Imposter syndrome? There's a prompt for that

One moment, you're excited, bursting with ideas you can't wait to share.

The next, you’re like wtf was I thinking, I'm too late. I missed my moment. I’m not ready yet. I’m going to embarrass myself.

Just me?

I can’t be the only one. So save today’s prompt for whenever imposter syndrome creeps in.

Here goes:

Start by asking ChatGPT something like this:

💡PROMPT: I am experiencing imposter syndrome that is making me not want to put myself and my work out there. I need you to help me identify the specific negative thoughts I have about my abilities as a creative entrepreneur. Please ask me detailed questions about my self-perception, recent challenges, and any recurring thoughts of inadequacy. Then, summarize the main negative beliefs I hold. Please ask questions one at a time.

ChatGPT will ask you a series of questions. Add as much detail as possible. (And for goodness sake, don’t try to make it perfect or clean. Just get the thoughts out of your head.)

Once I finished, here’s what the summary of my main negative beliefs looked like:

Sheesh. Hits different when someone else lays it out 🙃 

Before you continue the conversation, have ChatGPT identify what systemic factors are at play:

💡PROMPT: I am ready to work on strategies. Before we do, I'd like you to analyze how my negative thoughts and feelings of imposter syndrome might be influenced by systemic factors such as patriarchy, social constructs, racism, sexism, ableism, and capitalism. Please consider how my identity, experiences, and social expectations may have been shaped by these factors. Ask whatever questions you need, one at a time, before proceeding. Point out connections between these influences and the specific negative thoughts I’ve shared, and help me understand how these external forces might be contributing to my self-doubt. After identifying these connections, offer strategies to challenge and overcome these systemic influences in my thinking.

Here’s a snip of how ChatGPT laid things out for me. Remember that your conversation will be different than mine.

Carry on the conversation wherever it takes you.

There’s one more thing I found particularly helpful.

💡PROMPT: Generate a list of 30 things to think about that will help me change my perspective or rattle my negative beliefs. For example: "Who benefits from you feeling this way?" , "Life is short. 20 years from now, what would you say to yourself." Etc. Include what-ifs, imagine, point out what I'm missing out on, point out who is missing out if I quit.

Sharing the top 11 from my list. If nothing else, hopefully reading these will help break your imposter syndrome:

1. "Who benefits from you feeling this way? Do you want to partake in patriarchal demands that keep you small?"

2. "Life is short. 20 years from now, what would you say to yourself if you held back because of fear?"

3. "What if your greatest fear is actually a sign of your biggest potential? What could happen if you embraced it?"

4. "Imagine if you quit now. Who would miss out on the unique gifts and perspectives you bring to the world?"

5. "What if failure was just another step toward success? How would you approach your work differently?"

6. "What if your imperfections are what make you relatable and inspiring? How could embracing them empower others?"

7. "Who are you letting down by not fully stepping into your potential? How might your courage inspire them?"

8. "What if comparison was irrelevant? How would you define success on your own terms?"

9. "What stories will you be proud to tell your children about the risks you took and the dreams you pursued?"

10. "What would happen if you gave yourself permission to make mistakes? How could that accelerate your growth?"

11. "Imagine the ripple effect of your success. Who else could you inspire or help along the way?"

Let me know how this one works out for you— good, bad, and ugly.

No matter what you do, keep going. You got this, you beautiful masterpiece.

xx,

Aubrey 🐝