269. Imposter Syndrome and The Psychology of Your 20s with Jemma Sbeg
Dec 14, 2023
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Jemma Sbeg, host of 'The Psychology of Your 20s', discusses quarter-life crises, imposter syndrome, finding friends, and figuring your shit out. They delve into the impact of imposter syndrome on success, the fear of wasting time in careers, finding purpose and fulfillment in life, and navigating changing friendships in your 20s.
Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, and acknowledging and discussing it can help neutralize its power and provide support.
Career anxiety in your twenties is common, but it's important to remember that choices are not permanent, and happiness and purpose can be found in various aspects of life.
Friendships in your twenties go through seasons and transitions, and it's important to let go of comparison and judgment, and instead focus on mutual understanding and flexibility.
Deep dives
Imposter syndrome and its impact on individuals
Imposter syndrome is a common experience that can affect individuals no matter their career or level of success. It is a feeling of being a fraud and not deserving of one's accomplishments, often leading to anxiety and self-doubt. The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing that imposter syndrome is not discriminatory and can affect anyone. By acknowledging and naming the feeling, individuals can neutralize its power and adopt logical thoughts to counteract it. Open conversations about imposter syndrome with friends and colleagues can also provide validation and support.
Navigating career anxiety in your twenties
The podcast episode highlights the challenges of career anxiety in one's twenties. Society often pressures young adults to make quick decisions about their careers and fear of missing out on opportunities can lead to feelings of uncertainty and being on shaky ground. However, the episode emphasizes the importance of realizing that career choices are not permanent and that individuals have the power to change paths and explore different options. It also suggests finding a balance between investing in one's career and finding fulfillment outside of work, as happiness and purpose can be found in various aspects of life.
Evolution of friendships in your twenties
Friendships play a significant role in the quarter life crisis, as the dynamics of friendships often change in one's twenties. The episode challenges societal expectations of having a large group of friends and emphasizes the importance of understanding that friendships go through seasons and transitions. It encourages individuals to let go of comparison and judgment, and instead focus on mutual understanding and flexibility in relationships. This includes accepting that friendships may go through periods of less frequent communication or physical distance, but can still provide deep connection and support when needed.
The importance of making decisions and committing to them
The podcast episode discusses the importance of making decisions and committing to them. It shares a study about artwork where one group of people had to choose and stick with their second favorite artwork, while another group had three days to change their minds. The study revealed that those who couldn't change their decisions were happier with their choice, while those who had the option to change remained uncertain. The episode emphasizes that committing to a decision allows for greater investment and eliminates constant doubt and comparison with other options.
Overcoming fear of failure and embracing change
The podcast also tackles the fear of failure and the tendency to stick to unfulfilling paths. It discusses the sunk cost fallacy, where people feel compelled to continue in a chosen career or degree even if it doesn't bring them happiness. The episode encourages listeners to embrace change, start again, and not be afraid of investing time in themselves. It highlights the value of growth, even if it means starting from scratch, and emphasizes the importance of reframing failure as a learning experience and stepping stone towards finding true fulfillment.
My beautiful beans I’m joined by the amazing Jemma Sbeg, host of the podcast The Psychology of Your 20s. We’re talking all about quarter-life-crises, imposter syndrome, finding friends, and figuring your shit out.
