Free to Be You Part 1: Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs

Do you need someone to come alongside you as you step-by-step set godly goals, work through limiting beliefs and make a plan? Watch for my new workbook and planner, Success God's Way coming in January 2018!  Sign up for the newsletter to be the first to know when it's released! Welcome to part 1 of an 2 part series, Free to Be You.

Imposter Syndrome and Complacency

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
 
John 10:10 tells us clearly that Satan's mission statement is to steal, kill and destroy. Thankfully, in that same verse Jesus tells us that He came to give us life more abundantly. Part of that abundant life is us passionately pursuing His purpose and calling for our lives and as you've probably experienced, Satan doesn't just sit back and watch, but through our flesh tries to deter and discourage us.

Here are some of the ways I've seen it manifest in my own life.
 
Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever felt like you just don't belong in a certain circle, an occupation, or a group of people? Like they have made a mistake and sooner or later they will discover who you really are and reject you? I have. From a public speaking mishap to embarking on a new career in my forties, there have been plenty of times I've felt like an imposter even while I knew I was in God's perfect will for my life.
 
Wikipedia describes imposter syndrome like this, "high-achieving individuals marked by an inability to internalize their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud". Despite external evidence of their competence, those exhibiting the syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve the success they have achieved. Proof of success is dismissed as luck, timing, or as a result of deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves to be. Some studies suggest that impostor syndrome is particularly common among high-achieving women. "
 
We could also say it involves not knowing or believing our new identity in Christ.

Do you know when I feel that way the most? When I take my eyes off of God and others and focus on myself and my flaws.  So the best way I've found to conquer imposter syndrome is to be present in the moment focusing on who I am serving and how I can bless them.
 
 
How can we conquer imposter syndrome?

• 1 Corinthians 3:5 says " It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God." 
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 Walk by faith and not by sight (or feelings)
• Ask God to confirm the work of our hands- Psalm  90:17

 
God has given us our gifts, talents, desires and opportunities so focus on glorifying Him and blessing others.
 
 
Complacency
It's easy to be complacent. You don't even see the outcome of it until something wakes you up to it.  Relationships, careers, health, all can be stagnant and remain healthy for a time but eventually you'll find yourself in a rut, settling for mediocrity which is unhealthy. Going out of your comfort zone is the way to conquer complacency.

Quitting a job where I made good money and knew exactly what I was doing to go to work for my husband and to start my own business was out of my comfort zone. Sharing my testimony of past drug addiction with people who may not understand and may judge me was outside of my comfort zone. Doing Facebook livestreams are always outside of my comfort zone. I'm not gonna lie, it's uncomfortable, definitely not easy and sometimes I daydream about just settling for comfort! But I embrace the growth that comes and the dependence it creates for me to lean hard into Jesus in order to be fully alive and pursuing God and His calling for me.
 
 
How can we conquer complacency, go out of our comfort zones and please God with our faith?

• Remember the story of Peter when He stepped out of the boat and walked on water. As long as He kept His eyes on Jesus he was able to do it. As soon as the waves came up he took his eyes off Jesus and sank. Your waves are those circumstances that make you fear and want to be safe. What did Jesus say to Him as He pulled Peter out of the water? "Oh ye of little faith, why didn't you believe?" Keep your eyes on Jesus, trust Him even as the bills come, circumstances scare you, or the critics or the fear of inadequacy come.
• Look to God alone for validation and approval
• Just take one small (or big) step of faith every day or as Eleanor Roosevelt challenged, "Do one thing every day that scares you."

 
"God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him…" Hebrews 11:6
 
 Remember
Gods work is always a transformation from the inside out- so how you think will impact how you feel, and subsequently the actions you take. Think on these things:

• "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 

 

• Take your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. Replace the lies with the truth.

 

• Remember your identity in Christ and that you can do ALL THINGS through Christ

• Resist the tempter. See who is behind your fear of inadequacy and his strategy. Remember his mission statement is to kill, steal and destroy. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors thorough Him who loved us."  Romans 8:37

 
You have a unique sphere of influence and a mission so exciting and custom fit for you. You are already a victor, so move from fear to faith to freedom and be free to be you!


Continued in Part 2 with Compartmentalization, Perfectionism and Procrastination