What Disney's Aladdin Teaches Adults and Kids about Imposter Syndrome

I remember watching the first version of Disney’s Aladdin in 1992. I found myself going goo-goo and gah-gah over Aladdin the “street rat” and not thinking of anything else. Fast forward to 26 years later. Last night, I finally watched the live action Aladdin. But this time I had a chardonnay in my hand and my small family (aka my boyfriend and fur baby). As a kid, you don’t realize the lessons that Disney is trying to teach you throughout the movie. I found that there were actually wonderful hidden messages about personal growth and self love throughout the movie.

The entire film depicts a boy who finally has his dreams come true, only to find out that he feels like an imposter. Aladdin finally gets the wish from the Genie to become a prince so he could marry Princess Jasmine. Once he becomes the Prince, he doesn’t know how to act and, above all, he feels like an imposter.

Imposter Syndrome is very common, especially amongst females or those who did not have a lot growing up. Imposter Syndrome is an internal pattern when someone doubts their accomplishments and feels like a fraud. This is best exemplified in a scene where Aladdin tells the Genie that he can’t do it because he feels like a fraud. The Genie tells him, “You changed on the outside, but you didn’t change on the inside.”

We work so hard to accomplish things. We dream what we will do when we succeed but once we get there, we still feel the same about who we are. We are reluctant to feel like we deserve it and we are reluctant to reward ourselves when we accomplish something. We are told that if we give ourselves a pat on the back then we are considered cocky or arrogant. Let me ask you, is it SO wrong for us to acknowledge what we deserve and take it? You do not fake it till you make it, it is already within you.

Here are some steps you can take to overcome Imposter syndrome:

Positive Self Talk- who do we spend the most time with? OURSELVES! Be nice to yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror and list the reasons why you are a badass. Besides, everything usually works out one way or another, right?

Adopt a Mantra- Find a mantra and stick to it. For example, my mantra is “I am strong, I am powerful, I am bold.” This is the motto for my life. Whenever I have a big presentation coming up or I start doubting myself, I recite this mantra.

Use YouTube for Motivational Content- Do me a favor. Type in “motivational videos” on YouTube. If you’re feeling like a fraud in any situation, turn it on. Give it 2-3 minutes and feel your adrenaline kick on. Feel a smidgen of flight or fight response and let your blood boil to “get shit done.” While preparing for my bodybuilding show, within weeks it was really weighing on me mentally and physically. I watched a motivational video every day until showtime. Studies are starting to come out to show that a motivational speech has effects that can change your life for years thereafter.

Recall- Think back to a time where you started something new. How did you feel? Did you feel like a fraud? Like you don’t deserve it? Then think back to how you overcame that. Anything that is uncomfortable for us could make us feel this way. But once you become comfortable with it everything will seem easier for you.

Strong Support System- Use the people around you to lift you up and motivate you to reach the next level. If you are feeling Imposter Syndrome come on, hang out with those successful people who help you see the value in yourself.

Hire a Mindset Coach- Coaches are a great way to diminish overwhelm and help you become confident with your capabilities and your worth. They will help you lay out where you’re feeling insecure in a situation.

Overall, it’s important to understand that Imposter Syndrome is normal, especially for those who have reached another level of success. No one is more important than another and if you work hard through repetition you can overcome it. You will look at your efforts and think, I DO DESERVE THIS. The Genie told Aladdin “you got this” when he became Prince and all along Princess Jasmine loved him because he was himself, not because of a title that was attached to him. Long story short, continue to be yourself.

If this speaks to your heart reach out to me at shannon@livwellpaige.com so we can have a confidence coaching strategy session to prepare you for the next step in your life.

Liv Well,