Guest Blog by Morgan Klefeker

Have you ever felt like a fraud in your own position? Unqualified, unprepared, underdeveloped? Like if anyone really truly found out your capabilities or lack thereof, you would be booted out?

There is a psychological explanation for this feeling: Imposter Syndrome. This universal feeling undercuts the most talented, experienced, and capable people in and outside of the workforce. And it’s a lie.This phenomenon of self-doubt has led to many struggling with anxiety and depression. In his book Abba’s Child, Brennan Manning says this: “Imposters are preoccupied with acceptance and approval. Because of their suffocating need to please others, they cannot say no with the same confidence with which they say yes. And so they overextend themselves in people, projects and causes, motivated not by personal commitment but by the fear of not living up to others' expectations” (30).

According to Valerie Young, an expert on Imposter Syndrome and author of The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, there are five different manifestations of Imposter Syndrome: the Perfectionist, the Expert, the Natural Genius, the Soloist, and the Superman or Superwomen. 

The Perfectionist: sets impossible standards and doubts their own abilities or worth when they are unable to meet them

• Do you have difficulty delegating to others? Are you a micromanager?

The Expert: worth is based on their knowledge about their position or field

• Are you afraid of asking questions or saying “I don’t know?”

The Natural Genius: believe that their worth is based on how quickly they can pick something up

• Do you avoid challenges if you know it’s something you won’t immediately excel at?

The Soloist: refuse help because they believe it shows incompetence

• Are you afraid or ashamed of asking for help?

The Superwoman: overload themselves with too many tasks in order to feel like they measure up

• Is it difficult for you to say no to more tasks even when you have hit your limits? Do you find it difficult to rest because of all the work you “have to do”?

If you relate to any of the above, you have experienced Imposter Syndrome. Ultimately, Imposter Syndrome is a lie that people come to believe. They tie their worth to their achievement. The truth is that you are a child of God, perfectly loved before you even had the opportunity to do something perfect. You have nothing to prove, nothing to hide, nothing to lose.

God is our true and ultimate source, not our own striving or abilities.

Here are a couple of practical ways to combat Imposter Syndrome:

1. Reflect on what lie or manifestation of Imposter Syndrome you might struggle with. Do those feelings of inadequacy get in the way of your calling?

2. Now, Invite the Holy Spirit to speak the truth into this lie. If you feel inadequate, talentless, stupid, or weak, ask God to show you the truth and speak over you. (John 14:6; John 8:32; John 16:13)

3. Be vulnerable and bring a trusted friend or coworker into the conversation. Vulnerability brings light to the darkest places and builds bridges between the largest gaps. It is not weakness, it is strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; James 5:16; Galatians 6:2).

4. Thank God. Insecurity and Imposter Syndrome in extension, robs your opportunities to thank and praise God for all He has done in your life and through you. Take time to thank God for your accomplishments and position, knowing that He is the true source. (2 Corinthians 4:7; Psalm 29; Daniel 2:23).

References:

Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978) The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: theory, research, and practice, 15(3), 241-247. https://mpowir.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Download-IP-in-High-Achieving-Women.pdf

Manning, B. (1994). Abba’s child: The cry of the heart for intimate belonging. NavPress Publishing Group.

Weir, K. (2013). Feel like a fraud? gradPSYCH Magazine. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2013/11/fraud

Wilding, M. J. (2021). 5 Different types of imposter syndrome: and 5 ways to battle each one. The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-different-types-of-imposter-syndrome-and-5-ways-to-battle-each-one