Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever worked your tail off to reach a certain place, only to freeze when you finally got there? Suddenly a voice tells you you’re not worthy.
Ah, the classic “imposter syndrome”. Don’t listen to it - listen to this poem instead.
Please excuse the gendered language in this poem; the message is meant for all people :)
Imposter Princess
Don’t you give up now, baby girl!
You’ve got the world on your side
and when that imposter voice pipes up
remember all the tears you had cried
begging to arrive
at the grand palace entry way
which now you face
But instead of going in
you so nervously pace
Maybe it's easier to chase
than it is to seize
like a puppy with a rabbit
all you think to do is freeze
Because your excuses have expired
you're at the point of no return
But you don’t want to go back, baby girl
Remember your old world?
and that uneasy heartfelt sense
that there must be something more?
Darling, this is it:
you're standing at the door
Yet you’re terrified
of what's inside
What if there's no soft space to hide?
The throne looks shiny from afar,
but what if the seat is hard?
What if it's lonely at the top and…
Girl, you had better stop
with foolish defenses
that keep you playing small
Your destiny is ringing
and you had better take the call
Don't be afraid of your own gifts,
even Elsa got a grip!
Why suppress your own power?
Why lay low in a high tower?
You wouldn't have been brought here
if you weren't welcome in
but go ahead
enjoy the porch
until you're ready to begin
No one’s going to force you -
we all just want to see you win
But that door knob can be turned
by your hand alone
and you have the strength to do it
please may that be known!
It's not a strength of force -
you don’t have to push or pound or punch
Give a self-assured turn
and darling…I have a hunch
that the weight will be lifted
the knob will twist with ease
the door gently glided open by the warmest breeze
of majestic angel wings
You're taken aback by the dazzling glow
but quickly your eyes adjust
Automatically you elevate,
All you feel is trust
in yourself
in the world
in your path, baby girl
You never needed to be afraid
of being blinded by the light
because you’ve got the world on your side
and your future is bright
POWER MOVE: Write a list of all the qualities you love most in yourself.
Tip: Don’t hold back! Try to think of any nice thing anyone has ever said about you, and write it down.