Perceived discrepancy?

I just look at all these people and I think ‘what the heck am I doing here? They’ve made amazing things. I just went where I was sent’

First man on the moon Neil Armstrong was quoted as saying this when attending an event full of the great and the good: scientists, writers, artists and inventors. We can see it as a touching example of modesty, as well as a possible indication of imposter syndrome.

It highlights that sense many of us will be familiar with where we don’t recognise our own achievements fully and may seek to downplay them.

Failing to recognise our value or contribution can mean we don’t reach our potential. This can be frustrating and lead to lowered job or life satisfaction. It can also hamper the maintenance of our self-confidence and cause us to hold back.

Comparing ourselves and our achievements negatively to others, as Armstrong does here, exacerbates this. This perceived gap between what other people think of us and how we think of ourselves can be jarring. It can lead us to feel bemused by the positive feedback we’re receiving – and which we may not believe or understand – and lead the other person to wonder whether we’re being disingenuous, overly modest or simply unconfident.

If you’re interested in understanding more about these perceived gaps, see our associated article Tackling Imposter Syndrome