Imposter Syndrome: What it is and What to do About it
by Gemma Williams
If you have a tendency to downplay your achievements, you’re not alone. Did you know that almost 40% of Americans downplay their achievements? But there’s a big difference between not wanting to brag and feeling like you don’t deserve your achievements in the first place. If you often worry that you’re a fake or a fraud, whether in the workplace, the Church, or in everyday life, you might be struggling with imposter syndrome.
But God didn’t put you on this Earth to feel inadequate. By embracing your true self and who you are in Christ, you can overcome feelings of being a fraud and better understand your place in life.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the pervasive feeling that you don’t deserve or haven’t earned what you have. It’s an internal experience of believing you aren’t good enough. You worry that any moment everyone is going to find out that you’re not who they think you are, and take away everything you’ve worked for.
The term was first used by psychologists Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in reference to high-achieving women in the 1970s who struggled to believe in themselves. It’s pervasive: even the most powerful women can doubt themselves.
Signs You’re Struggling With Imposter Syndrome
Women can experience imposter syndrome at work, at church, or in everyday relationships. Regardless of circumstance, though, some common signs to watch out for include:
• Not trusting compliments
• Thinking you got where you are by pure luck
• Doubting how worthy you are of success
• Doubting your skills
• Criticising yourself even when given praise
• Setting unrealistic goals so that you’re bound to fail
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome can be crippling, holding you back from achieving your full potential. Here are some helpful reminders for powerful women to realise that they are, indeed, powerful women with God at their side.
God Doesn’t Make Mistakes
2 Corinthians 3:4-6 says: “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God”.
God doesn’t make mistakes, and he didn’t with you. You are exactly where you should be and the power of Christ is within you.
Speak With a Therapist
There’s no shame in seeking professional help for imposter syndrome. Galatians 6:2 says “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ”. By asking someone—especially a Christian therapist—to help with your struggles, you’re fulfilling the word of God.
Chronic self-doubt and anxiety can be a symptom of a mental health issue, and imposter syndrome itself can lead to depression and addiction. It’s worth taking the time to find online resources that offer support specifically for women and mental health.
Accept God’s Love
God doesn’t view you as insignificant or a fraud. When in doubt, read Ephesians 1:4 to remind yourself of your worth through God’s eyes: “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”
Actions Overcome Anxieties
When you’re doubting yourself, try combating a negative thought with a positive action. Sometimes doing something despite not feeling good enough can be exactly what you need to show yourself that you’re capable. Settle your doubts with Psalm 56:3-4, “When I am afraid, I put trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust, I shall not be afraid.”
Stop Comparing Yourself
We’re hard-wired to compare, which can be incredibly useful in some life situations, but not when it comes to your life vs. the lives of others. Comparison feeds imposter syndrome: focusing on what those around you are doing keeps doubts alive.
Remember that what you see of other people’s lives is often shown through rose-tinted glasses. It’s important to remind yourself, too, that many female leaders have imposter syndrome, so that says a lot about you! Real frauds don’t have doubts that they may be a fraud. Your anxieties may in fact be a sign that you’re the successful woman in your life.
Remember the Power of God in You
God created you to be a powerful, confident being. Everything you have, everything you do, is fuelled by this power. When in doubt, read 2 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” All of that is already within you – you just need to allow it to shine.
If you let it, imposter syndrome can seep into every aspect of your life. It can be debilitating, keeping you from fulfilling your purpose. As women who belong to Jesus, we don’t have to be crippled by self-doubt. The God of the Universe is with us and for us and in us: so let’s stand up with confidence and get busy with the good things he prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
GEMMA WILLIAMS
Gemma Williams is passionate about equality and female empowerment in the workplace. She works in HR and is based in England. Connect with Gemma on LinkedIn.
