My anecdotal experience is that many, many people suffer bouts of the Imposter Syndrome; the persistent, nagging feeling that they aren’t good enough and one day will be found out. The anxiety this creates makes them struggle to perform to their highest ability, therefore continuing and escalating the syndrome.
Many others suffer from a deep need to be liked and to please. Rejection or criticism in any form can rock their world. This fear of being disliked or of disappointing others means that they often hold back from saying things that should be said. They don’t offer constructive criticism and they often take abuse that is unacceptable – at work, and at home.
At certain points in my life I have been both. But something has changed as I get deeper and deeper into my 40s. I’m acutely aware that I’m running out of time to get the important things done, and I hear myself repeating, more and more regularly
“I’m too old for this shit.”
I’ve never felt so free. I wish I got to this state sooner. I hope every 30-year-old reading this starts to embrace that attitude.
There is too much good shit out there to put up with the bad shit. Most of us are fully aware of the bad shit we are putting up with; a boring job; an asshole boss; a dead relationship; an abusive friend. Too many of us put up with too much of it for too long.
The sooner you recognize that you’re too old for the bad shit, the happier and freer you’ll be. Here’s to the good shit!
Photo credit: 182/365 – 4/8/2011 via photopin (license).