Overcoming Superwoman Type Impostor Syndrome
You’ve worked hard, now own your worth and overcome the superwoman type impostor syndrome. We all have moments of self-doubt, but for many high-achieving Black women, feelings of being an impostor can hold us back from reaching our full potential. Impostor syndrome causes capable, successful women to believe they don’t truly deserve their accomplishments. Despite external proof of our talents, hard work, and worth, we discount our achievements. We spend countless hours at work, fearing being exposed as a fraud.
As Black women pursuing ambitious career goals, we face unique pressures that can increase impostor syndrome. Along with gender and racial bias in the workplace, we’re often held to unrealistic standards of having to “do it all” — successfully balancing career, family, and community obligations. The superwoman myth leaves little room for struggle or vulnerability.
The good news is that by understanding impostor syndrome, cultivating self-compassion, and embracing community, we can move past self-doubt and confidently command the careers we’ve worked so hard for.
The Origins of Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome often starts early in life and can be triggered by various factors:
● Being part of an underrepresented minority in school or work environments
● Feedback that makes achievements seem like “luck” rather than earned success
● Fear of making mistakes or confirmation of racial or gender stereotypes
● Pressure to exceed expectations to prove our worth of just being
These experiences can create the false belief that we’ve somehow slipped through the cracks or fooled people into overestimating our abilities.
In reality, impostor syndrome likely persists because as Black women we often:
● Minimize evidence of our skills and success and maximize shortcomings (many times to make others around us feel comfortable)
● Attribute achievements to external factors rather than internal talents (as kids we’re often told not to shine and make others feel bad)
● Set exceedingly high expectations and dismiss praise
The Real Impact for Black Working Women
Unchecked, impostor syndrome can seriously hinder your career advancement. Here are common issues professional Black women face:
● Turning down leadership roles or new challenges due to self-doubt
● Failing to put ourselves forward for promotions or raises
● Extreme perfectionism that hinders productivity out of fear of mistakes
● Allowing unfair criticism or constructive feedback to reinforce impostor feelings
● Exhaustion and burnout from overworking to continually prove ourselves (following the outdated advice “you need to work twice as hard to been as acceptable)
These patterns can stem from the pressure Black women feel to work twice as hard to defeat stereotypes of laziness or incompetence. The drive to exceed expectations also reflects on our communities, which often rely on our success to open doors for future generations.
While admirable, the “superwoman” expectation sets an impossible bar — we’re only human. Without support systems to fall back on when we inevitably stumble on the climb upwards, impostor syndrome goes unchecked. Read about more about the signs you have the superwoman imposter here in my blog, 5 Signs You Have the Superwoman Type Impostor Syndrome.
Build Self-Confidence Through Self-Care
Refocusing how we care for ourselves is key to overcoming impostor syndrome. Here are impactful self-care strategies busy Black women can adopt:
● Set strategic boundaries at work — protect time for rejuvenation
● Identify and plan enjoyable activities unrelated to daily responsibilities
● Practice positive self-talk to counter feelings of fraudulence
● Celebrate small wins; share achievements with a supportive community
● Forgive mistakes and reframe failures as learning opportunities
● Seek and soak up genuine external praise from colleagues and loved ones
While easier said than done, when you adjust extreme internal expectations, you actually free up mental space previously occupied by constant self-criticism. And avoid catastrophic thinking. Getting comfortable embracing our talents as well as our imperfections builds confidence to take career risks.
Leverage Community + Mentorship
Impostor syndrome often stems from lack of visible role models thriving in their careers. Connecting with fellow Black women provides a nurturing space to share common experiences. It help us realize we’re not alone in self-doubt. We can also get tips for success from seasoned mentors.
Owning Our Worth, Forging Our Path
Impostor syndrome is real, and a common roadblock even high-achievers contend with. But it doesn’t have to define or deter us. Understanding typical thought cycles allows us to catch, then counter self-limiting stories we tell ourselves.
Cultivating fierce self-compassion empowers Black women to celebrate our talents as much as the tireless work ethic driving our success. Support systems provide safe spaces to unravel notions of superwoman perfectionism.
Standing confidently in our worth opens the door to incredible career opportunities our younger selves may not have imagined possible. So take up space unapologetically. Pursue that promotion. Chair the meeting. Apply for leadership roles without overthinking it. ( And be sure to also pursue self-care as ambitiously as you seek career success!)
You belong where you are — don’t let impostor syndrome make you feel otherwise. Recognize the fortunate position you’re in to blaze trails for the Black girls following behind you. Then pay it forward by mentoring, advocating for diversity in hiring practices, and calling out racial/gender bias when you witness it.
Our collective power can inspire systemic change — as more workplaces reflect the rich diversity of talent women of color offer.
With resilient sisterhood and self-care, we can transform self-doubt into fuel propelling us confidently towards our purpose. Now claim that seat at the table — and know that you absolutely deserve to be there!
Take the Next Step: Join Our Career Confidence Community
If impostor syndrome is holding you back from career advancement, know that you don’t have to overcome it alone. Join our Power & Principles: Confidently Command Your Career (without compromising your values or personal life) coaching program. Culturally sensitive coaching built to empower professional Black women ready to confidently step into their worth and lead.
Through personalized sessions, you’ll gain the tools to transform self-limiting thoughts into fuel to propel you closer to your goals. Our sisterhood of ambitious, successful women provides a safe space to unravel notions of perfectionism as we celebrate each other’s wins and growth.
With coaching that empowers you to build resilience, anything is possible. You already have the talent and drive — now get the specialized support needed to advance confidently. This program also helps you create sustainable work-life balance, so you don’t have to choose between career success and self-care.
Claim your seat at the table, backed by the Power & Principles coaching cheering you on. Let’s transform self-doubt into career confidence together! Connect with Dr. Twanna, and claim your FREE 30-Minute Career Solution Consultation.
Learn the Truth by Watching My Video
Want to go deeper into understanding and overcoming impostor syndrome? Be sure to check out my latest YouTube video, “The Hidden Truth About Superwoman Impostor Syndrome.”
In this empowering video, I peel back the layers on why capable Black women often struggle with fraudulent feelings. You’ll gain research-backed insight on the origins of impostor syndrome and how external pressures feed self-doubt.
Twanna Carter, PhD, ICF/PCC, Career Coach for Black Women Leaders | 20+ Years of Experience Helping Women Achieve Their Career Goals | Leadership | Personal Development | Business Strategy | Career Development | Lifestyle Balance | Digital Business Card | Free 30-Minute Career Solution Call
