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Ah, the dreaded imposter syndrome. While it isn’t considered a mental health disease or disorder, it's a common experience that can affect people from all backgrounds, professions, and levels of achievement.
While this “syndrome” might not be recognized as a mental health disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the commonly felt experience can definitely have negative effects on mental health and well-being in the form of anxiety, low self-esteem, and/or depression.
The exact causes of imposter syndrome aren’t fully understood, but most mental health professionals point to a complex mix of individual, social, and cultural factors. After dreaming the dreams, working hard to make those dreams a reality, scaling every imaginable mountain in the way, and finally arriving, the self-doubt begins to set in like a thundercloud ready to burst.
The thoughts and feelings of not being good enough, not learning fast enough, or not feeling as capable as those around you feel very real, and yet, once objectivity is achieved again, it’s clear that all those manufactured narratives weren’t very real at all.
What do we know about imposter syndrome?
Psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes coined the term after studying the behaviors of high-achieving women who, despite their accomplishments, believed that they were not actually bright and had just fooled everyone into believing they were. It’s also been attributed to believing success happened solely because of luck or chance and not through hard work or innate talent.
The phenomenon is very much recognized but not very well researched, therefore the causes aren’t entirely known. However, enough is known that a few generalized theories can be attributed to the persistent feeling of self-doubt. Factors can include personality traits of people who are highly conscientious, perfectionistic, and/or self-critical. Family and cultural background includes growing up in a family or culture that emphasizes achievement, success, or high expectations that fuel feelings of inadequacy.
Social comparisons can often be to blame. In recent times the rise of social media platforms where posting is often performative and/or altered or fake, comparing oneself to others and feeling that others are more successful, talented, or capable can lead to feelings of imposter syndrome.
People who have experienced discrimination or marginalization may be more likely to doubt their abilities and feel like they don't belong. Latinas face many challenges in the workplace that can be directly attributed to membership in not just one, but two marginalized groups: women and people of color.
Being the only Latina in the room
White, land-owning men built American society, which means that Latinas experience systemic racism and gender inequality in every single workplace no matter the kind of work. From silent discrimination like lower wages for equal work to loud and proud racism in the form of harassment and verbal or physical assault, trying to succeed in a system not built for you is exhausting and inspires constant doubt.
A highly accomplished woman often knows that she is highly accomplished and talented, but what happens if her peers don’t recognize her as such? For many Latinas, the problem stems from being “the only Latina in the room” and therefore doubting if they actually belong there. Why don’t men suffer from imposter syndrome as much as women do? It’s simple; society teaches men that positions of power are where they’re meant to be.
Therefore part of overcoming imposter syndrome is understanding this reality. Getting mansplained isn’t because you don’t understand; it’s because culture and bias towards your race and gender have overinflated many white men’s egos.
Of course, the degradation Latinas experience at work and in many facets of life isn’t just limited to white men. The entire hierarchy of color means that race and gender play a critical role in creating environments where imposter syndrome runs rampant, and more so amongst women of color.
How do we defeat imposter syndrome?
An internet search will produce thousands of results and suggest many self-help books, and sure, there are things women can do to overcome these baseless beliefs, but the problem is deeper than that. Authors Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey wrote, “Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome,” an interesting take on how imposter syndrome has to be eliminated through systemic changes and not through internal work by the individual. They write, “Imposter syndrome is especially prevalent in biased, toxic cultures that value individualism and overwork. Yet the “fix women’s imposter syndrome” narrative has persisted, decade after decade.”
So while there is always value in personal development, a critical component that must be understood is that a major part of this problem doesn’t have to do with women at all and everything to do with the sexist and racist systems women are forced to exist in. The solutions then, seem to lie in the dismantling and rebuilding of these systems so that better, more equitable systems can foster talent rather than privilege.
But in the meantime, a daily affirmation can’t hurt. Repeat after us: I AM CAPABLE, TALENTED, AND MORE THAN ENOUGH. Now go slay as you always do.
In 2025, the Lunar New Year festivities begin on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Wood Snake. This year brings a special energy rooted in transformation, wisdom, and growth. The practice of feng shui instructs us how to direct the energies that come our way, and understanding the annual energies can provide clarity and direction.
Whether you celebrate with family traditions or just take inspiration from the themes of the Chinese zodiac, this is a powerful time to embrace change and align with your deepest goals.
The Snake, often misunderstood in Western traditions, is a revered symbol in Chinese culture. Known for its wisdom and ability to shed its skin, the Snake represents renewal and transformation. The Wood element of this year adds to that by representing creativity, adaptability, and personal growth, making 2025 the perfect time to pursue new opportunities and expand your horizons.
The Meaning Behind the Snake in Chinese Astrology
The Snake is seen as a creature of elegance, intuition, and strategy in Chinese culture. Its ability to shed its skin symbolizes transformation, an idea that influences the energy of 2025. If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure of your next steps, the Year of the Wood Snake offers the perfect environment for change.
In Chinese astrology, people born in a Snake year are often described as intelligent, resourceful, and charming. They’re said to have a quiet strength, capable of navigating life’s challenges with grace and foresight. These qualities define the energy of 2025 from a Chinese astrology perspective, encouraging everyone to think carefully, act deliberately, and embrace opportunities for growth.
Lunar New Year: What 2025 Will Bring
The Chinese horoscope establishes 2025 as a year of transformation and growth, both on personal and collective levels. The Snake’s energy inspires strategic thinking, making it a time to plan carefully and move forward with confidence. If you’ve been working hard in your career, 2025 could bring long-awaited breakthroughs. Many may see opportunities for financial growth as well, but it’s important to remain patient and avoid impulsive decisions.
The introspective nature of the Snake also encourages spiritual development. You might find yourself drawn to activities like meditation, journaling, or spending quiet time in nature. These practices can help you connect with your inner wisdom and navigate the year’s challenges with clarity and purpose.
However, not every sign will experience the Year of the Snake in the same way. For some, this will be a time of great fortune, while others may need to approach the year with extra caution and resilience. It’s forecasted that those born in the year of the Tiger will face the most significant challenges, with potential setbacks in various areas of life, while the Snake, as the ruling sign of the year, is expected to have the most favorable experiences overall, with opportunities for growth and transformation.
Making the Most of the Snake’s Energy
While each sign will have their own unique energies to navigate, overall, the Year of the Wood Snake is favorable if approached correctly. The Wood Snake energy isn’t about rushing toward your goals or forcing outcomes. Instead, it’s about aligning with your inner wisdom and trusting the process. Just as the Snake moves deliberately, so should we. This is a year to shed old habits, embrace new opportunities, and approach life with patience and intention.
Transformation takes time, but it also takes courage. If there are parts of your life that no longer serve you—whether it’s a job, a relationship, or even a mindset—this might be the year to let them go. In their place, Chinese astrology encourages people to create space for something new and trust that the changes they make now will set the foundation for future growth.
At the same time, it encourages us to think strategically. Rather than diving into decisions headfirst, take the time to reflect, research, and plan. Whether you’re pursuing a new career path, starting a creative project, or deepening your relationships, careful preparation will ensure lasting success.
Spiritual growth is another key theme of this Lunar New Year. The Snake’s introspective nature is an invitation to slow down and connect with ourselves on a deeper level. Activities like mindfulness, yoga, or simply taking quiet moments to reflect can help you tune into your intuition and make decisions that truly align with your values.
2025: A Time of Renewal and Growth
Lunar New Year is often celebrated with joy and gratitude, and it’s no different this year. The traditions that define the Lunar New Year are all reminders of renewal and the importance of community. In many households, elders pass down red envelopes filled with money to younger generations, symbolizing blessings for the year ahead.
For those who don’t celebrate Lunar New Year traditionally, there’s still much to learn and embrace from the themes of the Wood Snake. This is a year to reflect on your growth, honor your resilience, and move forward with intention. Even small changes can lead to profound transformations, just as a snake sheds its skin to grow stronger.
The Year of the Wood Snake reminds us that transformation isn’t always dramatic. Instead, it can be subtle, quiet, and deeply personal. It’s about trusting the process, honoring your intuition, and moving through life with grace and purpose. Whether you’re starting a new chapter, deepening existing commitments, or simply seeking clarity, this year offers the perfect opportunity to align with your true self and embrace the possibilities ahead.
As you step into the Year of the Snake, take a moment to reflect on what you want to leave behind and what you’re ready to embrace. Transformation, after all, begins with a single, intentional step.
When we talk about intuition, it’s often described as a “gut feeling,” an unshakable sense of knowing that nudges us toward a particular decision. For Latinas, this feeling carries profound significance, rooted not only in personal experience but also in cultural and ancestral wisdom. Intuition isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s a powerful tool that can transform how we navigate decisions in our personal and professional lives.
What’s remarkable about intuition is how much science backs it up. Far from being a mystical force, intuition is a sophisticated process grounded in our brain’s ability to recognize patterns, recall experiences, and process information, often without us even realizing it.
