Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sahaar Turner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sahaar, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
As a sacred goddess, african woman and writer, overcoming imposter syndrome requires an understanding of my unique challenges and a dedication to self-affirmation. Here’s how I address this:
Imposter syndrome is not uncommon, and it can be particularly challenging for individuals who belong to marginalized groups, such as African American women. However, I have found ways to overcome it by relying on a combination of self-reflection, building a support network, and practicing self-care.
Self-reflection: I begin by acknowledging and challenging my self-doubt. I remind myself that my achievements, experiences, and talents are valid and valuable. I critically examine any negative thoughts or internalized biases that may be contributing to my feeling of being an imposter. By reflecting on my accomplishments, talents, and unique perspectives, I reinforce the fact that I belong in the spaces I’ve worked hard to enter.
Building a support network: Being part of a supportive community is crucial to overcoming imposter syndrome. I seek out mentors, fellow writers, and professionals who share similar backgrounds. Connecting with individuals who understand and have experienced similar challenges helps me recognize that my feelings are not isolated. Together, we uplift and validate each other’s voices, cultivating a supportive environment that combats imposter syndrome
Self care also plays a role at the end of each day as well as setting specific days every week to pour into myself, affirm my power and rest to recharge my divine energy.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a traveling journalist, creative artist and songwriter. I love being able to tell powerful stories of my brothers and sisters within the diaspora – being apart of their growth and journey is such an amazing gift I don’t take for granted. I am also the creator and editorial director of Nubian Impulse Magazine.
I absolutely adore being a traveling journalist – it’s a profession that seamlessly merges my passion for writing with my insatiable curiosity for the world. It’s an exhilarating journey filled with unforgettable experiences and remarkable encounters. What excites me the most as a writer is having the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures and delve into new, unexplored territories. The sheer thrill of exploring unfamiliar destinations, meeting fascinating individuals, and uncovering untold stories is what truly ignites my soul. Every moment on the road brings fresh inspiration for my writing, allowing me to capture the essence of different places and share the unique narratives that shape our world. The constant adventure, the stimulation of the senses, and the chance to paint vivid images with the strokes of my words – these are the reasons I am so deeply in love with being a traveling journalist and a writer.
Some people who followed me from the beginning know me as a singer/songwriter. I hadn’t worked on any projects for some years but I’m grateful to be returning to music. Being a singer and songwriter fills my heart with indescribable joy and fulfillment. It is not just a passion, but a way of life that brings me immense happiness. The act of creating melodies and lyrics is like transcendence for my soul, allowing me to express my deepest emotions and thoughts. The process of composing a song, from the initial idea to its final form, is pure magic. The most exciting part about being a creative and spiritual being is the endless exploration of my imagination and inner world. It is here that I find solace, inspiration, and the freedom to connect with something greater than myself. It is an extraordinary journey that constantly challenges me to dig deeper, pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. Through my music, I hope to touch the hearts of others and ignite within them that same profound sense of wonder and joy that I experience as a singer and songwriter.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, these are the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had the most impact:
1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from failures, setbacks, and challenges is crucial in any journey. It is essential to develop a resilient mindset that allows you to persevere through difficult times. To cultivate resilience, it is important to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth, learn from your mistakes, and maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. Surrounding yourself with a support network of mentors, friends, or like-minded individuals can also contribute to building resilience.
2. Continuous Learning: The willingness to constantly acquire new knowledge, skills, and perspectives is vital for personal growth and success. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and explore areas of knowledge beyond your field of expertise. Seek out new learning opportunities, such as online courses, books, workshops, or seminars. Actively seek feedback from mentors and peers to gain insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. A growth-oriented mindset, coupled with a thirst for knowledge, will greatly benefit your development.
3. Networking and Relationship Building: Building meaningful connections with others in your field or industry can prove extremely beneficial throughout your journey. Networking allows you to learn from experienced professionals, gain new perspectives, and potentially open doors to opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional communities or associations, and engage in online forums or social media groups to connect with like-minded individuals. Actively seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support. Remember that networking is about building genuine relationships, so focus on adding value to others rather than solely seeking personal gain.
My advice to those early in their journey is to prioritize personal growth and development. Embrace challenges and failures as learning opportunities, and never hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. Seek out mentors and learning resources that can guide you on your path. Build a strong network of supportive individuals who can offer guidance and open doors to opportunities. Remember that success is not achieved overnight, and it’s important to stay committed and persevere even when things get tough. Lastly, never stop learning and adapting as the journey unfolds.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take steps to manage the situation effectively. Here are a few strategies to consider:
1. Take a break: Step away from the situation for a brief period. It could be a short walk, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in a relaxing activity to regain composure.
2. Prioritize and organize: Make a to-do list or prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed.
3. Delegate or seek help: Identify tasks that can be delegated to others or seek support from friends, family, or colleagues. Sharing the workload can help alleviate the feeling of overwhelm.
4. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote self-care and relaxation, such as exercising, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness or meditation. Taking care of yourself can enhance your ability to handle overwhelming situations.
5. Seek perspective: In overwhelming situations, it can be helpful to gain a fresh perspective by talking to a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist. They can provide guidance, support, and help you see things from a different point of view.
6. Break tasks into smaller steps: If a task feels too overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on completing one small step at a time, which will gradually reduce the overall feeling of overwhelm.
7. Time management: Use effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to work in focused bursts with breaks in between. This can boost productivity and help manage overwhelming workloads.
8. Learn to say no: It’s essential to recognize your limits and not take on more than you can handle. Practice setting boundaries and saying no when you genuinely can’t accommodate additional tasks or commitments.
Remember, everyone’s situation is unique, so it’s important to find strategies and techniques that work best for you personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nubianimpulse.com
- Instagram: @saharxgoddess
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saharturner/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/saharxgoddess
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@NubianImpulse
Image Credits
Photos by Cecilia Brown
