Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Journey from Doubt to Confidence
Imposter syndrome is something most of us have felt at some point, but did you know that it’s different from self-doubt? While self-doubt is a mindset issue, imposter syndrome resides at the identity level. It’s that voice in your head telling you that you’re a fraud—that you’ll be exposed any minute despite all the external evidence showing you’re more than qualified. Imposter syndrome makes you feel like your successes were just luck, rather than the result of your hard work and ability.
I can tell you from personal experience how insidious imposter syndrome can be. It’s shown up in so many areas of my life, especially in moments where I should have been celebrating my accomplishments. The first time it crept in was when I was 18 years old, and I joined the Army.
A New Leader, or a New Fraud?
At 18 I joined the Army and embarked an a journey that would change everything for me. First stop was basic training. In basic training, I was chosen as a platoon guide which is a student leader position. Now, let me explain—there were no tryouts. The drill sergeant didn’t ask us who wanted the position. It wasn’t a voluntary thing; decisions were made for you. So when I was called out of the group and told to march the platoon back, my heart sank. I had never marched anyone anywhere before, and I couldn’t even call cadence without stumbling over my feet. But somehow, I made it through. I got the platoon back to our barracks, and that was it. My task was over. Or so I thought.
The inner dialogue that followed was a nightmare. I told myself that I was not cut out for leadership, that I was just one of many to come to have been selected, and that at any moment, someone would see that I wasn’t the right person for the job. I remember thinking, “What was the drill sergeant thinking?” and feeling utterly embarrassed and out of place.
Well, while I spent the first few day waiting for the next soldier to take their turn, I keep getting called back up time and time again. Drill Sergeant wasn’t testing out platoon guides. He had chosen me. I had wished he would have just told me that, but eventually I figured it out.
Anyway, I spent the full rest of the training just wishing he’s fire me and choose someone else. I could here my peers calling me names and mocking me. It was abundantly clear that some of them thought they would do a much better job than I was doing and had no shame in behaving in ways that let me know that was how they felt. But come the end of our 9 week training and I was still standing at the front of that group. Drill Sergeant never fired me.
Looking back, the evidence was clear. The drill sergeant had seen something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. I was chosen to lead because I had the leadership skills, the qualities, and the potential to do it. And it wasn’t just a one-time thing. Throughout my military career, I was consistently selected for leadership roles and special assignments. Even in my civilian life, when I transitioned out of the military, I was chosen for positions of responsibility.
A Pattern I Didn’t Recognize
As far back as middle school, I was selected for a student ambassador program. Out of a class of hundreds of students, only three of us were chosen. That, too, was another instance where I doubted why I was picked. Surely, there must have been someone more qualified, right? I thought maybe they just made a mistake or that I got lucky. But the fact is, I was chosen because I had qualities that others saw in me—qualities that I struggled to see in myself.
This is the essence of imposter syndrome: it’s when you’re chosen for roles or opportunities that prove your ability, but you still feel unworthy of them. You convince yourself that your success is a fluke, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Imposter Syndrome Strikes Again
Fast forward to just a year or so ago. Even in my current role as a life coach, imposter syndrome had tried to show up and sabotage my progress. Despite having the experience, education, and passion to lead others, there were still moments when I questioned my worthiness. When I got in front of a group to talk about business building and personal development—something I’m deeply passionate about—I was still hearing that voice telling me I wasn’t good enough, not experienced enough, or not qualified enough.
Even when my clients shared with me how much of an impact my work has made on their lives and businesses, that inner critic tried to convince me that they must be wrong. They must not see the fraud that I’d convinced myself is lurking beneath the surface. But here’s the thing: I’m not that good at acting. The fear of being exposed just isn’t true.
Breaking Free from the Cycle
Imposter syndrome can be so powerful that it sabotages opportunities, convincing you that you don’t deserve them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve created something—whether it’s a coaching program, a course, or a piece of content—and then convinced myself it wasn’t good enough to share. I’d let it sit in the background, hidden away from the world, because I was convinced that people would see me as a fraud.
But it wasn’t until I went through a training program on imposter syndrome that I truly started to heal. Through that process, I was able to separate my identity from the fear of being “exposed.” I realized that self-doubt will always pop up, but it doesn’t mean I’m not worthy of success. I learned how to recognize that voice for what it is—just a protective mechanism my brain uses to keep me safe.
Now, when self-doubt shows up, I’m able to acknowledge it and keep moving forward because I know who I am. I trust in my abilities and the work I’ve put into overcoming my imposter syndrome. And because I’ve done that work, I can confidently say that I can help you do the same.
Your Path to Confidence
If imposter syndrome is holding you back, know this: you’re not alone. Everyone experiences it at some point, but it doesn’t have to control your actions or define who you are. When you begin to separate your worth from your doubts and recognize your successes for what they truly are—proof of your abilities—you’ll start to see the truth: you belong in the spaces you’re in, and you are more than capable of succeeding.
So, what can you do to start breaking free from imposter syndrome? Begin by acknowledging the moments when you feel like a fraud. Identify the evidence that proves you’re qualified, capable, and deserving of the opportunities you have. And most importantly, give yourself permission to own your success—because you’ve earned it.
If this resonates with you, know that you don’t have to do it alone. There are resources, strategies, and support systems that can help you overcome imposter syndrome and step into your true potential. Don’t let that voice in your head keep you from the amazing things you’re capable of. You’ve got this.
If you want some serious support in this area, let’s schedule a call: https://bit.ly/ConsultHJC
For more blog on imposter syndrome, check out these posts: