Conquer Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever doubted yourself or felt like you simply didn't measure up?

I know I have...all too often. I would scroll on social media and stop to wish my life and my successes were that of someone else's. Sometimes, it was an in person encounter that left me feeling worthless. And other times, it was this gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach that I wasn't good enough.

This unnecessary chatter is exhausting!

There was a day when I decided enough was enough. I knew I needed to conquer the imposter syndrome that kept me paralyzed in place as I wasted precious time. The question that worried me, however, was how? How do I stop this?

As I searched for the answer, the first thing I kept coming to was to be authentic. Part of being authentic meant accepting my gifts for the beautiful things they were. I made a list of all the gifts I felt I possessed by skill set, personality, and service. Once I made this list, I then put either a check mark or an X next to them to depict whether I was actively using this gift.

The findings were astonishing, embarrassing really. I had a long list of gifts with X's next to them. Why was that, I wondered? 

I felt as if I was inadequate to share my gifts because I felt unworthy, unqualified, and unable. This feeling isn't something that came as the result of anyone else, yet was because of my self-doubt and lack of confidence coupled with the fear of failure. 

If you are an entrepreneur or author, you may struggle with imposter syndrome because of a lack of confidence in your products, services, or writing. Others may struggle with imposter syndrome because of a lack of confidence in their appearance, personality, or skills. This lack of confidence creates a hesitation to share your ideas and move forward with your goals.

Trusting God can help you overcome self-doubt. Remember these truths found in scripture.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

• Remember the good works were prepared in advance for us to do, as God equipped us with the gifts needed to fulfill them.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

• Remember you are fearfully and wonderfully made to be YOU.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8 

• Remember we all have different gifts given to each of us. Focus on your gifts and use them accordingly.

To fully conquer imposter syndrome, I challenged myself to stop comparing my abilities to others and start refining them. I took my list full of X's and began working harder to refine them. The more I refined them, the more confident I became sharing them. 

Don't let comparison be the thief of authenticity! Celebrate the gifts you've been blessed with and share them with others. 

Design Your Story, Shape Your Future, Shonda Ramsey