Battling Imposter Syndrome with The Power of Affirmations
September 2024 | Lisa Marie Ardner
Young Woman smiling in the mirror
Battling Imposter Syndrome: Turning “That Voice” Into a Tool for Growth
Battling Imposter Syndrome is a journey—a deeply personal one—and I’m walking it too. Along the way, I’ve discovered something powerful: we all have an internal resource that’s available anytime. This tool can boost confidence, strengthen relationships, and enhance satisfaction at work and in life. Let’s talk about it.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite your achievements. It often whispers:
Who do you think you are?”
“You’re not good enough.”
“If people really knew you…”
I call it “that voice.” It’s loud. It's harsh. And it can sabotage our confidence and joy.
🎬 A Lesson from Tall Girl
Watching Tall Girl with my granddaughter reminded me: we all carry something that makes us feel “less than.” But how we speak to ourselves matters. Jodi’s story mirrors mine—and maybe yours too. The movie taught me: when we bring our struggles into the light, they lose power. Watch the movie trailer.
"There’s no worse bully than the one you create in your head."
— Tall Girl 2 (2022)
This inner critic is rooted in fear, and it’s far more common than you think. According to the International Journal of Behavioral Science, over 70% of people experience workplace-related imposter thoughts (Cascio et al., 2016).
A Personal Discovery: Affirmations Are a Superpower
Affirmations helped me shift my mindset. They helped me confront “that voice” with truth, compassion, and courage. And I want to share how.
🌱 What Are Affirmations?
Affirmations are intentional statements that highlight strengths, values, and efforts. They restore self-competence, reinforce identity, and activate the brain’s reward system (Cascio et al., 2016).
Affirmations aren’t empty praise—they’re grounded, meaningful reflections like:
“You showed such perseverance today.”
“You have a beautiful way of connecting with people.”
“You are worthy and enough—just as you are.”
Rewriting Your Inner Dialogue
When “that voice” shows up, you can counter it by asking:
Is it true?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?
This simple check-in helps you rewrite the story you’re telling yourself.
Affirmations and Motivational Interviewing (MI)
In MI, affirmations are a vital tool. They:
✅ Build engagement
✅ Reflect strengths and values
✅ Restore hope and motivation
Bill Miller, the founder of MI, says people are the undisputed experts on themselves. Affirmations honor that truth. They help us focus on what’s strong, not what’s wrong.
a small stone on dragonfly tablecloth
My “Stone of Remembrance”
One day, I tripped and fell outside work. My first reaction? Harsh criticism. But then something shifted. I saw myself through the eyes of compassion—like an aerial view of someone I loved deeply. That moment changed everything.
Later, I found a small stone where I had fallen. I picked it up. That stone became a reminder of grace, of truth, of love for myself. My stone of remembrance!
Don’t Dim Your Light: Comparison Steals Our Joy
Comparison is the thief of joy. When we compare our insides to others’ outsides, imposter syndrome grows stronger. Stop dimming your light. You were made to shine.
3 WAYS to Activate Affirmations:
Mirror Talk – Say something kind to yourself today. (“I am enough.” “I am strong.”)
Accept Compliments – Don’t deflect—just say, “Thank you.”
See & Say – Notice something beautiful in someone else and affirm it out loud.
These tiny acts create powerful change over time. Watch how your confidence, self-worth, and relationships begin to transform.
Imposter syndrome may visit from time to time—but it doesn’t have to win. With affirmations, compassion, and intentional reflection, we can transform that critical voice into a guidepost for growth.
You’re not alone. You’re not a fraud.
You’re learning. You’re growing. You’re enough.
References:
Cascio, C. N., O’Donnell, M. B., Tinney, F. J., Lieberman, M. D., Taylor, S. E., Strecher, V. J., & Falk, E. B. (2016, April). Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation. Social cognitive and affective neuroscience. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4814782/
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change and grow. The Guilford Press.
Sakulku, J., & Alexander, J. (2011). The Imposter Phenomenon. International Journal of Behavioral Science, 6(No.1).
Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Imposter syndrome. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/imposter-syndrome
Important Disclaimer: This blog offers general educational content and is not a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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