What Is Intuition, Really?
Intuition is best understood as our brain’s rapid, unconscious ability to synthesize information and experiences. According to research on cognitive psychology, when we encounter a situation, our brain compares it to patterns we’ve seen before, drawing on years of lived knowledge stored in our subconscious. This is why a decision that feels “intuitive” often happens in seconds; it’s our subconscious doing the heavy lifting.
For Latinas, this process is further informed by cultural and generational wisdom. Growing up in households where resilience and resourcefulness were modeled daily means many of us have an intuition shaped by watching our parents and grandparents navigate life’s challenges. Whether it’s the knack for knowing when someone’s intentions aren’t pure or the creative solutions we come up with on the fly, our intuition carries the weight of lived experiences.
Contrary to popular belief, intuition isn’t the opposite of rationality. Research shows that intuition complements analytical thinking, offering insights that logical processes might overlook. This is especially true in situations of uncertainty, where intuition can cut through the noise and help us focus on what matters most.
The Role of Intuition in Our Decisions
Intuition plays a pivotal role in decision-making, especially when we’re navigating complex or fast-moving situations. It allows us to make quick but informed choices, drawing from the treasure chest of knowledge and experience we’ve accumulated in our lives.
Take, for example, the workplace. For many Latina professionals, intuition helps manage the delicate balance between asserting ourselves and navigating microaggressions or biases. It’s that subtle sense that tells us when to speak up, when to pause, and when to pivot strategies. This ability is equally useful in personal settings. Whether it’s deciding to pursue a new relationship, make a financial investment, or choose a school for the kids, intuition often provides clarity when the logical pros and cons seem to be tied.
Research, like the Recognition-Primed Decision (RPD) model developed by Gary Klein, explains how experts use intuition to make effective choices under pressure. The model shows that intuition is particularly useful when time is limited or when dealing with complex, ambiguous problems. Your intuition isn’t guesswork, it’s pattern recognition at lightning speed. Leveraging it, along with research and quality information, will allow you to make the best possible decisions for yourself.
How to Strengthen Your Intuition
Some people seem naturally intuitive, but the truth is that intuition is a skill you can develop with practice. If you want to do that work, start by expanding your knowledge base. The more you learn and experience, the sharper your intuition will become. This is especially true in areas like finance, leadership, or relationships, where exposure to different scenarios can help you recognize patterns more effectively.
Mindfulness is another powerful way to hone your intuition. Practices like meditation or simply sitting still can help you tune into your thoughts and feelings. When you’re mindful, you can distinguish between true intuition and the influence of fear, anxiety, or other emotions.
Physical cues are equally important. Pay attention to how your body responds in decision-making situations. Do you feel tension or unease? These signals often carry intuitive insights. For example, a fluttering in your stomach could indicate excitement about a new opportunity, while a sinking feeling could mean hesitation or risk.
Needless to say, reflection helps refine intuition over time. After making decisions, take a moment to analyze the outcomes. Did your intuition guide you well? If not, what might have influenced your judgment? This feedback loop will strengthen your ability to tell between intuitive from cognitive bias.
The Art of Balancing Intuition with Analysis
While intuition can be a powerful tool, it’s not infallible. Cognitive biases and strong emotions can sometimes cloud our judgment, making it essential to balance intuition with analytical thinking. One effective strategy is to use intuition as a starting point. If your gut feeling points you in a certain direction, back it up by gathering data and seeking other perspectives. This approach ensures that your decision is well-rounded and not overly reliant on a single factor.
For example, let’s say your intuition tells you to accept a job offer that feels like a perfect fit. Before saying yes, take the time to research the company, ask questions during the interview process, and consult with mentors or friends who can provide additional insights. Remember, intuition is a tool in your arsenal, not a replacement for critical thinking and data. They all go hand in hand.
Why Intuition is a Latina Superpower
For Latinas, intuition isn’t just about decision-making, it’s also about reclaiming our power in a world that often undervalues our voices. It’s the wisdom of abuelas passed down through generations, the lessons learned from navigating systemic barriers, and the resilience born of community and culture.
When we honor our intuition, we honor the knowledge and experiences that have shaped us. We affirm our ability to make decisions that align with our values and aspirations, even in the face of doubt or opposition.
So the next time you feel that nudge, that gut feeling, don’t dismiss it. Lean into it. Let it guide you, support you, and remind you of the power that’s already within. As you strengthen this skill, you’ll find that intuition is not just a tool but a bridge to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
