided to leave the field, as if I was "letting down" other women who wanted to go into the industry. But dealing with the sexism in the field every day left me emotionally and mentally drained and I didn't have the energy to work on the creative projects I loved when I got home. You need to decide what is best for you and you are not obligated to "fix" those toxic environments. Also wanted to mention I would love a video on creative imposter syndrome too!
"You're not obligated to fix those toxic environments" PREACH!!!!! Some people ARE skilled in that area, some people have the determination and will to fight for change, but not everyone can do that, and that's ok. We don't all have to be SJWs, despite social media pushing the messaging in that direction. Its ok to not have a cause other than being the best version of yourself that you can be.
Terrific video essay! Can we also talk about how (at least in the cultures I live in) accepting compliments and praise is awkward and uncomfortable? Why do we do that? We don’t need to shut ourselves down, if someone says hey I really like how you did xyz or that’s so cool this thing you made, can we normalise just saying thank you and accepting it’s true 🌻
It took me a lot of practice but I can say you can get there! It's a fake it until you make it scenario. Whenever someone gives you a compliment just say thank you and give them a genuine smile. It will become an instinct and if you aren't trying to find something else to say you will actually be able to absorb and enjoy the compliment. I can also say people never react poorly to this response, it's a simple way to show them you appreciate their kind words.
yes! for me personally i love getting compliments and praise but i have no idea how to respond to them. i'm guessing because we aren't taught how to receive a compliment without downplaying oneself.
I teach dunning Kruger effect for uni students and over the times of talking about it, i think also motivation goes in the same cycle as confidence 🙂 it's an important realization for students with years of studying to do 🙂
thank you, leena, I really needed this! got a big job interview coming up that I feel intimidated by, even though I know I have the competence and qualifications!
I'd love a video on why "your art doesn't have to be good for you to make it" also the part where you said "just because someone us better at doing something than you are, doesn't mean you shouldnt do it" REALLY resonated with me. Thanks Leena!! I love this series it's always an eye opener!
Been working through this for the last few years during my undergrad degree. I've recently had a breakthrough that sure, maybe I'm not the best student in the class. I didn't get a certificate for academic success, I sometimes hand things in late, struggle with work and make lots of stupid mistakes, but I still find my subject interesting, and I HAVE NOT FAILED OR DROPPED OUT YET. I've been through remote learning in a pandemic and the worst period of mental health I've ever had, but I've come out of the other side and I'm still here, so I have some evidence that I must be doing something right.
You are doing everything right! I am right there with you! I am in the midst of a food science degree, and no one likes to tell you the honest truth that failing a class, or multiple classes is nothing to get discouraged and drop out for. The good instructors (and future employers) know when someone is in it for the long haul-the field that is. The “I get straught A’s in college” people are starting to fizzle out because everyone is done with gen ed classes. I feel bad for people who are just having that realization that getting all A’s is pretty impossible, and also not the point of college, but we all gotta learn sooner or later.
Please make the video about "art doesn't need to be good for you to make it"! I have that insecurity a lot about my small business and how many other people make things better/cheaper than I do.
she's absolutely right about people liking you and not specially your "sources" cause I for the longest time (still do) only wanted an opinion about certain topics from one person, youtuber, teacher and didn't really care about who else was speaking about it in a maybe "objectively" better way
NEED THIS! finishing up my undergrad this year and starting to realize I have mega doubts about my place in stem and computer sciences. academia is intimidating y’all
I can't imagine how scary it is. I am but a middle school math teacher. I hope you find others online who inspire you to continue, because we need more women in stem. I'd love for my students to feel like they don't have to switch interests because of their gender (and to feel safe). Good luck!
I am going into stem too. When I decided what my major was, the guy who I was dating at the time literally couldnt wrap his head around a girl studying chemistry. Yeah, glad that is over, that is when I stopped having impostor syndrome. All the women in that guys life were nurses, teachers, or they didnt work. No shade if that is anyones life, but no one taught HIM that women do other things than that.
However, what you need to realise: unless you want to stay in academia, you don't need to be sucked into the culture. Just do the most necessary stuff to get a good grade and take classes you'll actually need later on. When I studied, I worried so much about my grades, had such high anxiety about papers, especially the masters diss. I cried and self harmed. Now that I'm looking for jobs, fresh out of college... NOT ONE EMPLOYER ASKS ABOUT MY BAD MA DISS GRADE. THEY DONT GIVE A FUCK
You deserve to be there. We are making the path so our daughters feel more welcome. Biggest advice from a engineering PhD is find community like you . If you can't in the room you are in find it online. I'm the only under 30 and/or female and/or of my cultural background in my department but I have found community online and in different departments
I just worked out a caption for Instagram on imposter syndrome because I've been going thru it this fall! That line of confidence, to feeling like the least competent person in the world, was me this fall prepping for the Law School Entrance Exam. I started studying in August and after two tests thought, this isn't toooo bad, I can handle this! Then after the 5th practice test, I felt like the worst imposter ever and totally wasting my time. I did stop studying for 2 whole weeks to let myself recover through these intense feelings of failure before starting back again. I'm taking the actual test in 2 weeks and I'm feeling a lot better about the whole process, even if my score is lower than I'd like.
Just recently for me: I've always felt like I wasn't really good at what I do for work and like everyone around me was so much better than me. At the last meeting at my job the owner pulled me aside and was saying how great I was doing and they were really surprised and happy and that if I keep it up there's good things in the near future. I just started working here like 2 months ago there are people that have been there for years.
the irony in that i missed the premiere of this video because i was in a workshop where i felt like i was underexperienced and underskilled despite being personally asked to participate... imposter syndrome hitting hard.
Thank you so much Leena, I am applying for grad schools and I've been putting it off a bit because it doesn't feel like I'll succeed and doesn't feel real, even though I know this is my next step for the path I plan to travel down in life. Sometimes I still feel like I'm still just 17 and beginning university, even other people are baffled to learn that I've already gotten my bachelors degree and have written a thesis because I look young. Your videos are so interesting and informative and your humor is also spot on!
