These Rituals Can Help You Overcome Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome By Calley Hewes, APRN, FNP-BC
S
elf-doubt is a human experience that everyone has experienced at one point or another. In fact, no matter how prepared or experienced you may be, you can’t
escape the occasional bout of imposter syndrome. The good news, though, is that you can minimize self-doubt and imposter syndrome so that it isn’t a long-term hindrance and won’t hold you back in your life or career. Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you’re unqualified to be in the position you are in, and you fear that you’ll be found out to be a fraud. It’s a fundamental distrust of your capabilities, experience, and expertise, and a belief in your own inadequacy to rise to the occasion. Those living with imposter syndrome will often think, “Who am I to…”, “Why should anyone listen to what I have to say?”, or “What gives me the right to be here?”. The term ‘imposter syndrome’ was first coined in the 1970's by Suzanne Imes, PhD, and Pauline Rose Clance, PhD, and was used to describe the phenomenon when high-achievers seemed unable to internalize their success, according to the American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org/ gradpsych/2013/11/fraud). Their judgments about their success are rooted in deep self-doubt, and they attribute their accomplishments to luck, being in the right place at the right time, or something other than their ability, expertise, experience, or skills. Imes and Clance stated that the seeds of imposter syndrome seemed to be sown within families of origin where great emphasis was placed on high achievement, but that achievement was met with alternating praise and criticism. This led the individual to subconsciously connect their self-worth with their achievements, and at the same time feel they were not good enough regardless of the success they saw. Because of this, these feelings can persist regardless of how successful you are or what you achieve. Self-doubt can, and will, follow you throughout your adulthood and career if you let it, and it will keep you from realizing your full power and potential. This can have a significant impact on your personal and professional growth, relationships, and experiences. I have seen this phenomenon play out with my clients as well as in my own life. The shame that’s attached to your feelings of inadequacy and fear of someone realizing that you don’t belong can make it incredibly difficult to talk about or seek support. Selfdoubt is a feeling that becomes pervasive throughout all areas of your life when left unchecked.
28
