Hi Anna, 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.
Imposter syndrome is something we all feel from time to time, but it’s not all bad. It’s a sign that we’re stepping outside of our comfort zones. What helps is challenging negative thoughts by focusing on the positive impacts and the growth potential. Keeping note of your strengths and achievements can counteract doubts and clarify where you excel and where you can improve. Aim high but not for perfection, and celebrate successes rather than minor flaws. Most importantly, shift away from attributing success to luck and start recognizing your hard work and abilities.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, currently pursuing my PhD in Clinical Sexology. As a mental health expert, I’ve appeared on major networks like PBS, FOX, ABC, and NBC, and I frequently speak at conferences, workshops, and events. One of the most exciting moments in my career was traveling to Japan to present at the World Family Therapy Congress, and I’ll be speaking at the National Family Therapy Conference in Florida later this year. I’m also an author, with a new book coming out next year that explores how technology affects and shapes our self-perception, communication, intimacy, and even how we define infidelity. I find it incredibly rewarding to help people navigate the complexities of modern relationships, especially in this digital age.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are positivity, perseverance, and being flexible with change. The route to success is never a straight line, and it’s important to stay positive even when things don’t go as planned. Perseverance is key—don’t give up, just keep swimming. One day at a time, one foot in front of the other. Flexibility has also been crucial, as success often requires adapting to new circumstances. My advice? If it were easy, everyone would do it. Don’t compare your journey to others—your journey is your own, and it’s the path you take that makes it meaningful.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that has played a significant role in my development is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. One of the most valuable insights is the idea that we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it. Frankl’s emphasis on finding meaning in adversity deeply resonated with me, reminding me that purpose can be found even in the toughest situations. Another impactful takeaway is that suffering is part of life, but how we interpret and approach it can either limit us or help us grow. These lessons have shaped both my personal and professional journey, especially in helping others find meaning and resilience in their own lives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @annalmft
- Twitter: Anna Elton
- Psychology Today: Life, Love, Etc
