By Amethyst Roberson, LPC Picture By Canva

In our increasingly competitive world, it’s common for even the most competent individuals to doubt their abilities, a phenomenon known as impostor syndrome. Unfortunately, this syndrome isn’t rare; it affects an estimated 70% of people at some point. Moreover, it doesn’t discriminate, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and professions, and can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being.

Impostor syndrome is characterized by a constant fear of being exposed to fraud, despite evidence of competence and skills. As a result, you may find yourself attributing your successes to luck rather than your abilities or downplaying your achievements. This self-doubt can hinder your progress, prevent you from taking on new opportunities, and negatively affect your mental health.

Tackling impostor syndrome involves setting specific, achievable goals. One such goal could be recognizing and acknowledging your accomplishments rather than attributing them to luck or external factors. Other goals include developing self-compassion, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and seeking support when needed.

Moving forward involves developing new skills and strategies. For instance, you might start by reframing your thoughts, challenging your negative self-perceptions, and replacing them with more positive, accurate ones. You could also practice self-compassion, treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a friend.

Learn more about the relationship between imposter syndrome and depression by clicking this link. https://www.cliniciansofcolor.org/clinician-articles/what-is-the-relationship-between-imposter-syndrome-and-depression/

To implement these strategies:

1. Consider keeping a success journal to document your achievements and the skills you used to achieve them.
2. Engage in mindfulness exercises to stay present and avoid spiraling into self-doubt.
3. Connect with mentors, colleagues, or a mental health professional who can provide perspective and validation.

As you consistently apply these strategies, you’ll notice a shift in your self-perception. You’ll begin to accept your successes as the result of your skills and efforts rather than luck or deception. This transformation isn’t a one-time event but a gradual process.

Flourishing comes after transformation; it’s the stage where you manage impostor syndrome and use your experiences to thrive. Then, you may confidently take on new opportunities, share your experiences to help others facing similar challenges, or use your newfound self-belief to contribute positively to your environment.

Ultimately, it’s essential to remember that it’s okay to have moments of self-doubt. What’s more important is not letting these moments define your worth or capabilities. By understanding impostor syndrome, setting goals, developing and implementing strategies, and recognizing your transformation, you can navigate through self-doubt and move towards flourishing. Remember, you’re not an impostor but competent and deserving of your achievements.

You can learn more about how imposter syndrome impacts Black women by clicking here. https://stories.td.com/ca/en/article/confronting-imposter-syndrome

About The Author

A R Therapy & Consulting LLC is owned by Amethyst Roberson, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Care Ready Life Coach. With her extensive experience in therapy, Amethyst is dedicated to providing quality service to her community.

Amethyst has a proven track record of success in providing therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma. Her contribution to any organization is invaluable, as she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can help improve the support and assistance we provide to those we serve. In addition, Amethyst’s leadership skills and passion for serving others make her an asset to any team.