Imposter Syndrome Is Lying to You—5 Ways to Take Your Power Back
Let me ask you something real—have you ever walked into a room, sat at the table, launched a project, or even pursued a dream, and thought, “What am I doing here? Someone’s going to figure out I’m not good enough…”?
Yep. That’s Imposter Syndrome. And it’s sneaky.
It doesn’t matter how accomplished you are or how much you've overcome—Imposter Syndrome has a way of whispering lies into your ear that sound an awful lot like truth. It makes you second-guess your success and doubt your worth. And if you’re like many of the women I work with—especially those who are navigating big life transitions—you may know this voice all too well.
I want to tell you a little story about how I stared that voice down and kept moving anyway.
The Triathlon That Almost Didn’t Happen
When I first began to train for a triathlon, I was terrified. Not just of the physical challenge (which, trust me, was real), but of the mental war that came with it. The moment I told people what I was doing, that little voice popped up:
“Who do you think you are?”
“You’re not an athlete.”
“You are overweight and out of shape.”
“Women over 40 don’t do things like that”
“What will the other moms think”?
Sound familiar?
What I learned during those months of training wasn’t just how to swim, bike, and run. It was how to unlearn the narrative that I wasn’t enough. I discovered that Imposter Syndrome wasn’t proof I was a fraud—it was proof I was growing. I was stepping outside the walls that had once kept me safe but small. And you know what? That’s exactly when the voice of doubt gets loudest—right before the breakthrough.
What Is Imposter Syndrome, Really?
Imposter Syndrome is that feeling of being a fraud—despite evidence to the contrary. It’s the internal belief that your accomplishments aren’t real, your success is luck, and sooner or later someone’s going to expose you.
It often shows up as:
Perfectionism
Overworking to “prove yourself”
Downplaying achievements
Fear of being “found out”
Avoiding opportunities because you're “not ready”
Let me say this loud and clear: Imposter Syndrome doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human.
And for anyone who's ever been told they have to earn their worth—Imposter Syndrome can feel like a lifelong companion.
But it doesn’t have to be.
How to Break Free from the Lies
Breaking free starts with recognizing the voice of the imposter isn’t you. It’s a voice shaped by your past, your fears, and sometimes the people around you. But it’s not your truth.
Here are a few practices that helped me quiet that voice and stay grounded in who I really am:
1. Name the Voice
When the inner critic speaks up, name it. Call it out. “Oh, there’s that voice again trying to keep me safe by playing small.” Awareness creates space for choice.
2. Remember the Evidence
Write down your wins. Keep a “proof file” of kind words, achievements, and moments you felt proud. Go back to it when doubt creeps in.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
Imposter Syndrome feeds on harsh self-talk. Start responding to yourself the way you would to a dear friend: with kindness, encouragement, and truth.
4. Take Bold Action Anyway
You don’t have to feel confident to take the next step. Training for that triathlon? I didn’t feel ready. I felt terrified. But I kept going. And action builds confidence, not the other way around.
5. Find Your People
Surround yourself with others who are doing brave things too. Share your fears. You’ll find you’re not alone—and that’s powerful. I found my triathlon tribe to be the single most import thing that I did!
You Belong. Period.
Whether you're stepping into a new role, launching a business, or just trying to believe you're enough—know this:
You’re not an imposter. You’re someone who is doing the work. You’re someone with dreams, grit, and heart. You’re someone who belongs right where you are.
Imposter Syndrome may still show up from time to time (it does for me), but now I know what to do with it. I see it. I thank it for trying to protect me. I remind myself of the truth. And then I get back to showing up boldly.
If this message hits home for you, I want to invite you into a space where we do this work together. Where we talk about the hard stuff, rewrite the old stories, and take brave action.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Ready to kick Imposter Syndrome to the curb?
Let’s chat about how I can support you in finding your voice, building your confidence, and finally going after what you truly want—without the lies holding you back.
Because your next chapter? It’s already calling your name.