A live action role-playing game (LARP) is an activity where participants physically portray their (fictional) characters. It’s weirdly fun.
LARPing, however, is not limited to the world of entertainment.
In the professional world, the technical term for LARPing is the Imposter Syndrome: The dreaded feeling that you’re an actor, pretending to be an accomplished professional. Any moment, people may find out, expose you, and your ultimate fate is to resign in shame.
The imposter syndrome is widespread and infects even the most accomplished professionals and leaders. Its root cause is a self-image which is not aligned with your accomplishments.
If your self-image is bigger than your accomplishments, you may act arrogant and smug.
If your self-image is smaller than your accomplishments, you may act timid and afraid. This can actually have a negative impact on your performance.
There are three keys to smash through the imposter syndrome and improve your self-image:
First, you can’t fail, unless you decide to no longer contribute to improve the condition of others. This is the standard you should use to judge yourself.
Second, be clear about your goals, and focus on taking action. The definition of happiness is the continuous progress towards worthy objectives.
Third, be aware of the super-talent fallacy: You’re so good at your profession, that you think your skills are ordinary and everybody is capable of doing what you do. Always recognize and appreciate the unique skillset which took you often years of hard work to build.
You’re not an actor, who is LARPing to pretend to be a professional. You’re a professional performing on the big stage.