If you have ever felt like:

• You don’t deserve the success you’ve achieved,
• You’re just pretending to be competent at what you do,
• That one day everyone will discover you’re a fraud…

you are not alone.

Some of the most successful people in the world have experienced imposter syndrome—the nagging belief that we’re not as capable or as talented as people think we are.

This problem is even more prevalent in women, and in African-American women especially. The media so seldom shows representation of us in the circles of success, it’s easy to forget how incredibly powerful and phenomenal we are.

Psalm 139:14 “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Here’s the truth: You are worthy. You are capable. You are deserving. Your accomplishments are amazing and praise-worthy. You are gifted and made in God’s image.

It is time, and more than time, to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace your true worth.

A Few Tips on How to Remember Your Worth

• Keep a List of Your Achievements: Every time you meet a goal, big or small, add it to a list of wins. Whenever you start to feel you aren’t as good as you think you are, take it out and read it. You are where you are today because of your actions – take the time to acknowledge them!

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you start doubting yourself, or holding yourself back because you don’t feel good enough, challenge those negative thoughts with positive affirmations that you believe in. You think you don’t know enough to do it? Remind yourself that “I have learned so much in the past, and every day is a chance to learn something new.” You’re intimidated by your audience? Remember “I can learn something from everyone, and they can learn something from me.” Think you’re just not good enough? Remind yourself that, “I am good at what I do, and I am getting better.” Train your mind to focus on your strengths rather than shortcomings that don’t exist.

• Look for Support and Validation: Your friends and family love you and know that you’re amazing. Your mentors and colleagues have seen what you can do. Ask them for help! Surround yourself with a supportive network that believes in you and your abilities.

• Remember that Failure is a Step to Success: Failure is a natural, and very uncomfortable, part of the learning process. Mistakes are not signs of incompetence – they are opportunities for growth and improvement. Learn from them, and use them as a tool to create your success.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as well as you treat those you love. Give yourself the same kindness and compassion you would give to a friend. You deserve it as much as they do.

Finally…

Imposter syndrome is an extremely common experience. Too often, we temporarily lose our memories, and we forget all the incredible things we have done. However, you can overcome it. Remember what I said at the beginning of this post: You are worthy. You are capable. You are deserving. Your accomplishments are amazing and praise-worthy.

Now, go out there and shine, knowing that you are enough, and that you belong here!

And remember what Michelle Obama said:

I have been at probably every powerful table that you can think of, I have worked at non-profits, I have been at foundations, I have worked in corporations, served on corporate boards, I have been at G-summits, I have sat in at the UN; they are not that smart.