Im in my 30s and I still 100% think this is relevant. Things I have learned only recently (maybe a bit slower than others!): If you arnt the cookie cutter norm for your work, there are others who have probaboy gone befire you and succeeded in a way you want to succeed.Get to know those people on a personal level.usually, theyll be delighted to guide you on your journey and be your cheerleader-because theyve been where you are. Secondly, just because an industry has a particular reputation for not being a thing (inclusive etc) doesnt mean that there arnt people and companies who actively want to change that.Find those spaces, and be willing to put yourself out there to help be that change. Just remember the corporate world is made up of people, and whilst there is systemic truth to lack of Diversity and inclusion in some places, there are people who exist in those spaces that are trying to make a difference.
It took me a while, but coming out of culinary school in the pandemic I found a gourmet job. They gave me the hours and pay that I wanted and hired me immediately after the interview. Everyone is respectful and professional, especially as a young woman in a kitchen, not experiencing sexism is great (obviously should be the norm). Changing an industry’s culture is a big battle, so looking for a great workplace no matter the fields reputation is more than okay to do.
Thank you Leena. This really helped me. Literally carried my sewing machine back downstairs before you were finished talking and flitted away 50% of my worries about work tomorrow X
Leena you have no idea how much I needed to see this video! Had the biggest job of my life as a freelancer over the last week and really struggled with imposter syndrome and self sabotage. It is pretty tough no I'm finished with it as I'm trying to realign my self with my right to be there and that the work I produced was good enough and of the calibre I expect from myself. Thank you so much just what I needed to hear to remind myself I'm not the only one ❤
THANK YOU! Value yourself as a human being first, and then value your growth in the things you love to do. You are such a great big sister for your internet followers. Thank you, Leena.
thank you so much for this video!! i'm 19 and started my first job in healthcare a few months ago and that graph you drew reflects my experience SO much. i've spent a lot of time worrying about not learning quick enough and that they should've hired someone with experience instead of deciding to train me from the ground up. the fact that the large majority of my coworkers are much older than me with much more experience (both in the job and in life) makes me feel it even more but i'm trying my best to gradually unlearn my imposter syndrome. it's hard but i hope i'll get there. thank you again, i really needed this video just about now!
Loved hearing your thoughts on imposter syndrome!!! I really loved your ideas on the other ways people can be 'valuable' as well as questioning whether we need to be perceived/labeled as 'valuable' to be doing a thing
As an artist in her early 20s, who also has anxiety, oooof. I have felt the weight of imposter syndrome for as long as I can remember, and it was such a relief going to art school and learning that there was a word for it and that every one of my classmates and teachers had experienced it too, time and time again. And yet I still never really feel prepared to battle it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it; I would love to hear more!!
I really needed to hear this. I'm a college student and I just got a job in my field, and I do NOT feel qualified to be there, even though I know I did well in the interview. It really does feel like I tricked them into thinking I'm smarter than I am 😅
Really needed this today! I'm in the middle of a career change and I've been struggling with feeling like an impostor, I didn't recognize that was the issue until I started watching. 😊 thank you for speaking on this!
Hmm I am so glad I watched this video, I'm the CEO of talking myself down because somebody better than me already does things better than I ever could ~ gotta keep asking myself whether I could do it anyway because I like it :)
Also due to childhood upbringing. Growing up (with the typical asian parents) i was often made to feel like i shouldnt be doing some things or that i didnt deserve that thing. This meant that i always ended up doubting things and having seconds thoughts with things in my life.
I found this very reassuring because I personally think I am massively under-qualified for my current job role, but in a meeting the other day my manager told me I was a very "positive presence to have on the team"...and my instinct was that that felt like a consolation prize. But hearing you describe the morale thing being a worthy skill to have made me feel much better about that comment 😊
This video was just what I needed after coming out of a meeting where imposter syndrome was feeling particularly rife! It's also really interesting that you mentioned being made to feel physically smaller by your male co-workers and this feeding into feeling like you don't belong. I'm a 6'2" woman and that's definitely impacted how I'm made to feel in the workplace in a two pronged sort of way. I'm either treated like I know more than I do because it brings about a more commanding presence, or alternatively, male co-workers use other methods to make themselves feel more secure when they're around me (I'm in an entry level position!!). Great video - interesting, comforting and relatable.
Thanks Leena, I might just play this on repeat everyday 😄 in my 40’s now and still working on it! Definitely interested in the arts video if you make it.
Such a comforting video and it's come at exactly the right time, I REALLY needed it... I started a new job recently that's basically doing what I've done before but now in a smaller team, much faster, with much higher stakes, and lots of confusing new jargon. It's so easy to feel inadequate but watching this - especially that bit with the graph! - has really helped me re-evaluate my expectations of myself. LOVE A GRAPH. I'd love a similar video on creative imposter syndrome, yes! That and this corporate kind of imposter syndrome are 2 very different but equally terrifying beasts. Slaaaay theeeeeem!!
my morale skill its having many kinds of candy in my pocket and sharing with my customer service team. I also do a lot at work where I scream about things not being accessible and use my status as a disabled person to make work more enjoyable (i.e. there are now chairs at every position we have to stay at for extended periods of time)
I work in software engineering and was hired out of high school. Being surrounded by all more experienced people has really made me loose faith in myself, they were supposed to be teaching me but they never make the time for it so now after year of working there I’m honestly less knowledgeable than I was when I first started. It’s all remote because of covid so that made the transition even harder going from one of the most structured places (high school) to being left alone in my house for hours to fend for my self.
