Mine tends to show up as why would anyone want to hear from you? Like my voice isn't necessary, that others not only have already said it but have said it better. It keeps me mute and constricted. I literally can't find my voice.
What strikes me about this is the distinction between imposter syndrome as unworthiness versus imposter syndrome as disbelief. I spent more than a decade in clinical nursing, a role that required absolute certainty in the moment, and yet stepping into authorship this year brought exactly that: not ‘I don’t deserve this’ but ‘wait, is this actually for me?’ The early scripts run deep. They don’t always say you are not enough. Sometimes they just say this is not for someone like you.
That moment of “Wow, how did I get here?” hits hard. It’s like getting called into a meeting and realizing you’ve been taking notes for the wrong agenda. Success can feel like a surprise party you didn't know you were invited to.
This is a big purchase indeed. I just got my license 2 years ago and this is my first car. It just feel unreal to me. Like I'm a real adult now. So the permission for me is the internal chatter in my head maybe its the deserving as well. I'm working on it. Sometimes I just sit in it to feel comfortable in it. I really love that car. Thank you for asking !
Something my husband often reminds me is to “look up”. I can get caught up working hard towards my goals, healing, growing, taking one step after another - that I sometimes don’t realize how much progress I’ve made. His gentle reminders help me pause and look up, realizing that it’s time to upgrade who I think I am and what I think I’m capable of.
I spoke with my therapist a few weeks ago about how I don't feel like I deserve the car I paid for and that I feel like I need permission to drive. Weird I know but it feels like a form of imposter syndrome not feeling like I belong on the road with other drivers. I'm working on my confidence, working to improve my driving skills. So for me it shows up as disbelief.
hmmm, stimulating question here, feel like you don't deserve and need permission. Where do these thoughts stem from for you? Not to shift off of what you're sharing but that's a big purchase friend, congrats to you!
When imposter syndrome hits, I feel unprepared, and then I over-prepare. I have a recurring dream about a large audience waiting for me, and I keep getting pulled away by other responsibilities. Eventually they all leave and I never get to them.
Good question. It feels like a recurring moment of missed opportunity. Often there’s a maze of rooms and I’m unfathomably late and the people start to leave. But some stay, and I feel such regret and frustration that I can’t overcome the obstacles and get there to teach them. Like I have sacrificed my career in that one moment. But there’s something else needing my attention. Usually it’s a 1-1 situation I feel called to help with. And so the class gets postponed until it’s too late. It never happens. Or it starts but never finishes. Or someone else jumps in to teach it.
When have these thoughts, I believe God opens my eyes to see what I uniquely bring to the table. That usually helps me arrest imposter syndrome in its tracks.
I am very proud to see you expand your reach. The light within us allows us to be seen, even by people we didn’t know were looking our way.
Wow! Until recently, I never identified as having Imposter Syndrome but in reality, there were situations where I definitely experienced it.
Thanks for sharing your truth. Your so deserving of your flowers, and to be where you are and your upcoming event with former madame vice president Kamala Harris. Embrace it, it's yours.
uesday, March 3, 2026 is day 62 week 10. 303 days remain in 2026. Thank you Nedra Wisdom doesn’t demand you to be stronger. It asks you to be honest, and in some cases, it invites you to stop turning your needs into a private burden.
“Sometimes our early programming places limits on how far we believe we can go in the game of life” - this is so true; these early scripts quietly shape how far we let ourselves go in life, not because we lack ability, but because some old belief whispers “This isn’t for you or you’re not good enough for this” making growth feel oh so uncomfortable. Great article Nedra, I found it very introspective 🙌
Hey Nedra,
This was an eye opener. I think the version of Imposter Syndrome that I experience is feeling unprepared.
As I read, I realised its the reason I haven't pitched myself as a guest for the podcasts I know I would be a fitting guest. Yikes!
Will I do it? We will find out.
With an oversharing heart,
Nobuhle
Mine tends to show up as why would anyone want to hear from you? Like my voice isn't necessary, that others not only have already said it but have said it better. It keeps me mute and constricted. I literally can't find my voice.
