Do you feel as if you’re not enough? Do you live with the constant fear that, at some point, the “real you” will be exposed?
Has Jesus revealed a God-given calling, but you’ve been dragging your heels because you don’t feel adequate?
Imposter syndrome is a very real, very tough beast to tame. After all, feeling inadequate hits at the heart of our identity, self-worth, and external impact. But imposter syndrome is not based on truth (not even a tiny bit!) and, if you want to continue to grow in Jesus, it needs to be expelled from your life.
Join me as I equip you with 3 practical and tactical tips for doing just that!
Show Notes:
Intro
Hey there, friend. Welcome to the show. Today, I want to focus on imposter syndrome for a specific reason. As I’ve released podcast episodes, and then created Pinterest pins for each episode, I’ve noticed a trend. My episodes that focus on confidence building are one of the most popular to be pinned by women.
That tells me that building confidence is a real struggle or challenge for my target audience. And imposter syndrome is almost like the opposite side of the same coin.
Most of the time when we talk about confidence building, we think about things that help take us from truly not believing in our competence and abilities…to believing. We’re building ourselves up. And, as we do, we gain more momentum as we move forward.
With imposter syndrome, we feel like a fraud despite being competent or amazing at what we do. Everyone can tell us that we’re amazing, but we just don’t believe it.
And to boot, we feel as if we’re deceiving people. (This goes back to feeling like a fraud and the definition of that word.) So we have this constant anxiety that we’re going to be found out at any moment. That our so-called true colors are going to be revealed and then everything will come crashing down around us.
Imposter syndrome - just like low confidence or self-esteem - cannot come along for the ride if we want to be a Jesus empowered woman. One, because it counters certain Biblical truths (which I’ll touch on here in a moment). Two, because it attacks your sense of worth and value (which are integral parts of who you are). Three, because it keeps you stuck - rooted in fear and anxiety - versus following where Jesus leads. And four, it severely limits your ability to impact others - including through the specific calling God has for you.
Imposter syndrome cannot be a permanent resident in our lives; it has no right to be. So when it pops up, we need a way to counter it and banish it.
And it will probably pop up multiple times in your life. If you’re someone who’s repeatedly moving outside of her comfort zone and leveling-up as Jesus leads, you might deal with this often. If you’re stepping into your God-given calling, this can pop up then too.
Every woman is going to deal with imposter syndrome at some point in her life. It’s a common occurrence. But, that being said, we don’t want it to become a common resident in our lives. We don’t want it to become a common reason for why we stay put when Jesus says, “Follow me.” Or a common reason to stop blossoming into the Jesus empowered woman we long to be.
So when imposter syndrome happens, here are 3 tips you can implement to fight back and stay on track.
1) Root yourself in your identity as a Child of God and a Follower of Christ
There are several things about imposter syndrome that counters Biblical truth - and our identity, which is first and foremost as a Christian and Child of God.
First, as a Christian woman, your value and worth comes from God above all else. From the unconditional, perfect, endless love that He has for you.
Imposter syndrome, however, causes this cycle where your sense of value and worth is determined not by Who you belong to…but how well you think you’re performing or doing. Emphasis on the word “think.” Because imposter syndrome focuses on your perceptions or beliefs. Which, on the onset, doesn’t sound like a bad thing. Except that, as complex fallen humans, our perceptions and mindsets can be affected by any number of things and end up way off base. So rather than your sense of worth and value being firmly planted in the truth of God’s love, it ends up rocking aimlessly back and forth depending on your emotions or thoughts.
Second, God doesn’t call us to be perfect in order to serve the Kingdom and make an impact. Perfectionism is never a requirement. God’s main criteria is a willing and obedient heart.
This means that, if He puts a calling on us, it’s not because we’re perfect. It’s because He’s selected us (for whatever reason) and will therefore equip us to succeed.
Taking that into consideration, then, why would we worry about being adequate enough? Remember - we serve a God who routinely places us in situations where we have no choice but to rely on Him. Because it’s within those situations, and our obedience, that He shows up and shows His glory and character.
There’s not a single person in the Bible that God called because he or she was perfect or perfectly adequate. It’s not about who we are; it’s about who God is.
Sister, if God has called you to something or placed you in a certain situation, then you’re more than adequate through Him. And if the God of the universe is purposefully directing your steps, that’s not being a fraud or an imposter. That’s being an obedient but gutsy Jesus empowered maiden. Which is the exact opposite!
So when imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, get head down in Scripture to remind yourself of who you are - and who God is. Remind yourself that partnering with God means you are more adequate and able than those who walk this earth without Him.
2) Ask yourself: Am I walking in the calling that Jesus has for me?
Sometimes we feel like a fraud or imposter because we’re not actually where we’re supposed to be. Somehow, we end up off track or taking something on that was never meant for us.
This actually happened to me a few years ago. When I first started my business, Relate Escape, I had drifted from the Lord. So it wasn’t based on a calling Jesus had for me (like it is now); nor was it even aligned with my creativity or how I’m wired.
Because I was disconnected from God and doing my own thing, I ended up launching Relate Escape to help online entrepreneurs plan in-person events. Did I have any experience in event planning? No. Did I feel called to do event planning? Nope. Did any part of my story, as a human living on this earth for over 40 years, speak to the importance of events? No.
Event planning was just something I chose after doing some market research. Some aspects appealed to me and aligned with things I believe in - such as gatherings where people have the space for organic conversations and real connection. But it wasn’t something I was supposed to be doing.
So it’s no surprise that I had imposter syndrome. That I felt like a fraud. As I realized later, I had gone down a path that I was never meant to be on. Which is why, as hard as I tried, I could never get the event planning business off the ground. And this was before COVID. I did everything I could to no avail. (Which only fed the imposter syndrome more.)
The Lord eventually spoke to me and told me (and I quote): “Your business is my mission.” Afterward, He had me put the business aside as He brought me back into a close relationship with Him. Once that was accomplished, God had me re-create Relate Escape as the business you see today…where I’m using my story, my journey, to help other women grow into Jesus empowered warriors.
That’s the calling I was meant to answer; that’s the path I was supposed to take. But I got off course. And while I experienced imposter syndrome before, I don’t have that now. Because (a) I’m where I’m supposed to be. And (b) between my God and my journey through life, I’m more than equipped. I know, without a doubt, that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. And I know God will help me accomplish whatever He tasks with me.
So when you’re feeling imposter syndrome, stop and reflect and ensure that you’re where you’re supposed to be. Because sometimes imposter syndrome happens when you are on the right track…but sometimes, it might be because you unintentionally got off track. In other words, it could be an indicator that you’re not exactly where you’re supposed to be.
3) Remember that imposter syndrome is a distraction to the truth and to taking action.
Satan is a master of distraction. It’s one of his favorite tools - especially when he wants to stop us from moving forward with Jesus. And it’s a favorite for good reason. Distractions can be so subtle, we don’t even notice them. We instinctively get so caught up in the thing being used as a distraction that we forget to see the wider picture.
When we’re dealing with imposter syndrome, we get caught up in the fear, anxiety, and endless “What if?” scenarios. We stop in our tracks, wary of moving forward. Or, we convince ourselves that we’re still making progress when, in fact, we’re concentrating on tasks that are more busy work than progress work.
Music to Satan’s ears, right? It really serves his purposes if we suddenly pause on the path with Jesus; start severely questioning our competence, value, worth, and impact; and begin placing fear above our obedience to God.
So we have to always be on the lookout for this tactic. Ask yourself, “When did I start feeling this way or engaging in these thoughts?” Was it around Jesus revealing a task or calling? Also ask yourself, “Are these thoughts and fears really mine? Or have I made them mine by engaging with them? And I need to stop.”
