What is ‘Imposter Syndrome’ & How to Overcome it

Most people have experienced the Imposter Syndrome as some point in your lives! Some people may not even notice it any more, for it may have become part of your life! 

Though you may be thinking “Do I?” or “Have I?” or you may not even be sure of what it is.

What is 'Imposter Syndrome'?

Imposter Syndrome is to do with the thoughts in our head. What you say to yourself or what the enemy is saying to you. The thing is it may even sound like our own thoughts, when truly, they aren’t.

The visual below has a few examples of some of those negative thoughts:

What is the imposter syndrome & how to overcome it

There are 5 different types of “Imposters” that you may experience.

Can you relate to any of these?

  1. Perfectionist: Fixates on their flaws, can never be good enough.
  2. Superhero: Feels as though they need to work as hard as possible
  3. Expert: Underrates their knowledge and wisdom and always wants to learn more & more.
  4. Natural Genius: Sets high goals and is upset when doesn’t achieve these at the first attempt.
  5. Soloist: Very independent people who find it hard to ask for help or assistance.

What ever the reasons are behind these thoughts and beliefs, God, through the Bible, says otherwise:

God chose & loves YOU! Deuteronomy 10:15

He adopted YOU as His Son or daughter, according to His will and His pleasure. Ephesians 1:5

YOU were also made in the image of Jesus. Romans 8:29

YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14

So, meditate on these scriptures and apply them to your own life.

3 John 1:11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

1 Corinthians 11:1  Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

ESV

How to Overcome the Imposter Syndrome

There isn’t an easy way to beat the Imposter syndrome as it can come down to how we were bought up, what we have heard others say about us and deep ingrained beliefs we have. But, take heart, it is possible!

One way of changing your thoughts is through repetition. It’s a process, by prayer and petition you can make our requests known to God. Philippians 4:6. You can turn your thoughts and beliefs around, though Him, by identifying where you may be experiencing the thoughts of the “Imposter” and work on overcoming them.

Affirmations are a great way of doing this.  They can help you to overcome mindset limitations, reaffirm & help to recognise identity and boost confidence!

Use this Affirmation poster to help you. All these affirmations are created from scripture and so they are biblical truths. Get yours HERE.

Below is one activity that  helped me personally with overcoming those negative beliefs I had about myself. Check out the 5 min video below for the activity.

It changed my life as it can yours!

Come & join our next FREE online Workshop ‘Who Do You Think You Are?
Spaces are limited so save your seat below now!
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N.B This post was first Published Jul 26, 2021, Updated 14th August 2023

8 thoughts on “What is ‘Imposter Syndrome’ & How to Overcome it

  1. This was great! I feel like I learned about this topic and added to my knowledge of it. I didn’t realize there was so much behind it all. Thanks for this!

      1. Aw, Lauren, that’s very similar to what I do and talked about at the Summit you organised. So glad it has helped you as well. Blessings, Journeyofsmiley.com

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