We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
As someone who has struggled with perfectionism, low self-esteem, and imposter syndrome, I’ve found a few different methods and mindset shifts can immensely help diminish these mental gymnastics.
First off, my mood and mental health are always better when I start the day with a walk outside and some positive affirmations. Imposter syndrome and doom scrolling usually happen when I jump from my bed to my computer and feel overwhelmed about life.
Speaking of doom scrolling – one of the best things I have learned to do to fight imposter syndrome is to step away from the screens! Social media is an amazing tool, but it can also cause us to compare ourselves to others and make us feel like we’re not doing enough or as successful as others.
Also, having an attitude of curiosity rather than self-criticism makes a huge difference. Instead of “I’m not qualified for that,” you can think “I wonder how I can get there.” Better yet, jump into action by having conversations with colleagues and mentors, ask experts questions about the things you’re struggling with, or do some research on your own. Almost everything is achievable with a curious mindset.
Lastly, remembering how far I’ve come is incredibly powerful in battling imposter syndrome. I try to think of everyone I’ve helped, all the things I’ve accomplished, and the low points I’ve overcome. Even looking at my portfolio or what I’ve created helps to remind me I’m capable of some pretty amazing things. We’re capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a registered dietitian and nutritionist who helps people finally ditch yo-yo dieting and achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I’m so passionate about helping others with this because I also struggled with dieting and my relationship with food and with my body for years.
I understand the frustration, time, energy, and effort that goes into stressing about food, but the truth is there are many more important things for us to worry about! Therefore, I provide approachable wellness information, easy recipes, and helpful tools that allow people to live their healthiest, balanced, best lives.
My biggest project right now is getting my balanced lifestyle program, plus some other helpful resources available for digital download at accessible price points for those who may not be able to meet 1 on 1. I am also planning a group program in September which will include daily health challenges, recipes, and a community component as a way for all of us to reset after the summer!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First and foremost, having a strong sense of purpose in your work is essential. There are many days when things feel insurmountable, or I feel like what I’m doing isn’t important. But when you can bring everything back to your purpose, you’ll remember why you’re doing all of this in the first place and it will give you the strength you need to push forward.
Finding a mentor or community is also extremely helpful. It’s great to talk with friends, family, or a therapist. But talking through your struggles or learning new things from those in your field doing similar work to you helps you feel seen and propels you forward in a way that could only happen with the people who “get it.”
Lastly, communication is key! Respond quickly, keep your partners and clients updated, and ensure communication is short, sweet, and to the point. Pick up the phone and have a conversation if you need to. Excellent communication is the key to building lasting, authentic relationships!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
As a control freak who wants to do all the things I have learned sometimes you just need to lean into what you are great at and outsource the things that make you want to pull your hair out. For example, I love meetings with clients, doing nutrition education segments on the local news, and developing recipes. I love doing those things and I do a pretty good job with them! But website stuff, designing graphics in Canva, and taxes? Those are certainly not my areas of expertise, so I work with people or have purchased resources from those who are experts in those areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amydavisrd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebalanceddietitian/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebalanceddietitian/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amydavisrd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIQJFSvk7tEfMbiXCfvCqg
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dietitian.amy
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
