We recently connected with Dr. Joa Macnalie, EdD and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Joa Macnalie, EdD , 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.
I’ve come to learn that as long as you’re doing anything worthwhile, you will meet imposter syndrome along the way. I find this especially true as a believer; those crippling thoughts and ugly whispers tend to get louder as you’re doing the work.
As a mental health professional and educator I get asked all the time how do you stop the thoughts? And in full transparency, I don’t know if you can ever really stop them because they’re intrusive; they’re unwanted thoughts that pop up almost always when you’re at a breakthrough (pay attention to that), but I have learned to overcome imposter syndrome by applying the word of God to the situation.
Revelation 12:11 says that we are overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. So one way to take dominion over those thoughts is to agree with them. Yes, I said agree! I don’t know about anybody else but when the enemy speaks to me out of turn, I speak back!
When he whispers nasty thoughts like “you don’t deserve this” I say “You’re right! I’m not worthy, but this isn’t about me! This is about grace through faith. This is about the one who could because I couldn’t. The spotless lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world because I was drowning in it and I needed a Savior.” My story is about how God can take what others regard as foolish to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the strong.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
The greatest title I hold is a vessel of honor for the Master’s use. My life’s purpose is to glorify God in all that I do and to empower his people while doing it.
Professionally, I work as an educational consultant and mental health clinician. I hold a doctorate degree in Education and a Master’s in Professional Counseling. If you know me, you know I am a teacher and counselor through and through. I love to enlighten and bring healing to others. I am energized by helping others find their purpose and identity. That’s what excites me and keeps me going.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My faith; without question, is the most impactful quality of my life. I am able to make sense of life because of my faith. Looking back, I’ve gone through so many things that should have broken me, damaged me, and/or finished me even, but I am standing fully whole; nothing missing and nothing broken because of faith. A true encounter with Christ can turn trials into triumphs and transform pain into purpose. I know that to be true.
Next, resiliency and discipline has definitely impacted my journey for the best. The ability to bounce back in the face of adversity, loss, failure, grief, and doubt is paramount, and the ability to stay focused and consistent affords me the opportunity to get whatever I want out of life. I pray like it all depends on God, but I work like it all depends on me.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The Bible literally has a word for any and every situation we will ever face in this lifetime. It is my main source of knowledge, although I’m an avid reader.
For Anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7
For Fear: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” – 2 Timothy 1:7
For rest: “It is no use [in vain; without purpose] for you to get up early and stay up late, ·working for a living [eating the bread of hardship/pain]. The Lord ·gives rest to those he loves [or provides for those he loves while they sleep].
-Psalm 127:2-
For faith: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.“ -Hebrews 11:6
For better days: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
-Psalms 30:5
Honorable Mentions: Think & Grow Rich, The Gift of Fear, Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Richest Man in Babylon, Monk’s mind v Monkey Mind, 48 laws of Power, Higher is Waiting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dr_joa_macnalie?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Youtube: Youtube.com/@joamacnalie
