These Rituals Can Help You Overcome Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome

By Calley Hewes, APRN, FNP-BC

Self-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.

There is good news though. There are science-backed rituals, tools, and strategies that you can implement in your life that will help you to take back your power and realize your full, unhindered potential. These strategies will help you become more confident in your abilities, your contributions, and your presence and help you know that you belong at whatever tables you’re sitting at (and even some that you aren’t… yet!)

1. List out 30 positive qualities about yourself. This exercise will require you to push yourself beyond your accomplishments into your character traits and the things that make you...you. Go back to this list whenever you need a confidence boost.

2. Repeat positive affirmations (out loud). By repeating positive statements to yourself (bonus points if you look at yourself in the mirror as you say them), you start to believe that they’re true. Find affirmations or mantras that resonate with you and will help you build your sense of confidence or self-love. (Go to BrazenWomen. com/VisionMadeMag to download audio affirmations to cultivate confidence, self-love, or an abundance mindset)

3. Start a daily gratitude practice. Similarly, to how positive affirmations work, by recalling positive occurrences or things you’re grateful for each day, your mind will become primed to look out for the positive rather than the negative. Some of my favorite ways to make this a daily ritual is to journal 3 gratitudes every morning or night, write each gratitude on a slip of paper and put it into a cookie jar to look through at the end of the year, or go around the dinner table and have each family member share gratitude (this is a great way to get kids involved!).

4. Identify your top 3 core values. You may wonder what this has to do with confidence, but it’s important to understand what is most important to you. Your values will influence your boundaries, goals, and actions and can help you get clear on where you stand. That will then lead to a boost in confidence when you know what you want and need out of life. (Go to BrazenWomen.com/VisionMadeMag to download the core values worksheet)

5. Start your day off in a positive and nourishing way each day. Starting your morning off with a consistent ritual that includes 3 non-negotiables is the key to feeling centered, grounded, and balanced all day long. I firmly believe that how you start your day is how the rest of your day unfolds. Non-negotiables can be anything that brings you joy, helps you feel calm, and nourishes your body, mind, and/or spirit. For instance, my non-negotiables are listening to calm and uplifting music as I get dressed, drinking my coffee while it’s hot before the kids wake up, and journaling or praying.

Building your confidence is playing the long game. It won’t happen overnight, but by incorporating these rituals, tools, and strategies into your day you will be arming yourself against self-doubt and reminding yourself of who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you’re capable of. Here’s to an abundant, confident, and magical year ahead!

Calley Hewes is a nurse practitioner and self-care coach for female entrepreneurs & professionals. She is passionate about helping women discover their unique self-care lifestyle and ideal work-life blend so they can have it all without burning out trying to do it all. She specializes in coaching clients on how to simplify their lives, set healthy boundaries, and create balance & equity in the home as forms of self-care. ◗

You can connect with her at The Brazen Podcast

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Instagram @BrazenCoaching

Calley.Hewes@gmail.com