Yes to a video about creative imposter syndrome! As an artist and writer, it's what I experience the most, and I'd love to hear your thoughts about what causes that feeling and how to navigate it
i want a video on every single “that’s a rant for another day” you mentioned 😆💜 it’s so true about your heroes’ heroes may not be your heroes… and also when you talked about there being space for art even if it’s not 10/10. loved this so much 💜
Thank you so much leena, I needed this. Someone pls make me watch this again tmrw so I actually get to starting to film all those YT videos that I’ve been scripting in my head for the past years
Wow I didn’t realise how much I needed to hear someone say that I can do a thing even if someone else can do the thing better. Thanks Leena inspiring as always Also “art doesn’t have to be good for you to be allowed to make it”
Hi leena. Something you said stuck with me, "you don't have to go to the best universities or get the best grades to work with, you need to be able to work with everyone and understand your final goal". really took some pressure off my shoulders to be honest, thank youu
The thing about graph and confidence actually true about motherhood too and how we feel like we are not good enough mothers and that other are doing much better
I’ve felt this way so many times. While I was active duty military and now as a veteran and a woman with several chronic invisible illnesses. I’ve been made to feel that I was dramatic and just needed to control my anxiety for so long I began to believe the doctors who were telling me that. I will support all of the troops except myself apparently. 🤣
Thank you so much for this! Imposter syndrome is a b*tch. I'm a designer/maker (only just started calling myself that but it feels... correct?) but I can always feel myself standing in my own way because 'someone else is doing that already and they're doing it better than I ever could so there's no point in me even trying'. I've been reading a book on overcoming imposter syndrome for introverted women called 'Live Big in a Quiet Way' and it's alarming how much I relate to it so I'd recommend it for anyone feeling the same way.
Imposter syndrome is something I'm struggling with so much! One thing I found helpful was just being honest with my manager about it Luckily I have a good relationship with them and when I told them, they laughed and said "don't worry, I feel the same sometimes! Also you're doing a good job" It really did help to lift a weight off my back and it was also a good reassurance that I wasn't the only one who feels like this It helped to put things into perspective and learning to take a step back mentally and just question why I feel like an imposter was super helpful
Omg the “Big Picture Thinking” I am floored! Everything makes sense now. I worked (volunteered-paid NOTHING, no one was paid) for a small rebooted game that Disney used to own *cough hint: mmo and “toons”* There are some people who are working on that team with the big picture goal of pleasing The Mouse (The Disney Company) by their work of preserving the game. Well, there are many other reboot spinoffs and one in particular is surpassing them in popularity. Some people on that team legitimately think they are “holding down the fort” for Disney to eventually come back, relaunch the game, AND let these people who volunteer their time to then be hired to work on the game with Disney. That is the tip of the iceberg with that organization, but when I first learned that I was shocked that some people thought THAT was the goal.
Yes please to the creative imposter syndrome video! I go through an existential crisis every single time I'm in an environment with other creatives, to the point where I don't even know if I can call myself that.. (graduating from architecture/design school so uhh...there's been a lot of that). So I'd love to hear your take on it, you often put things into words that are just a huge mess in my head.
Loved this and yes, please make that video on creative imposter syndrome! Some of us are in our late 20's, inching closer to 30 every day, and haven't even properly begun yet having been paralyzed by imposter syndrome 😅 I just can't accept that I can ever be an adult or be seen as one, and it's all my own doing. It really annoys me too because it's like what kind of validation do you need, just get on with it like everyone else has!
33 year old finally realising that big picture thinking and questioning All The Things are GOOD skills and I can make a job from that. Thank you for this video.
Thank you very much for this video. I am a musician struggling with self-esteem issues, even though I am extremely capable and experienced at a young age. My version of imposter syndrome extends to the fact that I am privileged to have started young, have had access to proper equipment and education because of my upbringing, thus it was not my own efforts to have brought me where I am. I am working on this situation with a therapist and your video helped me identify some of the qualities that are entirely my own and might help me out of my clout. Thanks :)
If you are the only one like you in a room that is a good sign that the room needs you so you can open the door for others like you. When i get asked why I put up with academic engineering the answer is so that I can teach others that people like me can be engineers. So that when that first year women walks into the classroom and there is no other women, they can see me walk in to teach it or when someone tours the uni or Google's the course they see a women like them. Be the person you needed when you where younger.
This video made me tear up a little. I needed this as someone who has managed to graduate from a top uni with a 1st class degree (despite struggling immensely with undiagnosed adhd the whole time, which has since been professionally diagnosed). I struggle to see a future career beyond my current job as a waitress, or becoming a stay at home mum, not that there's anything wrong with those life paths or that they're less than at all, I just have a hunch that it's because they're the only things I feel like I am capable of... or maybe that is what I'd enjoy and internalised capitalism is convincing me that I those paths are not worthy because I'm somehow not fulfilling my revenue generating potential :/ Or maybe I'm just extremely burnt out and traumatised from having an undiagnosed condition that meant I had to try 10x harder than my peers just to sit and study in the library for a couple of hours, and was in a perpetual state of guilt ever since secondary school for not being 'productive' enough and struggling to do schoolwork despite everyone around me telling me how smart I was all the time. Who knows... I probably need therapy, but this video certainly helped me realise that there are skills I have that are very valuable and would be beneficial to share, even if I may struggle more than others with keeping my shit together.
I would 100 per cent be into a vid on creative imposter syndrome. For my money I think there's a huge age/class thing about not pursuing creative things like art because of employability/needing to earn a wage/that doing something you personally enjoy like art or poetry isn't a "worthwhile" use of time, and this has only become truer the older I get. Especially if you aren't producing art *for* something - if you're not that good at it or just enjoy it it seems...too frivolous when there's money to be earned and houses to clean and meals to make etc etc. I have several schoolfriends who were amazing artists for example but they never ever thought of going to uni to do art or creative subjects because the ones who did go it was about *getting a job, looking after the family* and others went straight into work at local low-paid but steady jobs to do the same. As far as I know none of them even do art in their free time because as above it seems selfish/frivolous/no time. My mum says this is also a generational thing where in previous decades working class folk going to study art or do art was not considered a waste of time at uni because it was about the value of going and broadening all possibilities. Anyway I also loved this video, my entire profession is mostly full of imposter syndrome in a big way and I'm also having a bit of a shitty time at work so it was good to hear some of these reminders!