Imposter syndrome can also be something we unintentionally cause ourselves because we have low confidence, low self-esteem, or are carrying wounds or stigmas from our past. For example, maybe growing up your mother put you down in regards to your people skills. So today, even though your colleagues and friends rave about your mad people skills, you’re still seeing yourself through the broken lens of your mother.
So naturally, you question “Who am I?” to lead this new people-focused initiative.
Well, to go back to Tip #1, you’re God’s daughter, His beloved creation, and a follower of Jesus. God created you to have mad people skills; to have that sort of impact. So the issue isn’t around whether to proceed; it’s about surrendering the wounds to Jesus so He can heal you and help you move forward.
Again, this is why it’s so important to base our value and worth from a Biblical place; from real truth. That’s how we maintain our alignment and focus and, via Jesus, find freedom from these things that are holding us back.
So when you’re experiencing imposter syndrome, pause and access. Is the Enemy at work here? Is there something internally that is causing or feeding the imposter syndrome? And if the answer is yes to either of those questions, bring the issue to Jesus in prayer and ask for prayer support from those around you.
Also, access where you currently are and where you need to be. In other words, where you are being distracted from. Where you need to take action to get back on track.
Don’t let yourself be distracted from what Jesus wants for you. Even as you work through the imposter syndrome, move forward. Because moving forward might be an integral part of leaving the imposter syndrome behind. And we can’t always wait for the so-called ideal or perfect conditions before following where Jesus leads. Mostly because things are never perfect!
Wrap-up
But I hope you see now, sister, that imposter syndrome doesn’t - and shouldn't - have a permanent seat on the ride. It also doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stop you from transforming into the amazing, empowered woman that you’re meant to be.
Remember who you belong to - the God of the universe who loves you more than you can ever imagine. Who has deemed you adequate with the call upon you, and will always ensure you succeed. Take care not to meander down paths that aren’t meant for you. And be on the lookout for imposter syndrome as a distraction - whether it’s a tool of the Enemy or something you’ve caused internally due to things like old wounds.
And as always, no matter the area you need help in, take it to Jesus. And make plans to move forward - even if it’s baby steps.
Because sister, you are priceless. And whatever your specific calling is…whatever situation Jesus wants to put you in…you have something that others need…something that can help impact and shape the world.
That’s not an imposter. That’s a freakin’ Wonder Woman. Cheers! Intro
Hey there, friend. Welcome to the show. Today, I want to focus on imposter syndrome for a specific reason. As I’ve released podcast episodes, and then created Pinterest pins for each episode, I’ve noticed a trend. My episodes that focus on confidence building are one of the most popular to be pinned by women.
That tells me that building confidence is a real struggle or challenge for my target audience. And imposter syndrome is almost like the opposite side of the same coin.
Most of the time when we talk about confidence building, we think about things that help take us from truly not believing in our competence and abilities…to believing. We’re building ourselves up. And, as we do, we gain more momentum as we move forward.
With imposter syndrome, we feel like a fraud despite being competent or amazing at what we do. Everyone can tell us that we’re amazing, but we just don’t believe it.
And to boot, we feel as if we’re deceiving people. (This goes back to feeling like a fraud and the definition of that word.) So we have this constant anxiety that we’re going to be found out at any moment. That our so-called true colors are going to be revealed and then everything will come crashing down around us.
Imposter syndrome - just like low confidence or self-esteem - cannot come along for the ride if we want to be a Jesus empowered woman. One, because it counters certain Biblical truths (which I’ll touch on here in a moment). Two, because it attacks your sense of worth and value (which are integral parts of who you are). Three, because it keeps you stuck - rooted in fear and anxiety - versus following where Jesus leads. And four, it severely limits your ability to impact others - including through the specific calling God has for you.
Imposter syndrome cannot be a permanent resident in our lives; it has no right to be. So when it pops up, we need a way to counter it and banish it.
And it will probably pop up multiple times in your life. If you’re someone who’s repeatedly moving outside of her comfort zone and leveling-up as Jesus leads, you might deal with this often. If you’re stepping into your God-given calling, this can pop up then too.
