Imposter Syndrome: How It Shows Up and What You Can Do About It
Imposter syndrome doesn’t always walk in loudly.
Sometimes it creeps in quietly, dressed as “I’m just lucky.”
Or “I’m not really qualified.”
Or “One day they’ll realise I have no idea what I’m doing.”
Sound familiar?
You can be incredibly capable, even outwardly successful, and still feel like you’re winging it behind the scenes. Like everyone else got the manual, and you’re just hoping nobody asks too many questions.
If you’ve ever:
Downplayed your success by saying “it was nothing”
Over-prepared in fear of being found out
Avoided applying for something because you weren’t quite ready
Told yourself you got lucky rather than earned it
You’re not alone.
You’re not broken.
And you’re definitely not the only one.
What Is Imposter Syndrome, Really?
Imposter syndrome is that persistent feeling that you’re not as competent, intelligent, or capable as people think you are… and that at some point, you’ll be exposed.
It affects high-achievers (…the irony!). Thoughtful people. People who care about doing well.
And while it’s not technically a diagnosis, it can shape your decisions, hold you back, and quietly chip away at your confidence.
What It Looks Like in Real Life
It might not be full-blown panic. It’s often more subtle than that.
It’s:
Talking yourself out of pitching your idea in a meeting
Shrinking a little when someone compliments your work
Believing everyone else has it together (while you're just getting away with it)
Feeling like you need one more qualification before you're truly legit
And often, it's invisible — because the people who feel it the most are usually the last to say it out loud.
A Little Truth You Might Need to Hear
If imposter syndrome is whispering in your ear, here’s something to remember:
You’re not in the room by accident.
You got there by showing up, by learning, by caring, by trying.
You’re not a fraud. You’re just growing.
And growth always feels a little uncomfortable - because you’re doing something you haven’t done before. That’s not failure. That’s progress.
A Coaching Question for You
What would you do differently if you knew you were qualified enough, capable enough, or ready enough, just as you are?
That’s often where the real shift begins.
Want to Work Through It?
Imposter syndrome is common — especially for high-achieving, perfectionist-leaning humans who are juggling big things. Coaching offers a space to unpack, challenge, and move forward without constantly second-guessing yourself.
If that sounds like something you need, I offer chemistry sessions — relaxed, no-pressure conversations to explore if coaching feels like the right fit.