Redefining Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a word I try not to give too much power to. Not because I do not experience it, but because I have chosen to redefine it. That does not mean the doubt disappears. There are days I still question myself. Days I procrastinate on important tasks. Days I catch myself battling the voices in my head that say you do not belong here, what if this project fails, what if you receive a rejection with this request, everyone else knows what they are doing, and you are going to fail in front of everyone. And instead of focusing on the work, I spend more time focusing on not failing.

The truth is that this feeling may never fully go away. Almost everyone experiences it at some point, no matter how accomplished they are. The difference is not whether it shows up, but how you respond when it does. Often, we create a world in our minds where everyone around us is perfect or near perfect. People who seem to have made flawless choices, taken the right steps, exude confidence, and were somehow born to be exactly where they are today. We convince ourselves that they belong here, and we do not, sometimes even questioning our credentials, skills, and abilities.

As we enter this new week, I am sharing this message with anyone who may be experiencing imposter syndrome or doubts about a personal project, work responsibility, career decision, business plan, or extracurricular pursuit.

Imposter syndrome can be deafening. It can scare you into shrinking, into silence, and into retreating back into your comfort zone. But do not let it send you backward. Everything is FIGURE-OUT-ABLE. That discomfort is not a stop sign. It is an invitation to grow, learn, explore, and stretch. It is part of becoming better at your craft and expanding your mindset. You have a higher mandate. Focus on that.

Remember, you are not alone. Even the experts once stood where you are, unsure, inexperienced, and learning as they went. Here are a few ways to navigate through it:

• Self-reflection and awareness are important. You have to first acknowledge the feeling. Think about the ways imposter syndrome shows up for you and how it affects your self-confidence and mental well-being.
• Be open and honest with yourself about what you know and what you do not know. Design processes and strategies to help you navigate forward
• Ask questions. You are not alone in this. You will be surprised by the support and resources available, but it all begins with you taking the first step and asking.
• Practice self-compassion. You have to learn to be kind to yourself. Be understanding and gentle with yourself in the same way you extend grace to others. Remind yourself that you have unique skills and abilities, and that this is an opportunity to grow.
• Seek help when you need it, whether from professionals, mentors, career sponsors, reading, taking courses, attending networking events, or reconnecting with your religious, personal, or spiritual practices. The possibilities are endless and will differ for each individual.
• Embrace failure as part of the process. Sometimes failure is necessary to make progress. It brings lessons, experience, and opportunities to transform what you have learned into something meaningful.
• As a Christian, I have found certain scriptures helpful in staying grounded and reassured in faith (New International Version [NIV]):
  • Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”
  • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
  • Isaiah 41:102 – ” So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • James 2:17 – ” In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Let your light shine. The world deserves to experience your gift and the impact only you can make. Step forward with confidence and purpose.

Wishing you a splendid week ahead.