Every woman is going to deal with imposter syndrome at some point in her life. It’s a common occurrence. But, that being said, we don’t want it to become a common resident in our lives. We don’t want it to become a common reason for why we stay put when Jesus says, “Follow me.” Or a common reason to stop blossoming into the Jesus empowered woman we long to be.
So when imposter syndrome happens, here are 3 tips you can implement to fight back and stay on track.
1) Root yourself in your identity as a Child of God and a Follower of Christ
There are several things about imposter syndrome that counters Biblical truth - and our identity, which is first and foremost as a Christian and Child of God.
First, as a Christian woman, your value and worth comes from God above all else. From the unconditional, perfect, endless love that He has for you.
Imposter syndrome, however, causes this cycle where your sense of value and worth is determined not by Who you belong to…but how well you think you’re performing or doing. Emphasis on the word “think.” Because imposter syndrome focuses on your perceptions or beliefs. Which, on the onset, doesn’t sound like a bad thing. Except that, as complex fallen humans, our perceptions and mindsets can be affected by any number of things and end up way off base. So rather than your sense of worth and value being firmly planted in the truth of God’s love, it ends up rocking aimlessly back and forth depending on your emotions or thoughts.
Second, God doesn’t call us to be perfect in order to serve the Kingdom and make an impact. Perfectionism is never a requirement. God’s main criteria is a willing and obedient heart.
This means that, if He puts a calling on us, it’s not because we’re perfect. It’s because He’s selected us (for whatever reason) and will therefore equip us to succeed.
Taking that into consideration, then, why would we worry about being adequate enough? Remember - we serve a God who routinely places us in situations where we have no choice but to rely on Him. Because it’s within those situations, and our obedience, that He shows up and shows His glory and character.
There’s not a single person in the Bible that God called because he or she was perfect or perfectly adequate. It’s not about who we are; it’s about who God is.
Sister, if God has called you to something or placed you in a certain situation, then you’re more than adequate through Him. And if the God of the universe is purposefully directing your steps, that’s not being a fraud or an imposter. That’s being an obedient but gutsy Jesus empowered maiden. Which is the exact opposite!
So when imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, get head down in Scripture to remind yourself of who you are - and who God is. Remind yourself that partnering with God means you are more adequate and able than those who walk this earth without Him.
2) Ask yourself: Am I walking in the calling that Jesus has for me?
Sometimes we feel like a fraud or imposter because we’re not actually where we’re supposed to be. Somehow, we end up off track or taking something on that was never meant for us.
This actually happened to me a few years ago. When I first started my business, Relate Escape, I had drifted from the Lord. So it wasn’t based on a calling Jesus had for me (like it is now); nor was it even aligned with my creativity or how I’m wired.
Because I was disconnected from God and doing my own thing, I ended up launching Relate Escape to help online entrepreneurs plan in-person events. Did I have any experience in event planning? No. Did I feel called to do event planning? Nope. Did any part of my story, as a human living on this earth for over 40 years, speak to the importance of events? No.
Event planning was just something I chose after doing some market research. Some aspects appealed to me and aligned with things I believe in - such as gatherings where people have the space for organic conversations and real connection. But it wasn’t something I was supposed to be doing.
So it’s no surprise that I had imposter syndrome. That I felt like a fraud. As I realized later, I had gone down a path that I was never meant to be on. Which is why, as hard as I tried, I could never get the event planning business off the ground. And this was before COVID. I did everything I could to no avail. (Which only fed the imposter syndrome more.)
The Lord eventually spoke to me and told me (and I quote): “Your business is my mission.” Afterward, He had me put the business aside as He brought me back into a close relationship with Him. Once that was accomplished, God had me re-create Relate Escape as the business you see today…where I’m using my story, my journey, to help other women grow into Jesus empowered warriors.