I would love a video on "art doesn't have to be good". I always come back to the highly industrialized singing competitions. If you "can sing", you constantly hear "you should participate in xyz". It totally negates the cultural, personal and just plain fun part of the activity...
I had imposter syndrome when I became a mum. Which is ridiculous. I had the feeling that if others saw me when my baby was upset, they'd think "who let her become a mother". I mean... how stupid...
Thank you, Leena, I really needed this rant (which sounds almost like a pep-talk 😊) video. I’m fresh out of uni doctor, don’t have much of a clinical skillset, but trying to learn as much practical things as i can. Unfortunately today I’ve basically told by the more experienced doctor how clumsy I am and that i don’t know what I’m doing (maybe it’s because i’ve never done it before??). Felt like a real blow… How can one learn if one gets scolded for trying to learn?
I'm currently being pulled into (in a good way) a rather radical project along with some fellow anicent Greek and Latin students about changing our curriculum and spreading more awareness on our studies' relationship with discrimination and racism. While I'm supporting it completely, I feel so incompetent when it comes to critising and questioning our tradition because I'm a first year student. I really want to change things, but I feel so, so unqualified!
its been a big lesson for me that men making you feel like you shouldn't be somewhere is not an accurate measure of whether or not you belong in the space.
Amen to that
Took me a while to figure out that I pay the same monthly fee for my gym membership as the dudes side eyeing my "girly weights"
Especially if it a place that you work, and you're meeting the standards set.
I’ve honestly just realized that the whole idea of “imposter syndrome” is legit the biggest case of gaslighting in our society. People telling us that we only feel that we don’t belong…
"The fact that you clicked on this video means, I'm guessing, there have been points in your life where you felt like you weren't really supposed to be somewhere." Or, OR, you're like me, and just click every video Leena puts out.
😂
Same except I watch every video!
Re:that last section - one of my favourite quotes that I heard in high school is that "the woods would be awfully quiet if the only birds to sing were those who sang best"
I LOVE this - Thank you!
I mean, you think those "standing height" desks are bad as a woman, try it in a wheelchair! 1/7 working age adults have a a disability. Accessible spaces benefit everyone and should be standard, not an afterthought.
The fact that adjustable furniture isn't the norm is so ridiculous, it would be useful to literally everyone to be able to change the height of your desk etc to be ergonomic for you
Yes!!
Turned 26 this week yet I still feel like a child thrown into adult life against my will
28 and I still dance around in the shops. In the end, being honest and open to the world that our inner child is strong only grows sympathy from others. And at least they'll want to be around us for the fun of it!
I feel like this and im 41 in 2 weeks time !!!!
"the fact that you clicked on this video means that..." no Leena I just watch all your 20s toolkit vids even though I'm in my 30s 😅
HAHAHAHA YES. Leena, it's just the fact that I watch all your videos pretty much regardless of what you talk about lol
Same. I turn 39 in two days.
Same! 40 this year, woot woot!
Same! Learning all the things I shoulda learned in my 20s. Yes, I've had imposter syndrome buuuuuut I also just watch alot of Leena's stuff 😀
I’m 13 and I find them interesting! Good to get the advice for future reference.
Being an "art kid" in high school has really helped me to prevent imposter syndrome. I very quickly realized that I was never going to be the best artist in the room. But I continued involving myself in the art program and had the time of my life. In my feedback from the teacher, he said I was a reliable and consistent force in the classroom and that honestly meant so much more to me than if he'd praised my art - because now any time I'm working somewhere and I feel lesser than, I remind myself that I'm still showing up everyday, helping everyone around me as much as I can, and applying myself. Those are qualities that I can always be proud of and hold onto, even if I don't always feel the most competent.
Those are also qualities that you can move to any other field you may see yourself in. I am glad Leena talked a lot about the soft skills that pay off in dividends, because they are not exclusive to one field/trade. There are adults older than me that still do not understand what “soft” in soft skill means……usually the people who have the wrong idea about what it is, they do not have good soft skills.
Art doesn't have to be good... Yes! A video on that please!! Honestly Leena you astound me, coming out with 6 high-quality, thought provoking video topics a month! I don't know how you do it.
How about art you're getting paid to do? Asking for a friend lmao. I'm doing the best I can, but if I wait until I'm gonna be perfect, I'll never work with my art. I'm straight outta school and got lucky with a couple of amazing and paid art gigs, but I don't feel adequate enough to complete them for money, although I keep practicing and bettering my skill. How do I stop feeling like a scam artist? lol
@@monicaavenidabrasil If you'd like some art-specific advice, I would HIGHLY recommend you check out Struthless. He's an artist and he does lots of self-help type videos that you might find helpful 😊
@@raveng8217 yes, I love him! I'm definitely due a rewatch of his videos ahah
@@monicaavenidabrasil This might not help, but if people see the end result, and still pay you, and this continues, then they obviously see the value that you bring. You never know until you try, and when in doubt, ask for feedback.
Cavemen actually took care of their disabled and unwell peers, there are several finds showing skeletons with remodeling after serious injuries that would kill an unattended person and even at least one find where the person would be permanently unable to take care of themselves, but living for years anyway. Our notion that cavemen only had use for people who could provide food for the group is provably false.
That line manager job sounds horrible: sex differences aside, imagine how much worse those standing desk meetings would have been for someone disabled in a way that prevented them from standing that long (me) or someone in a wheelchair who's head would only reach above the table if they were lucky.
Okay I didn't think this video would make me cry, but I needed to hear this so much today. I know my boss is unsatisfied with my work, and I know I'm not fullfilling my role within my team at work. But goddammit I have basically no experience in this role, no mentor, and honestly getting no enthusiasm from my team members. Why do I keep thinking that I am the problem?
