Many of the physicians I work with live with a quiet weight of imposter syndrome. They show up every day for patients, teams, and families, yet doubt their own belonging.
I wrote a short reverse poem, “Worthy in Reverse,” as a way to explore how self-talk can shape that inner experience. This poem was inspired by “Worst Day Ever?” by Chanie Gorkin, which creatively uses structure to shift perspective.
It is simple on the surface, but the structure reveals something powerful about the stories we tell ourselves. This approach is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, a method that shows how our self-talk influences our thoughts and feelings.
Read the poem from top to bottom, and it reflects the voice of self-doubt. Read it from bottom to top, and it becomes a voice of self-worth. The words do not change. Only the direction does. That shift mirrors what many of my clients are trying to practice in real time: pausing long enough to notice the harsh internal narrative, then choosing a more kind one.
Several clients have shared how they are using the poem. Some describe reading it from top to bottom as a sense of descending, which can feel heavy or difficult. Reading it from the bottom up gives them a sense of ascending, a lift into self-worth.
A pediatrician wrote the poem backward in her journal so she could read the self-worth perspective each morning. A health care leader framed the poem for his office because it reminds him that doubt and worth can coexist. These responses show that the poem evokes real emotional experiences and helps people notice and shift their inner dialogue.
Their responses showed me that the poem is more than a reflection; it is a tool. Sometimes a small change in words can help us recognize our value.
I’m sharing the poem here in case it is useful to someone who would like a starting point for shifting their inner conversation.
What if this poem could show both sides of how you see yourself?
Top to bottom reveals self-doubt. Bottom to top reveals self-worth. This reverse poem explores imposter syndrome and the power of self-talk.
I am an imposter
And don’t try to convince me that
I deserve to be here
Because, when you take a closer look,
The workplace is pretty competitive
Even if
People say I’m the right fit
I will be discovered as a fraud
And it’s not true that
I am enough
Because
Success can be attained
Only if I work twice as hard or get lucky
It’s not true that my value exists
I’m sure you can agree that
The reality
Creates
My outlook
I don’t belong
And you’ll never in a million years hear me say
I am worthy
Now read from the bottom up.
Mary Remón is a counselor and certified coach.
