We recently connected with Beatriz De La Espriella and have shared our conversation below.
Beatriz, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, one that we are constantly working on. There were three strategies that I found beneficial for me to overcome imposter syndrome. First, I took the time to define success on my own terms. I realized that success is a deeply personal and individual concept and that we shouldn’t be comparing our success to someone else’s success. For me, success wasn’t about having a large caseload of clients each week; rather, it involved nurturing a smaller caseload while pursuing other objectives such as speaking opportunities, developing therapy groups or workshops, and launching a coaching business. This approach, combined with the responsibility of raising my son, represented my personal vision of success. By staying true to my own definition and not surrendering to the temptation of comparing myself to others, I was able to break free from self-doubt. Another strategy that I found beneficial was taking action, even when filled with fear and uncertainty. I recognized that my anxiety was fueled by an inner critic and it was holding me back from pursuing my goals. Initially, I believed that careful planning and perfection would alleviate my doubts, but I realized that taking action, no matter how daunting, was the way to overcome imposter syndrome.
Lastly, embracing imperfection and acknowledging that mistakes are an integral part of the learning process became vital for personal and professional development. Rather than viewing missteps as failures or inadequacy, which is what imposter syndrome wants you to believe, I began to see them as valuable opportunities for learning and growth. By accepting mistakes as part of the journey, I was able to adapt and make necessary adjustments along the way, ultimately enhancing my skills and self-confidence.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Bea Mindful Counseling provides individual and group therapy to individuals facing anxiety and trauma. Our goal is to help anxious children and teens, overwhelmed young adults, and emotionally exhausted women in understanding their thoughts and emotions and equipping them with valuable tools and strategies to enhance their self-confidence, attain inner peace, and unlock their true potential.
In the upcoming fall of 2023, we are excited to announce the launch of two virtual group programs. The first program is specifically designed for parents and guardians raising children with anxiety. Over a six-week duration, participants will gain insights into recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety, learn effective communication techniques to engage with their anxious child, discover strategies to provide support, and much more.
Additionally, we will be offering a creative artistic expression virtual program for women aged 18 and above. This program aims to address anxiety, self-discovery, and self-love. Through creative outlets and mindful practices, participants will embark on a journey of personal growth and empowerment.
Looking ahead to 2024, we have plans to introduce retreats for women who have left emotionally and physically abusive relationships but continue to grapple with their identity and self-perception as a result of the trauma endured. These retreats will center around self-discovery, loving our imperfect self, creative expression, and mindfulness. Our aim is to create a safe and nurturing environment where women can connect with others who share similar experiences, and find a supportive community.
At Bea Mindful Counseling, we are committed to providing comprehensive support and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Our range of services and programs cater to various needs, allowing each person to embark on a transformative journey toward healing, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, the most impactful skills, qualities, or areas of knowledge that I can think of are perseverance, creativity, and networking. For those that are early in their journey, embracing and developing these skills can be very beneficial. Perseverance is crucial when facing challenges and setbacks. It’s about maintaining determination and pushing forward despite obstacles. To develop perseverance, it’s important to set clear goals and remind yourself of the reasons why you started your journey in the first place. Keep in mind your own definition of success and remove any comparison between your success and others. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is fundamental. Your support network can be there during difficult moments and can help you bounce back when needed. Also, keep in mind that setbacks are opportunities for growth, and every closed door can lead to new opportunities.
Thinking outside of the box and fostering creativity can open doors to unique solutions and experiences. To enhance your creativity, embrace curiosity and explore different perspectives. Engage in activities that stimulate your imagination, such as reading, art, music, or brainstorming sessions. When engaging in these activities, refrain from making judgments and just explore the possibilities. Collaboration with others can also spark creativity, new ideas, and perspectives.
Lastly, building and maintaining a strong network is invaluable. Networking allows for potential partnerships, collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and access to valuable resources. It involves attending industry events, joining professional associations, participating in online communities, and actively seeking connections with like-minded individuals. The key to effective networking is to build genuine relationships and offer support to others before thinking or asking how they can support you. Be proactive in nurturing those connections so that individuals know you truly care about them and you are not interested in how it benefits you.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Taking a break, even if it’s just 30 minutes, going for a walk/run, setting boundaries, and taking a 360 view of situations are just a few things I do when I am feeling overwhelmed. Running a business is stressful and it can lead to burnout. My biggest advice is to identify 2-3 things you enjoy doing and set aside time just for that. This way you create a balanced life, full of work but also the things you enjoy doing most.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beamindfulcounseling.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/beamindnfulcounseling
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/beamindfulcounseling
- Other: To learn more about our programs: https://bit.ly/beamindfulcounseling-learn
Image Credits
Jen Godshall
