How To Stop Imposter Syndrome From Limiting Your Authentic Self-Expression

Many of us are searching for the answer to the same questions, “Who am I?” or “What do I want out of life?”

There is research showing approximately 70% of people may suffer from what has been conceptualized as “Imposter Syndrome”. 

Regardless of the titles and roles we serve in life, no matter the distance traveled or the time that has passed, those questions always come up. Just when we think we know who we are or what we want, something surfaces and we realize, “That’s not exactly who I thought I was or what I thought I wanted.” However, that is an illusion because who we are is never stagnant. 

The one constant in your life is change. Time does one thing: it moves forward, and we move forward with it. 

Those existential questions are fluid and so is our answer. We are never at one single point in time. We are always moving, and life is always happening and evolving. 

First, begin by looking in the mirror; ignorance and freedom cannot coexist. I had a lot of role models growing up, but when I began to look at myself as my own role model, I no longer saw those limits around who I was because I was free from expectation, free to be myself. 

Keep reading to learn how you can begin to break free from Imposter Syndrome and live as your authentic self. 

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

The American Psychological Association says: "an imposter phenomenon occurs among high achievers who cannot internalize and accept their success. They often attribute their accomplishments to looks rather than their ability.  They fear that others will eventually amass them as a fraud.” 

For Dr. Tiffany Zachery, it's a cultural aspect. There are many things that occur in our life that contribute to the development of Imposter Syndrome. Traumas, in particular, can play a role in influencing its development. 

The definition of imposter syndrome is different for everyone, as we all experience it differently. You can read more about understanding Imposter Syndrome here. 

Choose To Look Ahead And Move Forward

The rules you've been indoctrinated with are not INHERENTLY YOU, and the fact that we often believe otherwise is not your fault. 

Going through life we internalize our experiences, feel shame or hate ourselves, create stories around those experiences, and want to be anything other than our true, authentic self. 

Think about those times when you walk or drive while listening to music, just focused on what’s in front of you. You end up walking or driving further than you ever had, because you’re focused on what’s ahead, instead of looking where you are coming from. 

When we face situations that are unsafe or we know we need to leave, we hit a point where you just have to turn your sights forward and say, “I’m not looking back.” 

Then, when you feel like you have enough freedom and safety you can look back to see how far you have come by determination, resiliency, and brilliance. 

"You are creating your life, so if you can't work in any spaces where you feel less than, or you have to question your identity, do something else. Nobody can tell you what you can and can't do. It's about being confident in who you are as a man or woman. No matter what your skin color is, you are a human being, and no one is more than you." – Dr. Tiffany Zachery.

You do not have to stay stagnant. Remember: change is the only constant in your life. If you want to break away from imposter syndrome, just keep taking each step forward. 

It's scary to be authentic because some people don't like the fact that you chose to be yourself, as it's a decision that they are yet to make. It's in that space of authenticity, when you align your actions with your values, that you experience higher emotions and fulfillment and push back the Imposter Syndrome. 

Ignore them. Keep going. Keep believing in yourself, and step into the power of YOU. 

Want To Stop Imposter Syndrome Affecting Your Authenticity?

Imposter Syndrome is something that affects most of us. Remember it's okay to be asking yourself those fluid questions of "Who am I?" or "What do I want?" You are always changing. You are not stagnant. Keep choosing to move forward.

Listen to the full engaging conversation Learning about Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Tiffany Zachery to hear more.

If you are struggling to answer "Who am I?" or "What do I want?" I invite you to dive deeper into Shadow Work to truly understand what could be holding you back and blocking you from living as your authentic self. 

Download a free copy of my guide: Getting Started with Shadow Work.