That feeling may be imposter syndrome. And it occupies valuable mental space that could be used for growth, impact, and contribution.

I’ve seen it in C-suite executives who question their seat at the table. I’ve heard it from brilliant professionals who attribute their success to luck. And yes, I’ve experienced it myself, even after years of helping others grow with clarity and purpose.

Let’s talk honestly about what it is, why it happens, and how to break free.

What Imposter Syndrome Really Is

Imposter syndrome goes beyond everyday self-doubt. It’s the persistent belief that your success is undeserved, despite clear evidence to the contrary. It creates the fear that one day, everyone will realize you’re “faking it.”

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science found that up to 70% of people experience imposter feelings at some point in their careers. High achievers are often the most affected, those who have already built solid track records of competence and capability.

Imposter syndrome is not a personal flaw. It’s a normal, common psychological pattern. Simply knowing this can start to shift how you experience it.

You’re Not the Only One

If you’ve ever assumed that everyone else around you feels confident and capable, think again. Here’s what recent research shows:

• 78% of business leaders have experienced imposter syndrome (HCA Magazine, 2022)

• 75% of women executives say they’ve faced it in their careers (Forbes, 2023)

• In a 2024 study of nursing students, 33% reported frequent imposter feelings (BMC Nursing, 2024)

The truth? You’re in very accomplished company.

How It Shows Up

Imposter syndrome is often subtle. You may not even realize it’s behind certain behaviors. Common signs include:

• Over-preparing for tasks others complete quickly

• Deflecting praise: “Oh, it wasn’t really me”

• Hesitating to speak up or share your perspective

• Feeling relieved when meetings or presentations get canceled

• Striving for perfection, then feeling like a failure if you fall short

• Comparing yourself constantly to others who seem more confident

If you recognise yourself in any of these, congratulations, you’re human.

Why It Happens to High Performers

Imposter syndrome tends to emerge in environments where expectations are high and uncertainty is present. It’s often driven by both internal wiring and external conditions.

Internal factors:

• Holding yourself to perfectionist standards

• Focusing on flaws while discounting strengths

• Believing praise is inaccurate or undeserved

External factors:

• Navigating a new role or level of responsibility

• Being underrepresented in your field or team

• Lacking feedback or mentorship

• Working in a culture that rewards burnout over boundaries

When you understand what’s driving these feelings, you can separate the situation from your sense of self-worth.

The Cost of Staying Silent

When imposter syndrome goes unchallenged, it can quietly shape your entire career:

• You participate less in meetings

• You turn down opportunities

• You overwork to compensate for self-doubt

• You withhold your unique insight

• You shrink to stay safe, rather than grow

The most significant cost? You hold back from the impact you are capable of making.

Your Path from Imposter to Confidence

Confidence isn’t the absence of doubt, it’s your ability to take aligned action even when doubt whispers in your ear. Here’s how to begin shifting it:

1. Name It Without Judgment

When the thought arises, name it: “This is an imposter moment.”

By labeling it, you create distance from it.

Quick practice:

Write imposter thoughts down as they appear. Getting them out of your head and onto paper reduces their power.

2. Build Your Evidence Bank

Our brains are wired to remember criticism more than praise. You will need to retrain yours.

Create a “confidence inventory” that includes:

• Positive feedback

• Projects you have led

• Challenges you have overcome

• Problems you have solved

• Skills you have sharpened

• Achievements you are proud of

Review it regularly, especially before big meetings, presentations, or interviews.

3. Reframe the Inner Narrative

The stories you tell yourself shape how you show up.

Try these reframes:

• “I didn’t get lucky. I prepared well, and it showed.”

• “They chose me for a reason. I continue to add value.”

• “I may not have all the answers, but I ask the right questions.”

Confidence builds through conscious repetition.

Bonus Tool: The Reality Check

For moments when imposter thoughts creep in, I have created a quick, guided worksheet called The Reality Check. In five minutes, it will help you:

1. Spot the imposter thought

2. Ground yourself in real evidence

3. Rewrite the narrative

4. Take one confidence-building action

Click Here To Download It Now and keep it handy for those moments when your mindset needs a reset.

The Reality About Expertise

The more competent you become, the more aware you are of what you still don’t know. That’s not fraudulence, it’s humility.

People who feel like imposters tend to be thoughtful, conscientious, and growth-oriented. Ironically, those who fake expertise rarely experience imposter syndrome at all.