I'm gonna have a talk with my boss this week. Thank you big sis for this peptalk
"Art doesnt have to be good for you to make it" is SUCH a big mood. I am literally an artist professionally, and "Make Bad Art" is one of my personal mantras
"do i have imposter syndrome, or am i just a working class woman?" hit me like a train lol
I'm a graduate student and have been in school since 2012..almost a decade. Being in the same environment as when i was 18 makes me feel like a child and like i'm in the same place in life simply because i've been in the literal same space for almost a decade. I forget to conceptualize myself as a grown-ass woman and not a teenager.
Also, thank you for acknowledging that there are indeed external forces that shape imposter syndrome. I've felt like my imposter syndrome is completely internal. But your video made me realize there are significant external factors. I am a TA in the field of history and at least once a year i have experiences of misogyny with male students. They speak over me, over other female students, and will challenge just about everything I say. They also hold very problematic views of history, specifically those pertaining to racism, colonialism and sexism. These students tend to complain to the professor (they get mad when I don't let them talk over me and spout off their racist beliefs) or give me a negative review. The professor then has a "talking to me" and if i even bring up the fact I feel like misogyny or sexism are involved the male professor then tells me that can't possibly be true and its me who needs to get my act together. Other women in my department have expressed the same feelings and treatment as me. These experiences have made me feel bad at my job and like I don't belong in this space, maybe I would be bad if I taught formally at any point in the future. The reality is that it feels like I've had to choose between letting students be overtly racist and sexist or be liked so my employabilty isn't affected. That should never be the choice.
Thank you for this video! ❤️ I would like to add that if you delve into why you are experiencing imposter syndrome and ultimately decide to leave that field or environment anyway, that is OKAY! As a woman in STEM I felt incredibly guilty when I decided to leave the field, as if I was "letting down" other women who wanted to go into the industry. But dealing with the sexism in the field every day left me emotionally and mentally drained and I didn't have the energy to work on the creative projects I loved when I got home. You need to decide what is best for you and you are not obligated to "fix" those toxic environments. Also wanted to mention I would love a video on creative imposter syndrome too!
"You're not obligated to fix those toxic environments" PREACH!!!!! Some people ARE skilled in that area, some people have the determination and will to fight for change, but not everyone can do that, and that's ok. We don't all have to be SJWs, despite social media pushing the messaging in that direction. Its ok to not have a cause other than being the best version of yourself that you can be.
Terrific video essay! Can we also talk about how (at least in the cultures I live in) accepting compliments and praise is awkward and uncomfortable? Why do we do that? We don’t need to shut ourselves down, if someone says hey I really like how you did xyz or that’s so cool this thing you made, can we normalise just saying thank you and accepting it’s true 🌻
It took me a lot of practice but I can say you can get there! It's a fake it until you make it scenario. Whenever someone gives you a compliment just say thank you and give them a genuine smile. It will become an instinct and if you aren't trying to find something else to say you will actually be able to absorb and enjoy the compliment. I can also say people never react poorly to this response, it's a simple way to show them you appreciate their kind words.
yes! for me personally i love getting compliments and praise but i have no idea how to respond to them. i'm guessing because we aren't taught how to receive a compliment without downplaying oneself.
@@FallenTwin true!
Do you have to be in your twenties to get loads from these videos? I say 'nay!'. I'm in my 50s and marvel at your joyful wisdom.
Haha thank you Lara. I think I'll always 'spiritually' be in my twenties ;)
Does anyone else find Leena's videos incredibly therapeutic? This video came at the perfect time, thank you. ❤
I teach dunning Kruger effect for uni students and over the times of talking about it, i think also motivation goes in the same cycle as confidence 🙂 it's an important realization for students with years of studying to do 🙂
art not having to be perfect is something I really need to embrace, so thank you for the very necessary reminder, Leena! ✨
thank you, leena, I really needed this! got a big job interview coming up that I feel intimidated by, even though I know I have the competence and qualifications!
OOOO crossing my fingers for you, good luck! Although I'm sure you don't need it
Good luck Angie! xxxx
I'd love a video on why "your art doesn't have to be good for you to make it" also the part where you said "just because someone us better at doing something than you are, doesn't mean you shouldnt do it" REALLY resonated with me. Thanks Leena!! I love this series it's always an eye opener!
Been working through this for the last few years during my undergrad degree. I've recently had a breakthrough that sure, maybe I'm not the best student in the class. I didn't get a certificate for academic success, I sometimes hand things in late, struggle with work and make lots of stupid mistakes, but I still find my subject interesting, and I HAVE NOT FAILED OR DROPPED OUT YET. I've been through remote learning in a pandemic and the worst period of mental health I've ever had, but I've come out of the other side and I'm still here, so I have some evidence that I must be doing something right.
You are doing everything right! I am right there with you!
I am in the midst of a food science degree, and no one likes to tell you the honest truth that failing a class, or multiple classes is nothing to get discouraged and drop out for. The good instructors (and future employers) know when someone is in it for the long haul-the field that is.
The “I get straught A’s in college” people are starting to fizzle out because everyone is done with gen ed classes. I feel bad for people who are just having that realization that getting all A’s is pretty impossible, and also not the point of college, but we all gotta learn sooner or later.
Please make the video about "art doesn't need to be good for you to make it"! I have that insecurity a lot about my small business and how many other people make things better/cheaper than I do.
she's absolutely right about people liking you and not specially your "sources" cause I for the longest time (still do) only wanted an opinion about certain topics from one person, youtuber, teacher and didn't really care about who else was speaking about it in a maybe "objectively" better way
NEED THIS! finishing up my undergrad this year and starting to realize I have mega doubts about my place in stem and computer sciences. academia is intimidating y’all
I can't imagine how scary it is. I am but a middle school math teacher. I hope you find others online who inspire you to continue, because we need more women in stem. I'd love for my students to feel like they don't have to switch interests because of their gender (and to feel safe). Good luck!
I am going into stem too. When I decided what my major was, the guy who I was dating at the time literally couldnt wrap his head around a girl studying chemistry. Yeah, glad that is over, that is when I stopped having impostor syndrome. All the women in that guys life were nurses, teachers, or they didnt work. No shade if that is anyones life, but no one taught HIM that women do other things than that.
