Imposter Syndrome

I’m not sure when Imposter Syndrome became a thing, but I’m glad that more of us are acknowledging its impact on our potential.

Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery, so go us. 

For those who may not be aware of what Imposter Syndrome is, www.dictionary.com defines it as “anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success, while falsely attributing one’s accomplishments to luck or other external forces”.

Imposter Syndrome is basically defining yourself according to your flaws instead of your purpose. You limit your potential by being hyper-focused on the negatives – mistakes you made, bad habits you have and your insecurities. 

To combat Imposter Syndrome in my personal life, I’ve considered three aspects of life that seem to be the most impacted and impactful: outside influences, my mind and my speech.

Outside Influences: 

As a recovering people pleaser, I found that caring more about what others think about my journey instead of the journey itself contributed to my growing Imposter Syndrome. 

We have to be careful to make decisions according to our foundation and calling – the bigger picture. If we operate based on the opinions of others, then we’ll be running in place, or worse, back tracking. 

Don’t let folks get you so in your feelings that you decrease your value. God is the only one in a position to judge anyone. 

Mind: 

Much like anxiety and depression, Imposter Syndrome is another powerful way to trick the mind. It tricks you into thinking you are not enough and don’t deserve to flourish. It tricks you into not having confidence in your ability to grow and transform. 

If you don’t already know, your mind is a powerful weapon. What you think about the most is what you naturally will pour into and make your reality. Negative thinking leads to negative, limited living. Positive thinking leads to positive, intentional living.

Mind your thoughts. Mind the reality that you are creating for yourself. 

Speech: 

Make a habit of positive self speak, because there is also power in the tongue. Say nice things to and about yourself. Encourage yourself. Pray for yourself.

As always, I encourage anyone to reflect regularly. Times of self reflection is when I’m able to identify any strongholds that I’m struggling with, such as Imposter Syndrome.

Then, I can determine what I need to be extra mindful of in that day/week/month/season. 

Believe in yourself regardless of who else does. Know your worth and then add tax, or whatever the gworlz are saying. And by all means, kick Imposter Syndrome to the curb and do the damn thing. 

xoxoxo,
DASH