Ways To Fight Off Imposter Syndrome

By Toria Edmonds-Howell

Why are we like this? Why do we insist on questioning our adequacy despite evidence of our success?

Imposter syndrome is a tricky little thing. We find ourselves going through life, comfortable, content, and accepting what is. Then we get the bright idea to step outside our comfort zones, stretch ourselves a little bit, and try something new. And then, out of nowhere, Imposter Syndrome starts taunting us -- it starts poking at our sense of self. It starts to eat at our confidence and warp our sense of reality. We begin questioning ourselves and what we're capable of. We start stifling our voice and limiting our potential.

We've all been there -- when starting a new job, entering a new relationship, learning a new skill, or launching a new venture. We put in the work -- we achieve, we show up, and we give it our all. Yet, somehow, we still manage to allow self-doubt to creep in. We ask ourselves, are we ready? Do we belong? Are we deserving?

The answer is Yes! Yes! Yes!

Imposter syndrome leads us to focus on feelings and ignore the facts that are right in front of us. According to the American Psychological Association, "the impostor phenomenon isn't an official diagnosis listed in the DSM, [but] psychologists and others acknowledge that it is a very real and specific form of intellectual self-doubt...generally accompanied by anxiety and, often, depression."

As we continue to lean into our imperfectly phenomenal selves, it's important that we focus on the following facts to help ward ourselves from Imposter Syndrome and stand in our full light:

We are perfectly designed and possess everything we need to be and do anything.
Feelings aren't facts; so though we may feel like we aren't ready or like we aren't deserving, that's far from the truth.
No one is perfect and we shouldn't pressure ourselves to seek perfectionism.
We all have gifts and we all have opportunities for growth. We must maintain a growth mindset and not become stuck on what we must learn.
We must affirm our whole selves relentlessly and change the narrative we tell ourselves about who we are and what we are capable of.
We must own our greatness! If we don't believe we are great, who will?

Follow Toria on Instagram at @ToriaMalia and @North24Home. Check out her brand of natural cleaning products at North24Home.com.