Check out our previous Blog post 10 Reasons Women Physicians May Feel Like Imposters In Medicine to help identify external causes of imposter feelings. After being able to identify causes of self-doubt, it is important to equip yourself with strategies for navigating these feelings. 

Below are some tools, tips, and tricks for women physicians to overcome feelings of self-doubt:

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that experiencing self-doubt is a normal part of the human experience. Treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding that you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to feelings of self-doubt. Replace self-critical thoughts with more realistic and affirming statements that highlight your strengths and accomplishments.

Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrate your progress along the way. Setting realistic and achievable goals can help build confidence and momentum, leading to greater success in the long run.

Seek Support: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, friends, or family members who can offer encouragement, guidance, and perspective. Surround yourself with positive influences who believe in your abilities and can provide valuable support during challenging times. Expand your network of peers who can offer diverse perspectives and share their actions.

Cultivate Resilience: Develop resilience by reframing setbacks as learning opportunities and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on failures. Embrace a growth mindset that acknowledges the potential for growth and improvement, even in the face of adversity.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment, whether it's exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Keep a journal or list of accomplishments to remind yourself of your capabilities and progress over time.

Develop Assertiveness Skills: Learn to assert yourself confidently and effectively in professional settings, advocating for your needs, ideas, and contributions. Practice assertive communication techniques, such as using "I" statements and expressing your thoughts and feelings with clarity and conviction.

Seek Feedback: Solicit feedback from trusted colleagues, supervisors, or mentors to gain insights into your strengths and areas for growth. Embrace constructive feedback as an opportunity for learning and improvement, rather than as a reflection of your worth or competence.

Focus on Purpose: Connect with your sense of purpose and passion for medicine, reminding yourself of the meaningful impact you have on patients' lives and the broader community. Cultivate a sense of purpose that transcends self-doubt and fuels your motivation to overcome obstacles and pursue your goals.

Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce stress and anxiety. Engage in activities such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful movement to center yourself and enhance your resilience in the face of self-doubt.

Seek Professional Support: Consider seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or coach who specializes in addressing impostor feelings and self-doubt. Professional support can provide personalized strategies and techniques to help you overcome barriers and build confidence in yourself and your abilities.

We would like to end this article with a reminder that just because you occasionally experience feelings of self-doubt, does not mean that there is anything inherently wrong with you. Our goal with these kinds of articles is for every woman physician to feel empowered to take control of their life and career in whatever ways they desire.