“Imposter Syndrome:” according to Health and Balance Guide Imposter syndrome is when you doubt your own skills and successes. You feel you’re not as talented or worthy as others believe, and you’re scared that one day, people will realize that. It is not a mental health diagnosis. It can hobble your well being.
Pretender is a similar word, but not malicious. There is a difference between The Imposter Syndrome, and an Imposter. Buck Ram wrote a song for The Platters, The Great Pretender. who made it a number one hit in 1955. Imposter and Pretender are often used interchangeably. Specifically, an imposter implies a more sinister motive. My college roommate was an Evis Presley impersonator, which thrilled my tween-teen youth group. His was not parody, nor is there usually any among most of the professional Elvis mimic entertainers.
The Imposter Syndrome usually means that the person has risen to heights never dreamed of and fears she/he doesn’t deserve it. I have a friend who, upon graduating college, applied for an entry-level job, but was needed in another position, a dream-job. As a result, it launched an astonishing future. A person arriving at such an accomplishment, may feel, “I don’t know how I got here, Do I deserve this choice position?”
Then, there is the person, like a recent Congressman, who forged his resume, rose dramatically on lies, and becoming a convicted felon, was kicked out of Congress. He was an imposter, of the worse sort. Then, there is someone like Mary Prince, from Plains GA. She came from humble circumstances, was asked to care for Amy and Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s baby. She grew into the magnificant caretaker, and later cherished author, but was unpretentious.
Great integrity, persistence, and clear focus can help anyone to significant achievement. A person who chooses wisely with authentic honesty can be successful. Shakespeare put it plainly, in Act 1, Scene 3 of Hamlet; “To thine own self be true” is spoken by Polonius, giving advice to his son Laertes before he leaves for university.
The Apostle Paul speaks to this in clear terms, as he advises; Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within… It is that inner core that grows the strength of moral fiber.
Copyright © Willis H. Moore 2025
I saw the Platters perform live in Swainsboro. I love them and The Great Pretender
Willis, thanks for sharing these thoughts with us. this was a good one, a keeper!