On Identifying Imposter Syndrome & Building Confidence
What do you know about Imposter Syndrome? What do you think you know about Imposter Syndrome? If you’re like me, you see the word and immediately say to yourself “same!” (maybe preceded or followed by a chuckle.) Or maybe you see “imposter syndrome” and think: okay, so I’ve heard of this, but what exactly does it mean?
what is imposter syndrome?
One of the first times I heard about Imposter Syndrome was from actress Viola Davis. A person who experiences Imposter Syndrome or Impostor Phenomenon may describe feelings of self doubt of skill and talent and an internalIzed fear of being “exposed” as a “fraud”. No matter what their physical accomplishments and achievements say, a person who identifies with these feelings will still feel basically unworthy of praise and success -- as if they just got lucky.
I identified so heavily with this phenomena--this very deeply internalized fear that you’re just really good at “playing the game” and “tricking” everyone that someone, literally ANYone, will “expose” you.
I am sure it comes as no shock to anyone that the population who identify the most deeply with these feelings is women. Let’s dive a little deeper and reeeeeally pretend to act shocked when I tell you that
women of color ESPECIALLY struggle with this internalized fear.
In my time spent performing in theatre, I found myself identifying more and more with these feelings. Specifically feeling like my success was not tied to my hard work; like I had “tricked” everyone. And even feeling like I was only getting opportunities and roles because I am a Black woman. Think about it though. In a world where all of your peers and even mentors/professors/directors are telling you how “times are changing” and that “diversity is in,” how are you ever truly supposed to feel like you were chosen for your talent and skill, not because your company needed to fill a quota? Or to convince the world that after 2020 and after your company posted its black square and half hearted statement on “Diversity and Inclusion” that you all in fact were “doing the work?”
I started to talk with other peers of my demographic who felt the same and heard that women of color constantly feel they’re doing twice the work and still not feeling valid in their skills and talent. Regularly downplaying their successes and accomplishments as if they didn’t work incredibly hard for their achievements. While it made me feel better knowing I wasn’t alone in what I was feeling, it really troubled me that so many of us so deeply identify with imposter syndrome. How do we manage it? How can we support each other? How can I affirm myself, my skill, my worth, and my value and talent while the world tells me I shouldn’t?
how to manage feeling like an imposter?
Connect with others and hold space.
I believe we manage by connecting with one other and holding space for big feelings of self doubt. Self doubt can be such an isolating feeling, especially as a creative person where you are expected to be confident and self assured. While we are so busy doubting our gifts and talent, we are so clouded that we sometimes even forget to celebrate ourselves.
Celebrate!
We manage by supporting one another, by celebrating big and small wins because a win is a win! Reminding each other of how much we have accomplished and how proud of ourselves we should be. My favorite way to do this is by imagining how proud of me my younger self would be. Self affirmations can be so powerful as well--ones that are tied to feelings of worthiness and not tied to what you accomplish or what you can do for other people.
Imposter Syndrome can be an incredibly isolating set of emotions and experiences. I believe that the best we can do when we are feeling these internalized fears and anxiety is to extend grace to ourselves. Being kind to ourselves, genuinely celebrating ourselves, and remembering that nobody has it all figured out and we’re all just doing the very best we can.
If you resonate with any of the experiences/thoughts above and you want to connect with others who relate, check out our Creative Women of Color Peer Group. Find support & celebrate your creativity with fellow WOC artists!
Jada Castillo is a an empath who is learning to embrace my beautifully rich, deep feelings. She is also a creator and performer passionate about helping you celebrate your diversity, authentic self-expression, as well as your vulnerabilities and insecurities. A a Black women and a creative, she is especially dedicated to helping women of color unlearn the narratives and ideas that society and systemic racism has of you—ones that have worked to minimize your power and move you away from your talents and richness—and build resources and connections that support women of color to thrive in creative fields and to feel confident.
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