Imposter Syndrome Is a Liar: Here’s How to Shut It Up

Let’s get real: imposter syndrome is that voice in your head that whispers, “Who let you in here?” right as you’re crushing it at work, giving a presentation, or posting that new business launch on Instagram.

It’s sneaky. It shows up when you get good news. When someone praises you. When you dare to think, “Hey, maybe I’m good at this.” And then BAM — there’s that thought: “Yeah, but what if they find out you have no idea what you’re doing?”

Sound familiar? Cool, me too.

First: You’re Not Broken.

Let me say this loud and clear: there is nothing wrong with you for feeling this way. Imposter syndrome is basically a side effect of doing something that matters to you.

If you never felt it? You probably wouldn’t care about the work you’re doing. You’d be in your comfort zone, binging Netflix, living life without ever risking failure or rejection. (And hey — sometimes that’s nice too, but it’s not why you’re here reading this post.)

Feeling like an imposter means you are in the arena, taking swings, playing at a level that your nervous system is still catching up to.

Second: Everyone Feels This Way. Yes, Even Beyoncé.

Okay, maybe not Beyoncé now, but she’s admitted that she used to get nervous before going on stage and wonder if people would even like her.So if Queen Bey had imposter syndrome while basically reinventing music as we know it, you’re allowed to feel it while running your business, leading your team, or finally raising your rates.

Third: Your Brain Is Just Trying to Protect You

Here’s the deal: your brain loves safety. It doesn’t care if you thrive; it cares if you survive. When you do something new, risky, or bold, your brain freaks out a little and says, “No thanks, let’s not get eaten by a metaphorical tiger today.”That voice in your head saying “You’re not qualified”? That’s just your brain’s outdated safety system firing off alarms.

How to Shut Imposter Syndrome Down (Without Gaslighting Yourself)

1. Name It. Call it out. Literally say to yourself: “Oh hey, that’s imposter syndrome talking. Cute.” Naming it separates you from the feeling.

2. Collect Receipts. Make a brag file — screenshots of client testimonials, thank-you notes, awards, emails from your boss saying “amazing job.” When your brain tries to tell you you’re not good enough, open that file and remind yourself of the truth.

3. Talk About It. Share how you’re feeling with a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist. Imposter syndrome loves silence — it grows in the dark. Saying it out loud takes away its power.

4. Celebrate Every Win (Even Small Ones). Did you send the scary email? Celebrate. Did you post the thing you were afraid of posting? Celebrate. Your brain needs evidence that doing scary things is safe.

5. Keep Going Anyway. This is the hardest part — but also the most important. Feel like a fraud and still show up. Feel terrified and still hit publish. The more you do, the quieter that voice gets.

   
   

The Real Flex

The truth? The people who inspire us most are the ones who felt fear, self-doubt, and “who am I to do this?” — and did it anyway. That’s not arrogance. That’s courage.

And if you’re reading this? I’m willing to bet you’re already braver than you give yourself credit for.

So here’s your permission slip: you’re not an imposter. You’re a work-in-progress, showing up anyway, and that is exactly what the world needs.