However, what you need to realise: unless you want to stay in academia, you don't need to be sucked into the culture. Just do the most necessary stuff to get a good grade and take classes you'll actually need later on.
When I studied, I worried so much about my grades, had such high anxiety about papers, especially the masters diss. I cried and self harmed.
Now that I'm looking for jobs, fresh out of college... NOT ONE EMPLOYER ASKS ABOUT MY BAD MA DISS GRADE. THEY DONT GIVE A FUCK
You deserve to be there. We are making the path so our daughters feel more welcome. Biggest advice from a engineering PhD is find community like you . If you can't in the room you are in find it online. I'm the only under 30 and/or female and/or of my cultural background in my department but I have found community online and in different departments
I just worked out a caption for Instagram on imposter syndrome because I've been going thru it this fall! That line of confidence, to feeling like the least competent person in the world, was me this fall prepping for the Law School Entrance Exam. I started studying in August and after two tests thought, this isn't toooo bad, I can handle this! Then after the 5th practice test, I felt like the worst imposter ever and totally wasting my time. I did stop studying for 2 whole weeks to let myself recover through these intense feelings of failure before starting back again. I'm taking the actual test in 2 weeks and I'm feeling a lot better about the whole process, even if my score is lower than I'd like.
Just recently for me: I've always felt like I wasn't really good at what I do for work and like everyone around me was so much better than me. At the last meeting at my job the owner pulled me aside and was saying how great I was doing and they were really surprised and happy and that if I keep it up there's good things in the near future. I just started working here like 2 months ago there are people that have been there for years.
the irony in that i missed the premiere of this video because i was in a workshop where i felt like i was underexperienced and underskilled despite being personally asked to participate... imposter syndrome hitting hard.
Thank you so much Leena, I am applying for grad schools and I've been putting it off a bit because it doesn't feel like I'll succeed and doesn't feel real, even though I know this is my next step for the path I plan to travel down in life. Sometimes I still feel like I'm still just 17 and beginning university, even other people are baffled to learn that I've already gotten my bachelors degree and have written a thesis because I look young. Your videos are so interesting and informative and your humor is also spot on!
Ok apply, in grad school discussion are compulsory as EVERYONE get imposter syndrome. We all feel like we aren't meant to be there
Im in my 30s and I still 100% think this is relevant. Things I have learned only recently (maybe a bit slower than others!): If you arnt the cookie cutter norm for your work, there are others who have probaboy gone befire you and succeeded in a way you want to succeed.Get to know those people on a personal level.usually, theyll be delighted to guide you on your journey and be your cheerleader-because theyve been where you are. Secondly, just because an industry has a particular reputation for not being a thing (inclusive etc) doesnt mean that there arnt people and companies who actively want to change that.Find those spaces, and be willing to put yourself out there to help be that change. Just remember the corporate world is made up of people, and whilst there is systemic truth to lack of Diversity and inclusion in some places, there are people who exist in those spaces that are trying to make a difference.
It took me a while, but coming out of culinary school in the pandemic I found a gourmet job. They gave me the hours and pay that I wanted and hired me immediately after the interview. Everyone is respectful and professional, especially as a young woman in a kitchen, not experiencing sexism is great (obviously should be the norm). Changing an industry’s culture is a big battle, so looking for a great workplace no matter the fields reputation is more than okay to do.
Thank you Leena. This really helped me. Literally carried my sewing machine back downstairs before you were finished talking and flitted away 50% of my worries about work tomorrow X
Leena you have no idea how much I needed to see this video! Had the biggest job of my life as a freelancer over the last week and really struggled with imposter syndrome and self sabotage. It is pretty tough no I'm finished with it as I'm trying to realign my self with my right to be there and that the work I produced was good enough and of the calibre I expect from myself. Thank you so much just what I needed to hear to remind myself I'm not the only one ❤
It’s so cool that you genuinely like to give talks on this topic. You’ve got a gift for teaching.
THANK YOU!
Value yourself as a human being first, and then value your growth in the things you love to do. You are such a great big sister for your internet followers. Thank you, Leena.
I started a brand new job in a brand new field last week and I really needed this ❤
Ooo congrats!!!
thank you so much for this video!! i'm 19 and started my first job in healthcare a few months ago and that graph you drew reflects my experience SO much. i've spent a lot of time worrying about not learning quick enough and that they should've hired someone with experience instead of deciding to train me from the ground up. the fact that the large majority of my coworkers are much older than me with much more experience (both in the job and in life) makes me feel it even more but i'm trying my best to gradually unlearn my imposter syndrome. it's hard but i hope i'll get there. thank you again, i really needed this video just about now!
Loved hearing your thoughts on imposter syndrome!!! I really loved your ideas on the other ways people can be 'valuable' as well as questioning whether we need to be perceived/labeled as 'valuable' to be doing a thing
As an artist in her early 20s, who also has anxiety, oooof. I have felt the weight of imposter syndrome for as long as I can remember, and it was such a relief going to art school and learning that there was a word for it and that every one of my classmates and teachers had experienced it too, time and time again. And yet I still never really feel prepared to battle it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it; I would love to hear more!!
Omg, this video couldn't come at a better time, I have an interview later today. Thank you so much!
How did it go??
@@ellievictoria62 really really well! Round 2 next week!
@@nicolemulready6329 Amazing! Did you get the job? 💜
I really needed to hear this. I'm a college student and I just got a job in my field, and I do NOT feel qualified to be there, even though I know I did well in the interview. It really does feel like I tricked them into thinking I'm smarter than I am 😅
I've been suffering from imposter syndrome at university, and this is the advice I needed right now! Especially with 2022 just around the corner.
Really needed this today! I'm in the middle of a career change and I've been struggling with feeling like an impostor, I didn't recognize that was the issue until I started watching. 😊 thank you for speaking on this!
