Have you ever heard that inner voice saying, "What are you doing?" or "Who do you think you are?" Maybe even shouting, "You can’t do that!" This is the voice of your Internal Critic. It's a familiar voice for many women and often stems from our early experiences. Our caregivers, even with the best intentions, may condition us to blend into the world, sometimes at the cost of our true essence. This can happen through both criticism and constant praise, leaving us with feelings of self-doubt or the pressure to meet high expectations.

Imposter Syndrome: The Women’s Struggle

For women, imposter syndrome goes beyond the typical challenges. Traditionally, we’ve been conditioned to focus on roles as wives and mothers, and anything outside of that has been seen as “too much.” The term imposter syndrome was first coined in the 1970s to describe high-achieving women who struggled with anxiety and perfectionism. Despite their success, these women often questioned their abilities and attributed their achievements to luck or external factors.

Even after earning credentials or receiving a hard-fought promotion, feelings of self-doubt and anxiety can set in. This is a common phenomenon, with research suggesting that about 70% of adults experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives, and for women, this number is even higher.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is rooted in a mindset that has been shaped over time, likely beginning in childhood. Overcoming it requires “re-learning” and acknowledging our talents alongside our flaws. It’s about celebrating our accomplishments rather than focusing solely on our failures.

Many women fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others, which feeds into feelings of inadequacy. To shift your mindset, try recording and reflecting on your accomplishments and sharing them with trusted people in your life. The right support and validation can help redirect how you see yourself. Remember, there’s a big difference between acknowledging your efforts and being arrogant!

The 5 R's to Reset Your Mindset

To help reset your mindset and overcome imposter syndrome, try the following steps:

1. Recognize your talents, achievements, and successes.
2. Recognize your mistakes as opportunities to grow and redirect your path.
3. Record your accomplishments in writing to keep a positive perspective.
4. Reflect on how far you’ve come and surround yourself with a supportive network, like a mentor or friends who lift you up.
5. Reward yourself! Be your own cheerleader and celebrate your successes.

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