Sometimes we feel like imposters. Whether in business, school, or with family or friends, there are times when our accomplishments feel like they don’t measure up. Some of us feel this way because our forebearers stamped an image of greatness on our souls that we struggle to match. “They were so wonderful. How can I ever compare?”
This is imposter syndrome.
Once, I used to think that there are no good syndromes, but is feeling overwhelmed by success so bad? Shouldn’t we worry more about those who define themselves by their success than those who are wary of it?
To me, being an outlander to your soul is the essence of growth during the High Holidays. Our rituals are meant to shake us from complacency. We become better by stepping outside of our lives and steering away from believing our own story. Neither sin nor success define who you are; there are sacrifices for both in the Torah.
The shoulders of the past are there for you to stand on. If there’s a voice in your head questioning whether you’re worthy of your perch atop those shoulders, that’s a sign you’re a self-aware person. It’s good to feel like an imposter. It’s a holy kind of syndrome.
Rabbi Noah Farkas is the President and CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. www.jewishla.org
