Unmasking Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Authenticity

Discovering My Inner Strength

I’m currently working my way through The Imposter Syndrome Workbook by Tony Bennis. It’s funny how I feel like I’ve stumbled upon this revelation a tad late. For the longest time, my deepest, darkest secret has been the feeling of being a fraud. The fear that one day, people will see through the facade and realize I’m not as smart as I may appear.

This feeling has permeated every aspect of my life. Even when I was deeply entrenched in suicide prevention work, I grappled with it. “Am I really qualified to do this? I’m not as personally affected by suicide as some others,” I’d often think. I’d even downplay my own suicide attempt, telling myself it wasn’t “serious” enough because it didn’t land me in the hospital. Little did I know, this was the infamous imposter syndrome. How did I not know this was a thing? Just the other day, when I mentioned it to those around me, they responded with, “Well, obviously, Molly. Everyone goes through this.” Really? How did I miss this?

According to Bennis, “Imposter syndrome causes us to be convinced that our ideas and skills aren’t worthy of other’s attention,” he continues, “brainwashing ourselves to believe that another person’s attributes are somehow more refined than our own.” It’s uncanny how he’s peering into my mind. These thoughts have been a constant companion. I’ve stifled my own voice, believing someone else could articulate it better, wiser, with more authority.

But here’s the interesting part. I’ve achieved incredible things in my life, from writing a book to appearing on television, and even delivering speeches to large audiences. I thrive in those moments. So where’s the catch? It lies in my self-esteem.

Tamara Levitt, in my morning meditation today, said, “Our self-esteem is based on how much we value ourselves and how competent we feel in life.” She emphasized that self-esteem differs from self-confidence, which is rooted in our ability to perform a task successfully. Self-esteem, on the other hand, is about our sense of self-worth and capability. It’s about how much we truly accept, like, and approve of ourselves.

This distinction is a game-changer. I’ve always been someone who takes action, who can effect change. My belief in my ability to do things is steadfast. However, my sense of worth and self-acceptance has been my Achilles’ heel. It’s what’s placed a ceiling on my success. The fascinating part is, this negative self-talk doesn’t define me. It’s a narrative I can change.

So, where to from here?

Affirmations. Simple, yet they can be life-altering. Outer experiences are reflections of our inner realities. My inner world has been shrouded in self-doubt and discouragement, preventing me from stepping into my full potential. But no more. I’m shifting the narrative. I’ll start a daily practice of affirming my worth, my lovability, my goodness, my gifts, and joy. I can already sense a lightness in my heart at the thought of it.

What affirmations would fill your heart with light? What truths have you been yearning to hear from yourself? It’s time to give ourselves this gift. Let’s ignite this space with affirmations of our awesomeness, leaving behind the habit of self-sabotage. Here’s to being lovers, not fighters.

#EmbracingAuthenticity #ImposterSyndromeUnmasked #SelfLoveJourney #YouAreEnough