Have you ever been presented with a wonderful opportunity at work and then convinced yourself that you don’t deserve it?
When we’re faced with a new challenge or opportunity, many of us feel some anxiety, self-doubtand hesitancy. The concept of“imposter phenomenon” (nowknown as “imposter syndrome”)was coined by psychologists Suzanne Imes and Pauline Clance,who conducted a study in 1978theorizing that “despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, women who experience the imposter phenomenon persist in believing that they are really not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise.” Monica Fuller Johnson is a community organizer, trainer and chief health strategist for The R.E.A.L. (Realizing Every Advantage in Life) You, her coaching practice in Concord, North Carolina. Johnson is also a certified professional coach and substance abuse prevention consultant, tobacco treatment specialist and integrated care manager. Despite her credentials, Johnson experienced imposter syndrome while developing a training program for women. A colleague, who believed in Johnson’s talents, received a Department of Health and Human Services grant to fund the training. “I was grateful for her confidence, but I also felt like I didn’t deserve to charge as much as more experienced trainers,” Johnson says. Johnson explained her reason for hesitating: “I’m already representing Black women,” she remembers thinking. “If I fail, will the next Black woman not get a chance to show what she can do?”
The American Psychological Association explored imposter syndrome. “Though the impostor phenomenon isn’t an official diagnosis listed in (DSM) the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders handbook), psychologists and others acknowledge that it is a very real and specific form of intellectual self-doubt,” the article notes. “Imposter feelings are generally accompanied by anxiety and, often, depression.”
Wallace Peake Jr., a psychotherapist at Building Endurance in Charlotte, North Carolina, who specializes in treating black males with mental health concerns. Peake believes many Black people experience imposter syndrome. “There is such pressure to fit into white culture and that notion has been deeply embedded from birth. Comparing yourself to others is such a big part of it. What we think affects how we feel; how we feel affects how we act. Changes to those thoughts is critical to overcome self-doubt and hesitancy,” he says. Ericka Boone works in the field of neuroscience and with early-stage investigators of biomedical research to apply for grants. A few years ago, she began addressing imposter phenomenon at the end of her workshops addressing factors – imposter syndrome being one of them – that may affect scientists’ grant writing and was surprised by how the subject resonated with attendees. “It was the dirty little secret no one was talking about,” she says. “Our environments introduce and then continuously reinforce the idea that you don’t quite measure up or belong,” Boone says. “No one wakes up one day and decides to feel professional self-doubt. And while women will more willingly admit to experiencing imposter syndrome, we want to be careful to not pathologize women, especially women of color.”
Peake, Johnson and Boone offer these tips to counter the feelings of imposter syndrome.
Talk about it
One of the best ways to combat imposter feelings is to talk with supportive people in your life, or even a professional. Normalize good mental health by talking to someone who “doesn’t have a dog in the fight.”
Pour into yourself Practicing good self-care, including physical fitness and positive self-talk, can help overcome self-doubt. Get yourself a mantra, because sometimes the biggest enemy we have is within. Boone recommends listening to “The Mindset Mentor” podcast.
Be your own best friend Give yourself credit for small victories and the things that you do well, and be more nurturing and supportive of yourself.
Reframe how you view “mistakes” – look at them as an opportunity for growth.
Take advantage of opportunities to collaborate – Raise your hand and develop a cadre of mentors and colleagues. Find people who will be your outspoken advocate and “pound the table” for you when you’re not in the room.
First published in Black Mental Health Today, Fall 2023 (Vol. 9, Anniversary Issue).