I Suffered From Imposter Syndrome

During the pandemic, like many of us, I had the opportunity to slow down and take a deep dive into the roots of Imposter Syndrome (IS). As I explored this, I recognized a pattern: secretly anxious thoughts and feelings often masked by an outwardly calm, confident demeanor. Through this journey, I learned several key insights that helped me understand why IS has such a strong grip on so many of us.

The roots of IS are often buried deep within the early messages we internalized as children. Perhaps you felt you had to earn everything you received. If you didn’t, you were denied validation, recognition, and even your own agency and voice. This constant striving, rooted in the belief that you must prove your worth, lays the groundwork for self-doubt.

For others, it might have been about grappling with the consequences of actions from a young age. Maybe you were taught harsh lessons through sayings like, “Lie down with dogs, get up with fleas,” or “You made that bed, now sleep in it.” Such messages can become ingrained, forming a critical, internal voice that refuses to let you feel safe, accepted, or even "enough."

These early experiences create emotional triggers—sensations that manifest in the stomach, chest, or throat, as though the weight of those past lessons still lingers. The voice of a critical parent or authority figure may play on a loop in your mind, making it hard to exhale, relax, or feel at peace.

Questions for Thought

• Reflect on Early Messages: What were some of the earliest messages you received about success, worth, and validation? How did they shape your beliefs about yourself?

  
  
  
  

• Identify Triggers: Do you notice any physical or emotional reactions when you think about needing to "earn" your place or prove your worth? Where do you feel it most in your body?

  
  

• Recognize the Critical Voice: Can you pinpoint moments where a critical internal voice appears? What does it say, and how does it affect your confidence and self-perception?

  
  

• Uncover Old Lessons: Which phrases or sayings from your past still influence how you

  approach life? Do they encourage growth or reinforce self-doubt

  
  

• Challenge the Narrative: Are there beliefs you’ve carried from childhood that no longer serve you? How can you begin to reframe or challenge them?

Stay Tuned

If this resonates with you, stay tuned for my upcoming mini course, Mindset Shifts to Overcome Imposter Syndrome. It’s designed to help you break free from self-doubt, reframe limiting beliefs, and step into your authentic power with confidence.