5 Ways to Combat Imposter Syndrome

5 Ways to Combat Imposter Syndrome

You’re not a fraud, Sis.

Imposter Syndrome is for the birds, period. In this article, Time perfectly defines it as, “the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications.” Imposter syndrome can induce anxiety and perpetual thoughts of dread, self-doubt, and procrastination. So many women, especially women of color, struggle with overcoming this debilitating condition.

This feeling of being a fraud is partially responsible for the time lapse between Episode 4 and Episode 5 of the Resident Sis podcast. In Episode 5, Imposter Syndrome is for the Birds, I share examples on how feeling like an imposter has stifled personal growth and developing creative ideas and projects. Thoughts such as I’m not good enough or I’m not ready for this have put me in the corner…and baby doesn’t like being put in the corner!

Like everything else during this pandemic, imposterism seems to have taken a front seat, exposing our fears, limiting beliefs, and neuroses simultaneously. This thing IS Team Too Much, but like with almost anything, there are tips and methods that can make overcoming imposter syndrome manageable.

Here are five ways you can combat imposter syndrome.

Pray or meditate

Praying about things I cannot control or need help managing tests my faith and independence. Practicing this has gotten easier over the years, but as someone who “does it all” — or tries to — you can imagine the initial discomfort associated here. Praying about this insecurity allows me to be vulnerable with God. It forces me to release control and rest in the help that I know awaits me. In prayer, I tend to state my ailment, gradually release responsibility for said thing, and thank God for making a way. This release is cathartic and opens up the opportunity for resolution. And by the end of it, my faith and independence are no longer threatened. They are, in fact, strengthened. (Interchange prayer for meditation as well as God for your Source if applicable. 🙂)

Talk to people you trust

For me, those people are close knit friends and relatives. I can admit when I’m struggling with negative thoughts or actions that keep me stagnant. When I can’t see myself, they usher in words of encouragement and love. They check in on me periodically and hold me accountable. They’ve even helped me create short, manageable checklists that nurture my mind and navigate scary tasks. These are people whom I love and cherish more than anything.

Therapy

I began therapy a few months ago. Read: I began therapy in the thick of a global pandemic while recovering from COVID-19. Girl, what?! Therapy isn’t for the faint of heart. Still, it is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’ve often described seeking and practicing therapy as something that gets ugly before it gets beautiful. However, a trusted professional can construct a plethora of healing techniques designed with you in mind. Therapists can take the guesswork out of personal healing, including healing through imposter syndrome.

Rework your thoughts

Pay attention to what you think. As negative thoughts enter your mind, number and write them down. When you have compiled enough evidence, rewrite them as positive statements. Then, when negative thoughts try to come for you again, stop them in their tracks with your reworked thoughts.

Affirm who you are

The exercise of reworking your thoughts can also help you create powerful affirmations for your life. Another tip could be to channel the way you feel or felt about yourself on your best days. Think of a day when you looked and felt your best. You might’ve thought very highly of yourself. Your tribe might’ve reinforced your feelings with compliments or acts of kindness. You might’ve prioritized self-care that day better than any other day before. Regardless of how you achieved the feeling, think about the way you cared for and thought of yourself as the moments happened. How did you feel? What made you smile? What helped you remember how awesome you were? Take those things and turn them into affirmations.

Sample affirmations for people struggling with imposter syndrome:

I deserve this moment in my life.

I am worthy of the goodness here.

Every fiber of my being got me here.

I will celebrate my accomplishments.

I earned this. I worked hard for this.

I am still worthy without my accomplishments.

I am smart, talented, and skilled even on days when I don’t feel like it.

I am loved.

I am enough.

For more on imposter syndrome, listen to this week’s podcast episode below or anywhere podcasts can be heard. Remember, you're not a fraud. You're just struggling to overcome imposter syndrome.