What strikes me about this is the distinction between imposter syndrome as unworthiness versus imposter syndrome as disbelief. I spent more than a decade in clinical nursing, a role that required absolute certainty in the moment, and yet stepping into authorship this year brought exactly that: not ‘I don’t deserve this’ but ‘wait, is this actually for me?’ The early scripts run deep. They don’t always say you are not enough. Sometimes they just say this is not for someone like you.
Yes!!! 🙌🏽 I HAVE WORKED HARD and I’ve EARNED WHAT I HAVE!!
That moment of “Wow, how did I get here?” hits hard. It’s like getting called into a meeting and realizing you’ve been taking notes for the wrong agenda. Success can feel like a surprise party you didn't know you were invited to.
This is a big purchase indeed. I just got my license 2 years ago and this is my first car. It just feel unreal to me. Like I'm a real adult now. So the permission for me is the internal chatter in my head maybe its the deserving as well. I'm working on it. Sometimes I just sit in it to feel comfortable in it. I really love that car. Thank you for asking !
Something my husband often reminds me is to “look up”. I can get caught up working hard towards my goals, healing, growing, taking one step after another - that I sometimes don’t realize how much progress I’ve made. His gentle reminders help me pause and look up, realizing that it’s time to upgrade who I think I am and what I think I’m capable of.
I spoke with my therapist a few weeks ago about how I don't feel like I deserve the car I paid for and that I feel like I need permission to drive. Weird I know but it feels like a form of imposter syndrome not feeling like I belong on the road with other drivers. I'm working on my confidence, working to improve my driving skills. So for me it shows up as disbelief.
hmmm, stimulating question here, feel like you don't deserve and need permission. Where do these thoughts stem from for you? Not to shift off of what you're sharing but that's a big purchase friend, congrats to you!
You are where you need to be Dr. Tawwab.
You most certainly deserve to be in Kamala Harris’s orbit! So glad you accepted. Excited to hear your experiences. You Go Girl!
When imposter syndrome hits, I feel unprepared, and then I over-prepare. I have a recurring dream about a large audience waiting for me, and I keep getting pulled away by other responsibilities. Eventually they all leave and I never get to them.
What's your interpretation of this dream?
Good question. It feels like a recurring moment of missed opportunity. Often there’s a maze of rooms and I’m unfathomably late and the people start to leave. But some stay, and I feel such regret and frustration that I can’t overcome the obstacles and get there to teach them. Like I have sacrificed my career in that one moment. But there’s something else needing my attention. Usually it’s a 1-1 situation I feel called to help with. And so the class gets postponed until it’s too late. It never happens. Or it starts but never finishes. Or someone else jumps in to teach it.
When have these thoughts, I believe God opens my eyes to see what I uniquely bring to the table. That usually helps me arrest imposter syndrome in its tracks.
I am very proud to see you expand your reach. The light within us allows us to be seen, even by people we didn’t know were looking our way.
congratulations!!! so excited for this news!!
Wow! Until recently, I never identified as having Imposter Syndrome but in reality, there were situations where I definitely experienced it.
Thanks for sharing your truth. Your so deserving of your flowers, and to be where you are and your upcoming event with former madame vice president Kamala Harris. Embrace it, it's yours.
uesday, March 3, 2026 is day 62 week 10. 303 days remain in 2026. Thank you Nedra Wisdom doesn’t demand you to be stronger. It asks you to be honest, and in some cases, it invites you to stop turning your needs into a private burden.
“Sometimes our early programming places limits on how far we believe we can go in the game of life” - this is so true; these early scripts quietly shape how far we let ourselves go in life, not because we lack ability, but because some old belief whispers “This isn’t for you or you’re not good enough for this” making growth feel oh so uncomfortable. Great article Nedra, I found it very introspective 🙌
I can so relate to this! "Who do you think you are" was a constant message growing up to keep me in my place.
"Who do you think you are" is a reflection of what "they" think "they" aren't.