Not the Impostor You Think You Are

My first time on national television taught me a lesson we all could use about our self-worth: I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and, doggone it, I like me.

- By Kiaundra Jackson

I remember it like it was yesterday. About four years ago, I was leaving my home in Los Angeles, heading to Paramount Studios to do my first national television segment. As a therapist, author, and founder, I'm often asked to speak on issues relating to relationships and mental health. On this occasion, I was slated to appear on a now-defunct show called The Doctors to discuss therapists having relations with clients. It's fair to say I know about all manner of relationships. Plus, I had practiced for weeks on my talking points and knew exactly what I wanted to say. I looked in the mirror one last time before exiting the house. My outfit was amazing, my hair was perfect, my makeup was flawless. I was as ready and as prepared as I could ever be-but I still couldn't shake my feelings of dread. And, like many a founder before me, in just such a moment, my inner monologue grew more intense as the minutes passed:

"Who do you think you are, going on national television as an expert?"

"Nobody wants to hear what you have to say."

"They got you because no one else was available."

"You're a fraud and the whole world will find out."