Let’s talk about imposter syndrome—the sneaky little beast that tells you you’re not good enough, even when all the evidence says otherwise. Here’s what I’m learning: it doesn’t just go away once you “make it.” You’d think that getting the clients, hitting the revenue goals, and building a brand that turns heads would silence that voice for good. But nope—sometimes, the more successful you are, the louder it gets.
So, let’s get real about imposter syndrome, why it still hits even when we’re supposed to feel like we’ve got it all figured out, and how to deal with it.
Success Doesn’t Equal Certainty
I used to think imposter syndrome was something I’d feel only at the start—when I was fresh in the game, piecing together branding jobs for clients, hoping they’d like my designs. It was that feeling of not quite belonging, of wondering if someone would pull back the curtain and expose me as a fraud.
But here’s the thing: imposter syndrome doesn’t care how many wins you’ve had. It doesn’t care about your portfolio, the great reviews, or your hard-earned success. Sometimes, it even gets worse the more you achieve. Because as your business grows, so do the stakes. Suddenly, it’s not just about making a client happy—it’s about maintaining that level, meeting higher expectations, and showing up for a bigger audience.
The reality is, with every new level you reach, there’s a new fear: that it was all just luck, that you’re not really as good as they think, and that somehow, someday, everyone’s going to find out.
The Myth of Having It All Together
The truth that most successful entrepreneurs don’t talk about? The more people look up to you, the more pressure there is to look like you have your shit together. You think, “People trust me. People pay me for my expertise. Better not let them see me doubt myself!” But that pressure is exactly what keeps the imposter syndrome alive.
When we feel like we have to keep up appearances—that we can’t show vulnerability, can’t admit that we’re still learning—we feed that feeling of being a total fraud. Because deep down, we know the truth: no one, no matter how experienced or successful, has it all figured out. No one is immune to doubt. And pretending we are just makes it worse.
Imposter Syndrome is a Sign You Care
Here’s a reframe that helps me when imposter syndrome decides to make an appearance: it’s actually a sign that you care. You care about the work you’re doing, about the people you’re serving, and about delivering something that matters.
If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be scared. You wouldn’t worry about whether you’re doing enough or being enough. Imposter syndrome is twisted proof that you’re putting your heart into what you do, and honestly, that’s something to be proud of.
How I Keep the Beast in Check
I’m not going to pretend I have a magic cure for imposter syndrome. But I will share the things that help me keep it in check—because while it might never fully go away, you can get better at dealing with it.
- Remember That Everyone Feels It: I remind myself that even the people I look up to—those “untouchable” experts I see crushing it—have their own doubts. I talk to peers, mentors, and friends, and nine times out of ten, they admit they’ve been in the same boat. There’s power in knowing you’re not alone.
- Celebrate Wins, Even the Small Ones: Sometimes I get so focused on the next goal that I completely skip over celebrating what I’ve already achieved. But pausing to acknowledge the wins—even the small ones—makes a difference. It’s proof to yourself that you’ve done it before, and you can do it again.
- Separate Feelings from Facts: Just because I feel like I’m not good enough doesn’t mean it’s true. I’ve started keeping a folder of client testimonials, project wins, and work that’s made me proud. When imposter syndrome kicks in, I open that folder and remind myself of the facts. The facts are, I’ve put in the work, I’ve made a difference, and I’ve earned my spot.
You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not a Fraud
Imposter syndrome loves to make us feel isolated, like we’re the only ones who haven’t figured it all out yet. But the truth is, no one has it all figured out. Not completely. And the ones who succeed aren’t the ones who never doubt themselves—they’re the ones who feel the fear and show up anyway.
You’re not an imposter because you feel like one. You’re just human. You’re learning, growing, and putting yourself out there, even when it scares you. That’s bravery, my friend.
So, if you’re out there right now, feeling like you don’t belong, like you’ve somehow fooled everyone, know this: you’re not alone. The work you’re doing matters. The doubts you have are normal. And the fact that you’re here, despite those doubts, means you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Comments +