People get diagnosed with clinical conditions like PTSD and ADHD. But lately, a trend has begun where people start applying such terms to themselves without medical proof.
We’re anxious about the future because we didn’t do well in our exams, but we call it PTSD. Staring at our phones and a lack of exercise has made us lethargic and unfocused, but we say we’re suffering from ADHD. Our heads are filled with negative (and false) thoughts about people judging us at work, which we call Imposter Syndrome.
We’re using these terms to make ourselves feel better (“Others going through this too”) and to justify when we’re not doing what we should do. (“I’m not able to study because I have PTSD,” or “I can’t take more responsibility at work because I have Imposter Syndrome.”)
Does this help? No. On the contrary, it sucks us further into the kind of life we hate.
If you want to improve your grades, work on goals that you’ve set for yourself, or take on bigger challenges at work, don’t try to hide from uncertainty. Instead, ask yourself: What should I do to move towards my goal? Regardless of whatever it is you think you’re suffering from, put one foot in front of the next. Coining terms doesn’t move you forward, actions do.
Without uncertainty, there can be no growth. Don’t run from it.