What is Imposter Syndrome? Tips from a Florida Therapist

You’re amazing. Smart, accomplished, and everyone knows it. Everyone, except you. Imposter syndrome. Gosh, it’s mean. Takes everything we think we know about life and turns it on its head.

Do you know what I’m talking about? It’s the feeling that no matter how hard you work, it’s never going to be enough. The feeling that everyone knows the secret sauce about how to succeed, and they’re keeping it from you. It’s the feeling that if you just had that one more piece of information, you could rock this too. Most of all, it’s the feeling that if anyone found out what a “fake” and “fraud“ you were, they wouldn’t put you in charge again.

Imposter Syndrome: We’ve almost all felt it at one time or another!

Does that sound like something you’ve felt before? Yeah. Actually, feelings of imposter syndrome in women are pretty normal. What we do with those feelings, however, can make all the difference.  While I can’t guarantee that you will feel like the amazingly talented, brilliant, and beautiful person you are all the time, I do have some tips about how to make it better.

You know, logically, that you have the skills, tools, and training you need to succeed. but, something in your brain just won’t let you believe it all the time. Of course, therapy for imposter syndrome would help. However, in the meantime, here are some affirmations you can use every day to quiet that negative noise.

Perfectionism is a twenty-two-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that is really preventing us from taking flight. ~Brené Brown

Now, how often, when, where you do these is totally up to you. I recommend jotting down a few of your favorites— and even adding your own — and saving them in a place where you can access that easily. Maybe, you write a few great morning messages on posts its put them on your bathroom mirror. Then, you write a few productivity or motivational quotes on a board or pad in your office area. Finally, save a few general confidence boosting gems in the notes on your phone to access whenever you need them wherever you are. does that sound doable? I hope so.

Now, for a few of my favorite, confidence-boosting affirmations for high-achieving women with imposter syndrome!

Need some inspiration? Maybe you can channel your inner “Jessica”, just proceed with caution regarding that bathroom sink stuff!

• Today is a great day to have a great day.
• I am a strong, confident woman.
• I have everything I need to succeed.
• No matter what happens today, I know that I am radiant, powerful, and free.
• I will only continue to become stronger.
• I trust my own wisdom and intuition.
• Today, I honor my purpose and inspire people around me to do the same.
• I am productive.
• I achieve amazing results.
• My inner strength will keep me positive.
• I see the ability that others see in me.
• I am confident and calm.
• My worth is not my work.
• My work does not define my worth.
• I am worthy of love, happiness, and peace.

Of course, this won’t solve everything. But, it’s a great place to start. Yes, you can increase the amount of time you feel competent and confident. All while decreasing the amount of negative self-talk you hear. These little moments, every day, can add up to create big changes in your life.

Begin Counseling for Imposter Syndrome in Florida

If you want more help unlocking the incredible power you have within, I would love to talk with you. We can do counseling for imposter syndrome in my Miramar, FL mental health clinic. Or, I can meet you virtually anywhere in the state with online therapy in Florida. I want to help you feel fully competent and confident in all areas of your life. To begin, follow these three steps:

1. Contact Counseling Solutions of Boward to schedule your free 20-minute consultation

2. Meet with me, Enid, and let’s get to know each other! 

3. Start feeling like the brilliant and beautiful person the world sees in you, today.