Tackling Doubts and Imposter Syndrome

Tackling Doubts and Imposter Syndrome

In the past few days, I felt a notable shift in my mindset. I started experiencing a big surge in self-doubt and negative self-talk, and it was beginning to debilitate me.

Negative Core Beliefs --> I’m not enough
“Nobody cares about this”
“You look stupid”
“You aren’t going to get any likes”

 

After reflecting on this influx of negative feelings I put a name to it, Imposter Syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a belief involving feelings of self-doubt or personal incompetence that persist despite your education, experience, and accomplishments. I realized this was an attack on my self-worth and my mental health. In 1 Peter 5:9 it states, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I had been allowing the enemy to prey on my fear of people’s opinion, instead of concerning myself with God’s opinion. Fear of failure and comparisons were preventing me from doing what God has called me to do. Share His Glory.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the Parable of the Loaned Money. In the parable the master calls his servants forward and entrusts them with his wealth. The master divided the money (talents) according to their abilities. The first two servants went and doubled what they were given. And the master was well pleased. The third however stated, “I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. Here is what belongs to you.” (Matthew 25:25) The Master was obviously upset with the third servant for his fear and inaction. You see God gives us talents and resources according to our abilities and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns. The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use it.

 

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

 

Perseverance means doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. We can persevere because of God’s promise to remain with us, to give us strength and to support us through all things. And with this promise we can release our grip on fear, or rather force fear to release its grip on us. We can hold firm to His promise to be with us to provide help, comfort, power, and strength. So that we can use our talents wisely, so that he is well pleased.

When we experience hardships or “stress stirrers” whether that be bad news, health scares, or in my case an attack on my self-worth we typically respond in two ways.

Option 1: Pot of Pessimism: Dump the bad news and/Fear into a pot of worry. Pull out the spoon, stir in stress, brood, turn on the fire, and mope. This is a recipe for unhappiness and fear.

Or

Option 2: Pot of Prayer: Dump bad news, fear, and stress into the pot of prayer. Rest in the knowledge that, “Nothing comes to me that has not passed through you.” Stir in gratitude and you’ll get peace and protection.

 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 Isaiah 41:10

 

Lord, today I make the decision to choose Option 2. I choose to give worry, grief, and anxiety to you. Give me courage. I choose to use the talents and gifts you have given. I want to please you, Lord. Extend to me your light and truth and let them guide me to a safe place on a mountain where you dwell. Untouchable by all that is negative and dark. For I know you are for me, so who could be against me.

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