852: How to Conquer Imposter Syndrome With Gail Meriel

Gail Meriel is a Project Manager, award-winning motivational speaker, author and coach. She holds an MBA degree and several technical certifications. She worked in the safety, financial, food, and consulting industries, and managed technology, infrastructure and security/compliance projects. She has also been recognized as one of the Inspiring Women in Technology 2021 by the Association of Telecom, Mobility and IT Management Professionals (AOTMP). Gail is active in Toastmasters, International and is the Vice President, Public Relations Officer for her local chapter. She published blogs for LimitDNE, an organization that empowers women in STEM. Gail lives in the Chicago area with her husband and golden retriever. Her greatest accomplishment is her college-aged son, a pilot (Aviation Major) who plays Division II baseball. Gail’s mission is to empower women to overcome imposter syndrome, redefine what success means to them, and become warriors with a purpose.

Gail shares how she is able to conquer imposter syndrome to be the confident woman that she is today. She also shares her tips that can help you in your journey to self confidence.

Bio

Gail Meriel is a Project Manager, award-winning motivational speaker, author and coach.

Cultural Background

Gail is of Filipina descent.

Favorite Self Confidence Quote

I am Enough.

Definition of Self Confidence

Self-Confidence is the inner power an individual has over their skills, abilities and character without any external influence, positive or negative. Self-confidence is a critical aspect to success.

Her Life Before the Discovery of Self Confidence

Self-confidence is a life-long journey and a process. When Gail would fail at something, she experienced Imposter Syndrome, whether this negative feeling came from a failure or challenging situation, or if you were personally hard on yourself or others highlighted your weaknesses.

She internalized everything, and instead asked herself, ‘What could I have done better?’,‘Could I have prevented this from happening?’ Or worse yet, ‘Why did I think I can succeed at this? I’m in way over my head!’. That pattern of self-doubt stayed with her, even though she was trying to improve. Gail felt deflated and un-motivated. And while she knew she had the skills and drive to succeed, something was still holding her back.

The “AHA” Moment

Gail eventually got tired of wallowing in her own self-doubt and realized the key to surviving life’s challenges is balancing out mental health and redefining what success means to her. She couldn’t control how challenging situations were, but she could shift her focus. That realization made her a Warrior in her own battle, and before she knew it, she implemented a few ways to help her gain that positive mental energy to move forward when faced with situations she couldn’t control.

Her Life After the Discovery of Self Confidence

Gail’s self-confidence grew significantly, and it was that ‘umph’ she needed to get her to pursue opportunities she only dreamed of. As she mentioned before, self-confidence is a life-long journey, but personally, she feels secure that she can always execute the framework that worked for her whenever she feels Imposter Syndrome creep up.

The One Self Confidence Tip For the Listener

Self-confidence truly comes from within. Putting soul-searching into practice will help you identify why you experience Imposter Syndrome. All of us go through negative situations we can’t control, which makes us question our competency as individuals – whether it be from personal situations or road-blockers that come up in our careers. How we react to those situations will determine our success in overcoming those life challenges.

Finally, remind yourself of the words from the Serenity Prayer. Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. You’ll be able to turn your guilt, anger and self-doubt into an opportunity to become a better version of yourself and realize your self-worth.