Hmm I am so glad I watched this video, I'm the CEO of talking myself down because somebody better than me already does things better than I ever could ~ gotta keep asking myself whether I could do it anyway because I like it :)
Also due to childhood upbringing.
Growing up (with the typical asian parents) i was often made to feel like i shouldnt be doing some things or that i didnt deserve that thing. This meant that i always ended up doubting things and having seconds thoughts with things in my life.
I was just sobbing over a similar topic last night so this is coming at a perfect time. Awaiting eagerly! x
I found this very reassuring because I personally think I am massively under-qualified for my current job role, but in a meeting the other day my manager told me I was a very "positive presence to have on the team"...and my instinct was that that felt like a consolation prize. But hearing you describe the morale thing being a worthy skill to have made me feel much better about that comment 😊
Ah Leena, Leena, Leena. You did it again! Such a brilliant way of presenting this topic
I’m doing my final nursing placement in a emergency department of a covid streaming hospital and I really needed to hear this. 😊
Sending you massive gumption, you're do great xxx
I for one would happily consume 100s of hours of Leena content per week! >.<
And YES PLEASE to a video on this subject with a creativity skew.
This video was just what I needed after coming out of a meeting where imposter syndrome was feeling particularly rife! It's also really interesting that you mentioned being made to feel physically smaller by your male co-workers and this feeding into feeling like you don't belong. I'm a 6'2" woman and that's definitely impacted how I'm made to feel in the workplace in a two pronged sort of way. I'm either treated like I know more than I do because it brings about a more commanding presence, or alternatively, male co-workers use other methods to make themselves feel more secure when they're around me (I'm in an entry level position!!). Great video - interesting, comforting and relatable.
The idea that you have to be good at a thing to be "allowed" to do it is actually super harmful.
Thanks Leena, I might just play this on repeat everyday 😄 in my 40’s now and still working on it! Definitely interested in the arts video if you make it.
Such a comforting video and it's come at exactly the right time, I REALLY needed it...
I started a new job recently that's basically doing what I've done before but now in a smaller team, much faster, with much higher stakes, and lots of confusing new jargon. It's so easy to feel inadequate but watching this - especially that bit with the graph! - has really helped me re-evaluate my expectations of myself. LOVE A GRAPH.
I'd love a similar video on creative imposter syndrome, yes! That and this corporate kind of imposter syndrome are 2 very different but equally terrifying beasts. Slaaaay theeeeeem!!
my morale skill its having many kinds of candy in my pocket and sharing with my customer service team. I also do a lot at work where I scream about things not being accessible and use my status as a disabled person to make work more enjoyable (i.e. there are now chairs at every position we have to stay at for extended periods of time)
I begin to think yours rants being best of anything you can find on youtube😉👍
I work in software engineering and was hired out of high school. Being surrounded by all more experienced people has really made me loose faith in myself, they were supposed to be teaching me but they never make the time for it so now after year of working there I’m honestly less knowledgeable than I was when I first started. It’s all remote because of covid so that made the transition even harder going from one of the most structured places (high school) to being left alone in my house for hours to fend for my self.
Yes to a video about creative imposter syndrome! As an artist and writer, it's what I experience the most, and I'd love to hear your thoughts about what causes that feeling and how to navigate it
i want a video on every single “that’s a rant for another day” you mentioned 😆💜
it’s so true about your heroes’ heroes may not be your heroes… and also when you talked about there being space for art even if it’s not 10/10. loved this so much 💜
please please make one about allowing yourself to make art even if it’s no good!! thank you leena
Thank you so much leena, I needed this. Someone pls make me watch this again tmrw so I actually get to starting to film all those YT videos that I’ve been scripting in my head for the past years
Wow I didn’t realise how much I needed to hear someone say that I can do a thing even if someone else can do the thing better. Thanks Leena inspiring as always
Also “art doesn’t have to be good for you to be allowed to make it”
Hi leena. Something you said stuck with me, "you don't have to go to the best universities or get the best grades to work with, you need to be able to work with everyone and understand your final goal". really took some pressure off my shoulders to be honest, thank youu
I have done the hour long version of this talk with Leena and 10/10 would recommend
The thing about graph and confidence actually true about motherhood too and how we feel like we are not good enough mothers and that other are doing much better
Absolutely would love another video about impostor syndrome! Can't wait!
big yes to a video about creative imposter syndrome!!
This came in a time of my life where I needed it most! Thank you Leena for being the older sister we all need haha
I’ve felt this way so many times. While I was active duty military and now as a veteran and a woman with several chronic invisible illnesses. I’ve been made to feel that I was dramatic and just needed to control my anxiety for so long I began to believe the doctors who were telling me that.
I will support all of the troops except myself apparently. 🤣
Thank you so much for this! Imposter syndrome is a b*tch. I'm a designer/maker (only just started calling myself that but it feels... correct?) but I can always feel myself standing in my own way because 'someone else is doing that already and they're doing it better than I ever could so there's no point in me even trying'. I've been reading a book on overcoming imposter syndrome for introverted women called 'Live Big in a Quiet Way' and it's alarming how much I relate to it so I'd recommend it for anyone feeling the same way.
this video was so validating thank you leena !!
I wish I had this video while I was in university. I compared myself to everyone else and wanted to quit so many times. Still pushed through it. Jeii🥳
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
😘
Starting a new job in totally different sector in two weeks this video is perfect for me now.
Imposter syndrome is something I'm struggling with so much! One thing I found helpful was just being honest with my manager about it
Luckily I have a good relationship with them and when I told them, they laughed and said "don't worry, I feel the same sometimes! Also you're doing a good job"
It really did help to lift a weight off my back and it was also a good reassurance that I wasn't the only one who feels like this
It helped to put things into perspective and learning to take a step back mentally and just question why I feel like an imposter was super helpful
Omg the “Big Picture Thinking” I am floored! Everything makes sense now. I worked (volunteered-paid NOTHING, no one was paid) for a small rebooted game that Disney used to own *cough hint: mmo and “toons”*
There are some people who are working on that team with the big picture goal of pleasing The Mouse (The Disney Company) by their work of preserving the game. Well, there are many other reboot spinoffs and one in particular is surpassing them in popularity. Some people on that team legitimately think they are “holding down the fort” for Disney to eventually come back, relaunch the game, AND let these people who volunteer their time to then be hired to work on the game with Disney. That is the tip of the iceberg with that organization, but when I first learned that I was shocked that some people thought THAT was the goal.
