Missed Part 1? Start reading here.
Nonprofit jobs are essential to society’s well-being, and demand for our services has never been greater. If we aren’t successful, people will die. Literally. Nonprofit professionals are often passion-driven and the stakes are high. This explosive combination means that most of us work in a pressure cooker.
A lot of people worry that they aren't doing enough, aren't knowledgeable enough, or simply aren't the right person for the job. This is exacerbated by the sector's nature where resources are limited, and success can be hard to measure. Then there is the harsh reality that our work is often misunderstood and under-resourced and we are expected to be martyrs for our cause.
Imposter syndrome can be influenced by social and cultural factors that shape the brain's perception of success and self-worth. For example, community expectations and stereotypes can lead individuals to doubt themselves even when they are highly capable. This all can culminate in a poverty mindset. By tackling feelings of inadequacy in ourselves, and our organizations, we can shift toward an abundance mindset. This change is transformative and essential. We will get into how to help our teams and organizations in part three of this series. Let’s begin with things you can do now for yourself.
Change the narrative
Look at the data. What are the facts? It’s quite common that when people get a promotion or new job with increased responsibilities, they may feel overwhelmed and incapable. In this scenario, think about the person who hired them. Is that person capable? Do they know what they’re doing? Was your experience and accomplishments accurately represented? Yes? Then, you are perfectly qualified for the job. Data doesn’t lie. It just is. Check the facts and remind yourself of all that you have accomplished and how far you have come. Make a list and pin it to the wall if you have to.
Break the silence. You are not alone. By sharing our lived experiences, we open the door for others to do the same. By admitting that many of us have feelings of inadequacy, we create a culture where it’s okay to be human and build authentic, supportive and trusting relationships. This has the potential to shift the entire culture of your organization.
Create a support network. From the outside, Mimosa and I have a lot of differences. We didn’t realize until we moved beyond small talk, how much in common we actually have. Our differences are our strengths and we can support each other to confidently move forward and tackle new challenges.
We can also be there for each other when we are feeling “less than.” The reality is that every time you “level up” it’s going to be scary. Having a colleague to lean on can offer you strength to stretch yourself.
Call on self-compassion. Talk to yourself like you would a friend. It’s normal for us to look in the mirror and reinforce negative thoughts. We say things to ourselves that we would NEVER say to people we care about. You deserve better than that. Be your own biggest champion. Remember the brain is being rewired. I remember twenty-eight years ago when I was pregnant with my first child and my body was changing into something unrecognizable. I literally had to put a sign on my mirror that said “Your body is strong, capable and beautiful.” That daily reminder really helped me see my pregnant body as strong, capable and beautiful. Affirmations work. What messages do you need to reframe? Perhaps a sign on your mirror or the back of your door could serve as a daily reminder until that prefrontal cortex starts doing a better job.
Write it down. The practice of journaling is invaluable for a lot of reasons. By writing our thoughts down we release them from our body. We are then able to look at them more subjectively. Only then will you be able to get a very clear idea of how off the charts that amygdala is, and take steps to reinforce more positive self-talk.
Stop comparing. We never really know what other people are thinking or going through, particularly in this era of social media where folks are posting highlight reels of their lives. Remember, you don’t have all the data to make an informed analysis. Inaccurate comparisons of yourself to colleagues can take you down a negative rabbit hole of jealousy, resentment, low self-esteem, loss of motivation and unhealthy competition. You deserve better than that! By focusing on your own journey and growth you will foster more authentic supportive relationships, have higher self-esteem and contribute to a more positive culture in your organization where you celebrate each other's success. A high tide floats all boats!
Conclusion
Imposter syndrome is real, common and if not addressed can lead to a negative spiral and a poverty mindset. The neuroscience of imposter syndrome shows that it is the result of a complex interplay of brain regions and social influences. Understanding these processes can help combat imposter syndrome and cultivate more confidence, leading to an abundance mindset and ultimately a successful life at work and at home.
You have control over how to manage your feelings of incompetence and unworthiness. With a little effort and possibly external support from a mentor, friend or leadership coach, you can rewrite the narrative in your head and confidently step forward to rise to the new challenges in front of you.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?" - Marianne Williamson
In Part 3—Actionable things you can do to change the narrative and cultivate more confidence.
Kimberley Mackenzie, CPCC, ACC is a leadership coach working with charity executives to get transformative results for themselves and their teams. A charity executive for 22 years, Kimberley built a six-figure consultancy and held her CFRE for 17 years until she was certified by the International Coaching Federation as an Associate Certified Coach and by the Co-Active Training Institute as a Certified Co-Active Professional Coach. She is the former editor for Charity eNews, and an AFP Master Trainer and Group Facilitator. She participated on Rogare’s think tank reviewing Relationship Fundraising and was a driving force in the early days of SOFII.org. Contact Kimberley at k@kimberleymackenzie.ca or follow her on Instagram @kimberleycanada.
Mimosa Kabir Ketley is a dynamic, creative fundraiser with an established track record as a strategic and results-oriented champion of the nonprofit sector. With a career background ranging from libraries to theatres, international aid to science, Mimosa brings a broad, holistic perspective to industry issues. She has extensive experience growing revenue through major gifts, individual giving, special events and sponsorship. Email Mimosa, mimosa.k@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimosakabir/.
