Title: Unleashing Your Inner Superpower: Embracing Moxie to Conquer Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever find yourself doubting your abilities, feeling like you don’t belong, or fearing that you’ll be exposed as a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. Research has shown that high achievers from underrepresented backgrounds often grapple with imposter syndrome, a phenomenon that can drain your energy, hinder your performance, and perpetuate self-doubt.

But here’s the catch: understanding imposter syndrome won’t make it magically disappear. To truly conquer it, you need action, and that’s where moxie comes into play.

What Is Moxie, Anyway?

Moxie isn’t just a cool-sounding word; it’s a powerful concept that can help you overcome imposter syndrome. It reflects an intense motivation, distinct from traits like grit or self-control. Originally popularized by a 1920s soft drink ad promising vigor and pep, moxie embodies strength of will, self-discipline, and the ability to persist despite challenges.

In recent research, moxie emerged as a critical factor in the success of underrepresented directors. These individuals possessed an unyielding determination to overcome obstacles and refused to let adversity define them. They transformed their challenges into motivation, effectively turning moxie into their superpower.

Turning Hardships into Moxie

One way to harness moxie is by leveraging the strengths you’ve developed through cultural hardships. If you’re a person of color, you’ve likely faced adversity and discrimination. For instance, consider a woman who excelled in STEM despite facing negative stereotypes. She embraced her challenges, dedicating countless sleepless nights to catch up on coursework. Her moxie stemmed from a strong work ethic, self-discipline, focus, and the ability to learn independently. These strengths continued to fuel her success.

Another director, reflecting on her journey from a challenging upbringing, explained, “I had no choice. Like other women of my generation, we were told by our parents and grandparents to just get out there and do it. Make it happen. If you’re given an opportunity, demonstrate to them that you deserve the opportunity.” Her moxie propelled her forward despite facing systemic barriers.

Give Yourself Permission to Play

Identity play is another effective tactic. It involves experimenting with new ideas and behaviors as you take on new roles and challenges. Remember, it’s okay not to excel immediately in unfamiliar territory. Allow yourself to grow authentically through experimentation, gaining confidence along the way.

For instance, one director found herself in unfamiliar financial territory when debt financing and bond markets entered her purview. She admitted, “Debt financing, bond markets, and the investor base were foreign concepts to me.” Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, she played with the idea of having just enough knowledge to stay on the stage and embraced being a learner. Her moxie empowered her to face these challenges head-on.

Tune Out the Naysayers

Criticism is inevitable as you strive for success. When faced with negativity, don’t let it feed your imposter syndrome. Instead, treat criticism as a hypothesis and find ways to test it. Seek feedback from mentors, conduct low-risk experiments, and gather data to improve your performance.

For instance, one young and talented professional encountered criticism from a colleague. The colleague believed her plan was unworkable. Instead of internalizing this criticism, she reframed it as a hypothesis to be tested. By revising her approach and learning from the experience, she strengthened her competencies and proved her detractors wrong.

Recognize When to Walk Away

While moxie can work wonders, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes, it’s essential to acknowledge when a situation can’t be overcome. Imposter syndrome can also mask systemic bias, making it challenging to thrive in certain environments. Assess the resources needed to overcome an obstacle and decide whether it aligns with your goals. If not, consider reallocating your efforts to a more suitable setting.

In summary, embracing moxie is a transformative journey that requires you to challenge your assumptions, step out of your comfort zone, and invest in your growth. Remember that growth often emerges from discomfort, and as you navigate this path, you’ll discover the delight in overcoming obstacles. In the wise words of George Bernard Shaw, “Life is not meant to be easy, but take courage, for it can be delightful.” So, go ahead and unleash your inner superpower: moxie.