I’ve been so focused on blogging more and fitting this whole persona I’ve created in my mind that I haven’t been able to show up like I want to. Sound familiar? As you may have guessed by the title, I want to hop into Imposter Syndrome briefly. If you do not know what it is, the National Library of Medicine defines it as “a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals.”

Before we jump into it though, let’s check in. How are you? How’s life? How’s your day? What are two good things that you experienced today besides “I woke up”? Share it in the comments below, I’d love to hear about at least one thing that made you smile today.

There are many studies and channels related to the topic but let’s just call Imposter Syndrome out for what it really is. It’s feeling like you don’t belong. Regardless of where you’ve been in life, and what you may or not have experienced, it feels like you are wearing a mask to the world and not showing up as your true self.  I can only put myself on blast, and let me tell you, self has been feeling very imposterish lately.

It’s not like I’m going around lying about who I am or what I’ve done. It just feels like where I’ve been, where I am, and where I want to go do not align. In my life, all I have known is business: learning the topic, studying it, teaching it, and working on it. Yet, I find myself feeling as if I do not have the authority to be what I already am: an entrepreneur.

I look at success stories, proud of what many of these individuals have accomplished, and look at my own life wondering what happened, forgetting that success does not happen overnight. We hear the stories of powerful black women like Oprah and Lisa Nichols and although encouraging, not seeing the full scope of their experience makes anyone wonder if what they speak of ever truly happened. Meaning, did they really have moments of feeling how I feel in this very moment?

Never would I discredit what anyone has gone through, but when Imposter Syndrome hits, it comes in with a bang and makes you question everything. On top of that, I hate to say it, but I have had an individual or two around who have made me question my worth and goals, even though they did not know a thing about what I have gone through in life.

But as I type this, I have to pause and remember who I am. I have come a very long way and I am living the way I have always wanted, a life worth living, even if it does not fully look like my dreams just yet.

As I pour my heart to you in this blog, I realize even more how important it is to be very careful with what we pay attention to, especially when straying from a well-known path. I never knew leaving the rat race would be so challenging, but I look at many individuals, celebrities or not, who are thriving because they took a chance on themselves and pushed till they got to where they are.

I think of one of my clients, one who encouraged me to pursue business as she pursued her own. We always conversed during our shifts with a former employer and always spoke about what we wanted to accomplish and how we were making it happen. She was persecuted every time she went to work, but eventually, she became the boss, having the power to change the work environment and implement the changes she wanted to see.

When I think about all those years ago, I can only remember how she had her challenges staying motivated and not giving up the fight. There was always something or someone trying to keep her in the same position, but her decision to have a better life overpowered all of that. I’m sure she has different and more advanced challenges to face now, but that is only possible because she did not give up and kept going, regardless of the blockages that kept coming her way.

I say all this to say that no, life may not look as desirable right now, and challenges, blockages, procrastination, whatever may be drowning you up to your ears. However, if you persevere, you will see the other side, as it’s waiting for you.

How to get out of the funk of Imposter Syndrome

• Let the uncomfortable feelings flow: This is different for everyone. So journaling helps as a starting point. You can write, record your voice, or make a video, but just start writing or talking. State how you feel. Even if you don’t know what to say or how you feel, say that. Let everything out and throw it away if you feel led to. This helps reduce the pressure and tension you may feel physically and should help you start feeling better and breaking through any mental barriers you may be experiencing.
• Talk with someone you trust: If you are planning on opening up to someone, be sure they are someone who has your best intentions in mind. Let them know if you just want them to listen and/or want some advice. The right person(s) will be there for you.
• Take a shower/bath: Allowing yourself to relax in a bath or shower can work wonders as your body aligns with the vibration of the water.
• Try something new: Take a moment and distract yourself from your thoughts. Sometimes, overthinking and anxiety will seem to have the upper hand, regardless of how long you may have been in the game. Take your mind off of it and be in the moment during something exciting and new.
• Do something you enjoy: In the spirit of the previous recommendation, sometimes you just need to get into something you enjoy. For me, this is going by the water, watching a movie, watching other creators on YouTube, playing the piano, drawing, and painting (even though I don’t know how to do the last two, it’s the thought that counts loll).
• Soak up some sun: Symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency include but are not limited to, depression, no appetite, fatigue, and feeling weak. Imposter Syndrome can be a symptom of not meeting this simple need so getting some Vitamin D can drastically reduce feeling down.
• Listen to motivational audio or videos: There are some great speeches and music on many well-known platforms, I’ll include one I listen to below.
• Meditate: I like to journal and follow up with meditating because it helps me to realign with myself and breathe through any remaining tension and pressure. If you have never tried it, I would love to hear what you have to say after doing it.
• Use a stress ball or fidget spinner: It sounds so simple, but these tools can help work through tension and everything, trust me, they haven’t been popular without reason. They are conduits that take the stress and anxiety away as you use them!
• Use a yoga ball: Getting on a yoga ball can help get rid of kinks in the body while also getting in a good stretch.
• Stretch: If you do not have a yoga ball, it is still possible to get a good stretch. Having a cramped body can play a major role in aches in your muscles and mental state.
• Go for a walk/run: Sometimes a brisk walk or run will help with getting enough endorphins and dopamine to help you get out of a depressive mental state.
• Go to the gym: If walking and running aren’t your thing, going to the gym works wonders. I enjoy the gym because it helps me burn excess energy, keeps me healthy, plays a role in reaching my body goals, and makes me feel good, like really good.  Have you ever heard of a Gym-gasm or a Coregasm? It’s very real.
• Have sex: Since we’re already in the same ballpark, having sex, with or without a partner, can work wonders. This helps release those same hormones that help us feel better. An orgasm a day can help keep IS away. You’ve heard it here first, folks! Just make sure that you are being safe at all times.
• Turn your brain off: While you can not literally turn off your brain, you can turn off the thoughts that are causing you to feel down. Focus on something else, do something on this list, and don’t allow the thoughts to take over. Let them know that they better get it together and head out, like an old boyfriend (or girlfriend).
• Take a nap: Are you getting enough rest? Even if you are, a nap in the day can go a long way (yes, I’m spittin’ rhymes). These are called Siestas and they are cloud nine on a stick. Think: Once you take a Siesta, you can go to a Fiesta!
• Read some affirmations: Find some affirmations online or create your own to target the feelings you have. The thoughts that you are having are normally lies and they need to be replaced with the truth. Whether they are deep-rooted beliefs or the voices of others, they cannot stay.
• Do a release ritual: It can be a combination of the things I’ve mentioned above or anything that comes to you intuitively.
• Get into The Blogs: Here, many topics are covered and more coming, so check don’t forget to subscribe below and check out The Blogs here!

I want to mention that I am NOT  a medical professional of any kind and am simply sharing some things that I do to get out of any funks I may be experiencing. 

There is an endless list of things to do to help you get over Imposter Syndrome. I can continue to list many things to do but understand, as uncomfortable as it may be, feeling like this helps you get over any blockages that can be preventing you from moving forward and thriving on another level. Although the feeling will not last forever, be sure to acknowledge what your mind, body, and spirit are telling you so you can get back to living your best life possible. You are able to surpass any challenges you experience and just know, someone will always be rooting for you, and that person is me. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic below, so please don’t hesitate to share your perspective or feelings on Imposter Syndrome.