How to Recognize and Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Written By Mike Shaw

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like a fraud, even though you earned your seat at the table? It can feel like a quiet, persistent unease, where self-doubt and thoughts like “I don’t belong here” or “I’m in over my head” erode your confidence.

If you’ve ever felt like your success doesn’t match your inner sense of self-worth, you’re not broken—you’re human.

Anyone who has questioned their abilities or potential when stepping into something new has likely experienced imposter syndrome.

IN THIS MONTH’S POST

  1. Imposter syndrome is normal: Many people feel like frauds, even after real success.

  2. It shows up everywhere: Work, sports, parenting, and social settings.

  3. It affects confidence: Undermines self-esteem and growth.

  4. You can manage it: Challenge self-doubt and trust the evidence.

  5. Discomfort means growth: Feeling like an imposter often means you're levelling up

If I asked, “Would you benefit more from having more positive thoughts or fewer negative ones?” how would you respond?

Most people would say, “more positive thoughts.” But the answer is fewer negative ones. Negative thoughts are what hold us back and pull us into self-doubt or depression. Taking control of these narratives can help create a more balanced, even positive mindset.

WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME?

Imposter syndrome is described as the persistent feeling of self-doubt or inadequacy, often accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud. It is also the underlying belief that one’s achievements are undeserved, despite evidence of success. 

When we rise, we often question our ability to perform at a higher level. You might find yourself surrounded by seasoned professionals in a field you’re growing in. You might doubt your ability to deliver for your customers. You might question whether you’re doing enough as a parent. It routinely affects athletes striving for their next level.

Whatever the case, we sometimes feel like we’re putting up a front or living inauthentically.

The ‘fake it till you make it’ mentality can help early on, but it has its limits. At some point, building real confidence from within becomes essential. 

Why is Imposter Syndrome a Problem?

While not a mental health diagnosis, imposter syndrome can significantly impact self-esteem, confidence, and your career or life trajectory. 

When you lack trust in yourself, it’s hard to feel confident. It can affect you at a level that shakes your foundation and makes you question your identity and worth.

In my counselling work with Gratus Health, I’ve seen imposter syndrome affect people of all ages and stages of life—heck, I’ve experienced it firsthand, too!

Where Imposter Syndrome often shows up

  • Professionals who secretly doubt their expertise
    Even after years of success, they feel like they’re winging it.

  • Athletes stepping into higher levels of competition
    Wondering, “Am I good enough to belong here?”

  • Young adults entering the workforce
    Feeling unqualified, despite their education or potential.

  • People taking on new roles and responsibilities
    Questioning ability, even with a strong track record.

  • Students facing new academic challenges
    Feeling uncertain, even with evidence of achievement.

  • Social settings where you feel like an outsider
    Exaggerating insecurities and questioning self-worth.

  • Times of personal transition
    When a shift in identity makes you doubt your value or your purpose.

WHAT IMPOSTER SYNDROME MAY FEEL LIKE

  • Persistent self-doubt about your skills or competence.

  • Believing your success is due to luck or external factors, not your ability.

  • Feeling isolated or disconnected from peers, and like you don’t measure up.

  • Fearing failure or being “exposed” as incompetent.

  • Struggling with perfectionism and impossibly high standards.

  • Overwhelm, burnout, or exhaustion from always trying to prove yourself.

  • Low self-esteem and confidence, making achievements feel undeserved.

  • A quiet, nagging sense that you’re a fraud, despite evidence to the contrary.

If you’ve ever experienced these phenomena, you’re not alone. 

Nagging self-doubt doesn’t discriminate. The most successful people feel it at times. It can become a prominent problem even with a seemingly steadfast belief in your abilities.

You will almost always feel some degree of imposter syndrome when you step into bigger rooms, surrounded by people who influence you to level up.

The good news? Imposter syndrome and self-doubt don’t have to call the shots. With some mindset shifts and tools, you can step forward with greater self-trust.

Let me take this opportunity to remind you that your potential is bigger than your doubts. Imposter syndrome is a mindset, not reality.

A Quote:

“If you doubt yourself, shouldn't you also doubt your judgment of yourself?
When multiple people believe in you, it might be time to believe them.”
— Adam Grant

A Thought:

You are not here by accident. You are here by merit.

HERE’S HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

  1. Acknowledge it. Doubts are normal, but they don’t define you.

  2. Let go of negative thinking. It doesn’t serve you. When you recognize self-doubt, remind yourself of the times you’ve succeeded. We all have evidence that contradicts our limiting beliefs and negativity.

  3. Focus on facts. Your achievements are proof of your abilities—trust the evidence, not your inner critic.

  4. Redefine success. It’s about progress, not perfection. If your expectations align with experimentation, learning or excellence, you will grow.

  5. Focus on value-based goals. Pursuing meaningful goals reinforces a sense of purpose and self-worth.

  6. Say yes to growth. Scared? Good. Growth lies at the edge of your comfort zone. You need that feeling to elevate.

These aren’t quick fixes, but they’re powerful tools that build real, lasting confidence over time.

So, the next time you feel like an imposter in the room, remind yourself: you’re not there by accident—you’re there by merit. You’re not a fraud. You’re a learner, a contributor, and a person in progress. 

Growth doesn’t come without discomfort, and self-doubt is often just a sign that you’re levelling up.

The key is not to let limiting beliefs stop you from taking advantage of your opportunities. In most cases, you’re capable of far more than you think—or as I like to say, you’re capable of as much as you think you are. So set bold goals. Aim high!

Instead of shrinking in the face of imposter syndrome, meet it with compassion, courage, and evidence. 

You’ve earned your seat—and your story is still being written.

Trust it. Own it. Keep showing up.

Mike Shaw
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