Impostor Syndrome & Why it affects FILAM Women Harder

Image Courtesy of Unsplash, Gabrielle Henderson

Impostor syndrome is a feeling of inadequacy, an internalized psychological experience of feeling like a “phony” in some area of our lives, despite any success that we may have previously achieved in that area. And that we will soon be “found out".

A lot of people, especially Filipina women and women of color, have the tendency to feel more of this syndrome in comparison to our counterparts due to a few factors: (1) high cultural expectations that we’ve developed from our upbringing and being told we couldn’t be good enough unless it was in a “parent-approved” profession or hobby; (2) the fact that we don't see many examples of people who look like us or share our background who are clearly succeeding in our chosen fields, and (3) systemic oppression, of both sexist and racist constructs, are rampant in almost all industries.

Most Filipinos, due to cultural nuances, are inherently taught to be humble and work hard while they keep “their heads down”, and as a result, there is a cultural tendency to downplay our own capabilities and pass on opportunities because we feel as if we aren’t adequate enough to be that “right person” for the job.

While it is not the case for everyone, most who experience Imposter Syndrome have inherited these tendencies from our immigrant background. Especially moving from a foreign country to America, we strive for this mindset of trying to make it in America where we have to do things in such an individualistic way and live this American dream. But it’s time now to break away from that pressure and take in what we took with us which is that kindred spirit of kapwa to allow in the help and to work together with those around you. We come from family households that expect so much from us and at times it can be very daunting to come to terms with this reality that we have to be always moving and to be in this constant progression.

If you catch yourself feeling this way, overwhelmed and often not giving yourself the credit, here are five phrases to keep in mind to help combat Impostor Syndrome as a Filipina (or Filipino/x).

1) Let go of your vision of perfection.

There is no such thing as a perfect world nor a perfect person. The idea of perfection is an illusion that does not exist. Continue to do what you know is best, for your personal or professional situation.

2) Remind yourself: “I don’t have to know everything!”

Oftentimes, we may not feel like the supreme expert in our field. And that’s ok. Everyone is at a different place in their journey at any given time, and it’s important to not let that fear hinders us from doing what we are capable of doing or proceeding on our path.

3) Don’t be afraid to ask for help or confide in a trusted friend. You don’t have to do everything by yourself.

Being independent is great but being too overly dependent on ourselves and doing everything on our own can sometimes be too overbearing which can bring more damage to our mental capacity than good. Seeking help with a professional or trusted friend can help you evaluate your feelings more objectively.

4) Find your tribe. Look for a community that fills you with hope, confidence and support.

Like #3, allow yourself to be open to being helped thus creating door of opportunities and affirmations that remind you that you are not alone.

5) Track your successes (AND failures!)

Celebrate your wins but also reframe your failures. Adopt a growth mindset from each setback and evaluate where it is when you feel Imposter Syndrome but also when you feel authentically and successfully “You.”

If you’re one for constant self-improvement, letting go of self-doubt is not going to be an easy one time fix. Even knowing the sources of these feelings and being cognizant of how to combat them does not make it easy to shake off. But with the right plan and tools, you can learn to reverse your thoughts and start becoming your own advocate as opposed to your own adversary.

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Written By Chachie Abara

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