In all fairness. This was extremely nuanced and well thought out. I'm so impressed. Fantastic.
Yes please to the creative imposter syndrome video! I go through an existential crisis every single time I'm in an environment with other creatives, to the point where I don't even know if I can call myself that.. (graduating from architecture/design school so uhh...there's been a lot of that). So I'd love to hear your take on it, you often put things into words that are just a huge mess in my head.
I didn't know I needed to hear this, but I'm glad I watched this!
Loved this and yes, please make that video on creative imposter syndrome! Some of us are in our late 20's, inching closer to 30 every day, and haven't even properly begun yet having been paralyzed by imposter syndrome 😅
I just can't accept that I can ever be an adult or be seen as one, and it's all my own doing. It really annoys me too because it's like what kind of validation do you need, just get on with it like everyone else has!
this video was so healing :) it's true why should just the best be allowed to exist. spelling it out like that really helps
33 year old finally realising that big picture thinking and questioning All The Things are GOOD skills and I can make a job from that. Thank you for this video.
Thank you very much for this video. I am a musician struggling with self-esteem issues, even though I am extremely capable and experienced at a young age. My version of imposter syndrome extends to the fact that I am privileged to have started young, have had access to proper equipment and education because of my upbringing, thus it was not my own efforts to have brought me where I am. I am working on this situation with a therapist and your video helped me identify some of the qualities that are entirely my own and might help me out of my clout. Thanks :)
never been so eager to have someone give me advice
handy video to keep in mind for both school and work
A video on creative imposter syndrome would be fabulous. This video was so so good, thank you for your words!
Yes please, more of this - love your rants!
Thank you so much for this video, I needed this right now. Your like the big sister I never had :)
If you are the only one like you in a room that is a good sign that the room needs you so you can open the door for others like you. When i get asked why I put up with academic engineering the answer is so that I can teach others that people like me can be engineers. So that when that first year women walks into the classroom and there is no other women, they can see me walk in to teach it or when someone tours the uni or Google's the course they see a women like them. Be the person you needed when you where younger.
Would love to see you talk more about creative imposter syndrome! As a writer and new TH-camr I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on this
This video made me tear up a little. I needed this as someone who has managed to graduate from a top uni with a 1st class degree (despite struggling immensely with undiagnosed adhd the whole time, which has since been professionally diagnosed). I struggle to see a future career beyond my current job as a waitress, or becoming a stay at home mum, not that there's anything wrong with those life paths or that they're less than at all, I just have a hunch that it's because they're the only things I feel like I am capable of... or maybe that is what I'd enjoy and internalised capitalism is convincing me that I those paths are not worthy because I'm somehow not fulfilling my revenue generating potential :/
Or maybe I'm just extremely burnt out and traumatised from having an undiagnosed condition that meant I had to try 10x harder than my peers just to sit and study in the library for a couple of hours, and was in a perpetual state of guilt ever since secondary school for not being 'productive' enough and struggling to do schoolwork despite everyone around me telling me how smart I was all the time. Who knows... I probably need therapy, but this video certainly helped me realise that there are skills I have that are very valuable and would be beneficial to share, even if I may struggle more than others with keeping my shit together.
I would really love to watch a video on creative impostor syndrome!!! Also this video was great, thanks!
I would 100 per cent be into a vid on creative imposter syndrome. For my money I think there's a huge age/class thing about not pursuing creative things like art because of employability/needing to earn a wage/that doing something you personally enjoy like art or poetry isn't a "worthwhile" use of time, and this has only become truer the older I get. Especially if you aren't producing art *for* something - if you're not that good at it or just enjoy it it seems...too frivolous when there's money to be earned and houses to clean and meals to make etc etc.
I have several schoolfriends who were amazing artists for example but they never ever thought of going to uni to do art or creative subjects because the ones who did go it was about *getting a job, looking after the family* and others went straight into work at local low-paid but steady jobs to do the same. As far as I know none of them even do art in their free time because as above it seems selfish/frivolous/no time.
My mum says this is also a generational thing where in previous decades working class folk going to study art or do art was not considered a waste of time at uni because it was about the value of going and broadening all possibilities.
Anyway I also loved this video, my entire profession is mostly full of imposter syndrome in a big way and I'm also having a bit of a shitty time at work so it was good to hear some of these reminders!
I would love a video on "art doesn't have to be good". I always come back to the highly industrialized singing competitions. If you "can sing", you constantly hear "you should participate in xyz". It totally negates the cultural, personal and just plain fun part of the activity...
I had imposter syndrome when I became a mum. Which is ridiculous. I had the feeling that if others saw me when my baby was upset, they'd think "who let her become a mother". I mean... how stupid...
oh man this video came out at the PERFECT time
Great name-dropping and article-popping, thanks for this, Gumption Club!
This couldn´t have come at a better time. Thank you.
Thank you, Leena, I really needed this rant (which sounds almost like a pep-talk 😊) video. I’m fresh out of uni doctor, don’t have much of a clinical skillset, but trying to learn as much practical things as i can. Unfortunately today I’ve basically told by the more experienced doctor how clumsy I am and that i don’t know what I’m doing (maybe it’s because i’ve never done it before??). Felt like a real blow… How can one learn if one gets scolded for trying to learn?
I'm currently being pulled into (in a good way) a rather radical project along with some fellow anicent Greek and Latin students about changing our curriculum and spreading more awareness on our studies' relationship with discrimination and racism. While I'm supporting it completely, I feel so incompetent when it comes to critising and questioning our tradition because I'm a first year student. I really want to change things, but I feel so, so unqualified!