I work with a lot of high-achieving, successful professionals—people who, on paper, seem to have it all together. Yet, time and time again, I hear the same fears mentioned in sessions:
What if I’m not actually good enough?
What if people figure out I don’t really belong here?
Imposter syndrome isn’t just about self-doubt; it’s about the deep, often unspoken fear that success is fragile—that no matter how much you accomplish, it could all disappear the moment someone realizes you don’t actually deserve it. And if that resonates, you’re far from alone.
Psychologist Joan Harvey developed the Harvey Impostor Phenomenon Scale (HIPS) to assess these feelings, and the statements on the scale reveal just how deeply imposter syndrome can shape our thoughts:
I am afraid people important to me may find out that I’m not as capable as they think I am.
I sometimes think I don’t deserve the success I’ve achieved.
I often feel like I’ve fooled others into thinking I’m more capable than I really am
Sound familiar? These aren’t just fleeting thoughts. They’re echoes of deeper attachment stories—beliefs formed long before you stepped into your first leadership role. I’ve seen, firsthand, how understanding and rewriting these narratives can not only quiet self-doubt but actually fuel success. Some of my most accomplished clients have found that embracing vulnerability—acknowledging their struggles rather than hiding them—has made them even stronger leaders. It’s helped them build deeper connections, make more confident decisions, and step into their success fully, rather than feeling like they’re constantly chasing it.
So let’s talk about imposter syndrome—not just what it is, but how to rewrite the stories that keep it alive.
The Stories That Shape Imposter Syndrome
From a young age, we absorb stories about who we need to be in order to be accepted. If you grew up in an environment where love, praise, or even stability felt tied to achievement, you may have internalized a belief that your worth is conditional. That being “good enough” wasn’t about who you were—it was about what you did.
Fast-forward to today, and that belief still lingers, shaping how you see your success. No matter how much you accomplish, there’s a voice inside whispering: This isn’t real. You just got lucky. You don’t actually belong here.
But here’s the good news: just like imposter syndrome itself, these beliefs are not facts. They’re just stories. And stories can be rewritten.
How to Rewrite the Story
Rewriting these old narratives isn’t about ignoring self-doubt or pretending you’re fearless. It’s about learning to see yourself clearly—without the lens of perfectionism, fear, or past conditioning.
Challenge the Story You’re Telling Yourself
One of the most powerful ways to disrupt imposter syndrome is to question the beliefs that fuel it. Ask yourself:
• What actual evidence do I have that I don’t deserve this role?
• If a colleague had my exact experience and skills, would I question their competence the way I question my own?
• What would I say to a friend who expressed these same doubts?
• What feedback have I received that contradicts my self-doubt?
Your brain may resist at first. It’s been telling the opposite story for years. But questioning it weakens its grip, and over time, a new, more accurate narrative can take hold.
Separate Feelings from Facts
Here’s something I remind my clients: Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one.
A core skill from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) called cognitive defusion can help here. Instead of getting tangled up in your thoughts, practice stepping back from them.
Next time your mind says, I’m not good enough, try this:
I’m having the thought that I’m not good enough.
See how that changes things? That small shift reminds you that a thought is just a thought—not a fact.
If your brain doubles down, take it a step further:
I’m noticing that I’m having the thought that I’m not good enough.
That extra distance helps you see these thoughts for what they really are: background noise. You don’t have to silence them—you just don’t have to believe them.
Use Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength
Many high achievers assume that admitting self-doubt or struggles will make them seem weak. But in my work with executives and leaders, I’ve seen the opposite. Those who embrace authenticity—who share their challenges rather than hiding them—become stronger, more trusted, and more effective leaders.
When my clients have opened up about imposter syndrome with colleagues or mentors, they’ve often learned they are not alone. In fact, nearly 70% of executives experience imposter syndrome at some point.
By embracing vulnerability, you can not only build deeper connections but also leverage your experience to drive real change—whether that’s mentoring others, fostering healthier workplace cultures, or leading with more confidence and clarity.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to hold you back. If anything, it can be the very thing that propels you forward.
Commit to Your Values, Not Your Fear
If you wait to feel confident before taking action, you’ll be waiting forever. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for success—it’s a byproduct of showing up, over and over, despite your doubts.
Instead of trying to “fix” imposter syndrome, shift your focus to what actually matters: your values. Ask yourself:
What kind of leader do I want to be?
What values do I want guiding my decisions—excellence, impact, integrity?
If I weren’t listening to self-doubt, what action would I take today?
The goal isn’t to eliminate imposter syndrome. It’s to stop letting it dictate your choices.
Final Thoughts
The next time imposter syndrome sneaks in, remind yourself:
These thoughts are old stories, not absolute truths.
Your worth isn’t tied to performance—it was always there.
Self-doubt is a sign of growth, not a sign that you don’t belong.
True leadership isn’t about pretending you have it all figured out. It’s about showing up fully—flaws, doubts, and all. And when you do, you’ll realize something:
The more openly we talk about imposter syndrome, the less power it holds.
You belong where you are. You have earned your success. It's time to own it.
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