That’s the calling I was meant to answer; that’s the path I was supposed to take. But I got off course. And while I experienced imposter syndrome before, I don’t have that now. Because (a) I’m where I’m supposed to be. And (b) between my God and my journey through life, I’m more than equipped. I know, without a doubt, that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. And I know God will help me accomplish whatever He tasks with me.
So when you’re feeling imposter syndrome, stop and reflect and ensure that you’re where you’re supposed to be. Because sometimes imposter syndrome happens when you are on the right track…but sometimes, it might be because you unintentionally got off track. In other words, it could be an indicator that you’re not exactly where you’re supposed to be.
3) Remember that imposter syndrome is a distraction to the truth and to taking action.
Satan is a master of distraction. It’s one of his favorite tools - especially when he wants to stop us from moving forward with Jesus. And it’s a favorite for good reason. Distractions can be so subtle, we don’t even notice them. We instinctively get so caught up in the thing being used as a distraction that we forget to see the wider picture.
When we’re dealing with imposter syndrome, we get caught up in the fear, anxiety, and endless “What if?” scenarios. We stop in our tracks, wary of moving forward. Or, we convince ourselves that we’re still making progress when, in fact, we’re concentrating on tasks that are more busy work than progress work.
Music to Satan’s ears, right? It really serves his purposes if we suddenly pause on the path with Jesus; start severely questioning our competence, value, worth, and impact; and begin placing fear above our obedience to God.
So we have to always be on the lookout for this tactic. Ask yourself, “When did I start feeling this way or engaging in these thoughts?” Was it around Jesus revealing a task or calling? Also ask yourself, “Are these thoughts and fears really mine? Or have I made them mine by engaging with them? And I need to stop.”
Imposter syndrome can also be something we unintentionally cause ourselves because we have low confidence, low self-esteem, or are carrying wounds or stigmas from our past. For example, maybe growing up your mother put you down in regards to your people skills. So today, even though your colleagues and friends rave about your mad people skills, you’re still seeing yourself through the broken lens of your mother.
So naturally, you question “Who am I?” to lead this new people-focused initiative.
Well, to go back to Tip #1, you’re God’s daughter, His beloved creation, and a follower of Jesus. God created you to have mad people skills; to have that sort of impact. So the issue isn’t around whether to proceed; it’s about surrendering the wounds to Jesus so He can heal you and help you move forward.
Again, this is why it’s so important to base our value and worth from a Biblical place; from real truth. That’s how we maintain our alignment and focus and, via Jesus, find freedom from these things that are holding us back.
So when you’re experiencing imposter syndrome, pause and access. Is the Enemy at work here? Is there something internally that is causing or feeding the imposter syndrome? And if the answer is yes to either of those questions, bring the issue to Jesus in prayer and ask for prayer support from those around you.
Also, access where you currently are and where you need to be. In other words, where you are being distracted from. Where you need to take action to get back on track.
Don’t let yourself be distracted from what Jesus wants for you. Even as you work through the imposter syndrome, move forward. Because moving forward might be an integral part of leaving the imposter syndrome behind. And we can’t always wait for the so-called ideal or perfect conditions before following where Jesus leads. Mostly because things are never perfect!
Wrap-up
But I hope you see now, sister, that imposter syndrome doesn’t - and shouldn't - have a permanent seat on the ride. It also doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stop you from transforming into the amazing, empowered woman that you’re meant to be.
Remember who you belong to - the God of the universe who loves you more than you can ever imagine. Who has deemed you adequate with the call upon you, and will always ensure you succeed. Take care not to meander down paths that aren’t meant for you. And be on the lookout for imposter syndrome as a distraction - whether it’s a tool of the Enemy or something you’ve caused internally due to things like old wounds.
And as always, no matter the area you need help in, take it to Jesus. And make plans to move forward - even if it’s baby steps.
Because sister, you are priceless. And whatever your specific calling is…whatever situation Jesus wants to put you in…you have something that others need…something that can help impact and shape the world.
That’s not an imposter. That’s a freakin’ Wonder Woman. Cheers!