Understanding Imposter Syndrome and How to Quieten the Voice
Imposter syndrome is a normal feeling. There are ways to quiet the voice, and use it to your advantage.
Whether you’re starting a new job, sharing your art with the world, stepping into leadership, or even exploring your spiritual practice, the voice calling you an imposter can grow louder. This voice begins to convince you that your skills and efforts didn’t get you here, it was luck or fluke timing. And soon enough, you’re so busy worrying about being found out, you forget to celebrate the fact that you’re already doing the thing. Despite what this imposter voice says, you're not failing. And there are ways to work through this feeling and perhaps ways to reframe it and use it to your advantage.
Understanding the Imposter Phenomenon
First off, let's get one thing straight: imposter syndrome isn't an official mental health diagnosis. It’s a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalised fear of being exposed as a fraud. It’s most common in high-achievers, which is a rather beautiful irony. This can happen regardless of actual competence, education, or expertise. The more you accomplish, the more you might feel like you don't belong there. It’s like climbing a mountain: you can see the peak getting closer and closer, but with every step up, you worry you’ll be found out to be an unfit hiker.
And this feeling can be related to any new territory you are exploring - a promotion, a fresh creative project, a relationship milestone, or even choosing to live more intentionally. This feeling often stems from a fear of failure, perfectionism, external pressures to meet high expectations, or even a lack of self-compassion as you compare yourself to other around you (or on social media). The key to overcoming it isn't to suddenly become perfect, but to change our relationship with the feeling itself.
Related read: Why Comparison is Inevitable and How to Make It Work for You
Ideas on Quieting the Imposter Voice
The first step in most situations like this is always awareness. Acknowledging that there is a problem, and that the problem is imposter syndrome. Naming or recognising it can help you separate the feeling from your core identity. This feeling will dissipate like rain clouds, you may just need to give it time. Other realistic ideas on breaking through this cloud of imposter system are:
Keeping a wins journal where you write down your accomplishments, and everything that went right. From giving a presentation to checking in a friend. This is evidence you can refer back to as you counteract the imposter voice. Proof that your hard work and continuous efforts are paying off.
Reframing comparisons from thinking you can never be as good as someone, to asking what you can learn from them. Begin to choose to see the people you admire or compare yourself to as additional proof that what you hope for is possible. Let their skills and efforts inspire you.
Sharing your feelings can be a powerful antidote because the imposter voice thrives in isolation. When you think you're the only one experiencing it, your shame and fear only grow. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or a mentor. You'll likely be met with an incredibly reassuring response: "Oh, me too!" Sharing it makes it smaller, much like how the monster under the bed seems far less scary when you switch on the light.
Redefining what ‘expert’ means because too often it means knowing everything all the time. The truth is that any expert should be someone who is continually learning and isn’t afraid to say, "I'm not sure, but I'll find out." This shows humility and a genuine desire to learn, which is far more valuable than a feigned mastery.
Separating your self-worth from achievements is going to be essential to working through this feeling because imposter syndrome ties your value to external success. But you are so much more than your results. You are also the effort you put in, the way you treat people, the curiosity you bring, and the resilience you show when things don’t work out.
As you try to put these ideas into practice, keep taking ‘imperfect’ actions. Nothing quiets imposter syndrome faster than simply doing the thing. You don’t need to wait until you feel ‘ready.’ Ready is a moving target.
Post the artwork. Send the pitch. Apply for the role. Share the project with your community. Progress, not perfection, is the real proof you’re capable.
Using Imposter Syndrome to Your Advantage
Once you’ve learned how to quiet the imposter voice, you may find it has something useful to teach you. The very fact that you feel imposter syndrome means you’re invested, you care. You want to do well, contribute meaningfully, and be authentic. And these are all good things. As you are working through your imposter syndrome feelings, try to use it to your advantage.
Imposter syndrome keeps you humble in the sense that it can be a reminder that you are a student of life, and that there is always more to learn. This humility can make you a more compassionate leader, a more understanding colleague, and a more relatable human being.
Imposter syndrome can build empathy because it makes you more understanding and compassionate towards others. You know how isolating it feels, so you’re more likely to encourage and uplift those around you. That ripple effect is powerful.
Imposter syndrome can inspire excellence without the perfectionism. You don’t want to be an imposter, so you are motivated to do your best work. Knowing that every expert makes mistakes and is self-aware and confident enough to admit to not having all the answers, there is less pressure to be perfect. This shifts your mindset from a fear-based motivation to a purpose-driven one.
Imposter syndrome can be a sign of growth because it suggests you are out of your comfort zone. If you're not feeling at least a little bit nervous, you're probably not challenging yourself enough. Though this feeling isn’t always comfortable, let it be a sign of your growth rather than your perceived inadequacy.
Remember, you can ground yourself wherever you are, whenever you need it: take a few deep breaths (in through your nose and out through your mouth). Tell yourself that this feeling is imposter syndrome, not truth. Say affirmations for what you need to hear (I am prepared and trust in my abilities. I am inspired by others successes, knowing I will experience it too. My hard work and efforts brought me here, I trust myself). Think about your wins journal – specific moments where you handled a challenge well or made a positive impact. Decide on the smallest next action you can take right now (send the email, open the notebook, ask the question).
Feeling imposter syndrome is a normal part of the human experience, a sign that you are challenging yourself and growing. And it may never disappear entirely. But you don’t have to let it define you. So, the next time that little gremlin whispers in your ear, acknowledge it, give it a pat on the head, and then get on with the business of being your incredible, authentic, and wonderfully imperfect self. You’re stepping into new ground, you care deeply about what you’re doing, and you’re alive to your own growth. You're not a fraud. You're a brilliant, curious soul on a journey of continuous evolution, and that's a story worth telling.
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