How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome - Leading Lady Coaching

Do you have a little voice telling you that you’re winging it with your career or business? Are you worried you’ll be exposed as not smart or talented enough? That’s imposter syndrome rearing its ugly head. I’ve been there. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and you can learn how to overcome imposter syndrome! Read on for an inside look into exactly what fuels imposter syndrome, how it holds you back, and steps you can take to finally feel as capable as you truly are.

What Exactly is Imposter Syndrome?

Have you ever secretly felt like you landed where you are by getting lucky somehow? That the rest of the world will eventually figure out you don’t really have the right stuff? That’s imposter syndrome, whispering lies that you’re an incompetent fake. It makes you feel like a fraud despite clear evidence of intelligence, high intelligence, and praise from others.

Here’s the truth: you worked hard to get where you are. But even with big wins under your belt, praise still embarrasses you. Rather than owning your success, you explain it away as luck, charm, or temporarily fooling people. Inside, you worry you’ll be revealed as not good enough and lose everything. And that’s exactly why you must learn how to overcome imposter syndrome. But first, you need to learn what causes it and how it might hold you back.

Common Causes of Imposter Syndrome

Let’s take a look at a few things that can make women business leaders feel like an imposter:

We can be tough on ourselves, striving for perfection and freaking out over slip-ups.
With fewer women leading big companies, it’s harder to believe we also got this.
Even smart women explain away accomplishments as chance and not skill.
Messing up shakes our confidence fast. But news flash: we all make mistakes; it’s part of learning!

How Imposter Syndrome Holds Women Leaders Back

Unchecked imposter syndrome can wreck your confidence and success. Here are some ways that it might be holding you back:

You overwork trying to prove your genius.
You get stuck seeking perfection, not growth.
Big visions feel scary when you doubt your talents.
You downplay your skills and accomplishments.
It’s risky to raise your hand for exciting projects or promotions.

Letting those lies about being a fraud fester hurts your dreams! But the good news? Once you identify the problem, you can start fixing it. Let’s take a look at just how to overcome imposter syndrome.

7 Steps to Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

Ready to send that imposter packing for good? Try these proven tactics:

Question Anxious Thoughts: Write down worries when they surface and check if they stand up to logic. Ask yourself: would I judge a friend this harshly in the same situation?
Tracking Small Wins Matters: Quit explaining away or downplaying your progress. All success takes effort, so you earned it!
View Growth as Thrilling: Having a “growth mindset” means believing skills can keep improving with practice. Mistakes become helpful feedback for getting better, not proof you don’t have talent. Embrace the adventure of learning over seeking instant perfection. It’s a process!
Envision Yourself Rocking It Beforehand: Spend time visualizing absolutely nailing upcoming speeches, job interviews, or other situations that trigger self-doubt. Picture applause, laughter, and smiles of appreciation. Even imaginary practice builds real confidence!
Drop What’s Burning You Out: Seriously evaluate obligations that drain you without tangible rewards. Hand off tasks to others. Set clear boundaries around soul-sucking responsibilities if feasible. Stop overfunctioning! Save precious time and energy for achieving your big dreams.
Enlist a Trusted Reality Check: Ask well-respected colleagues and friends for candid feedback on your strengths and wins. They’ll likely confirm all the awesome qualities and talents you bring to the table. Use that to your advantage!
Find Your People to Break Isolation: Open up to supportive women leaders who have likely faced similar struggles with imposter syndrome. Their empathy and battle strategies will help blast away lingering feelings you don’t truly belong or have what it takes. Join us in the Leading Ladies Facebook group to get this kind of support. You’ve got this!

With intentional practice, you can shatter the power imposter syndrome wields over you. Then go out there and show the world what you’re made of!

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