From Self-Doubt to Self-Assurance: Saying Goodbye to Imposter Syndrome

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome have stopped far too many talented folks from going for their goals and reaching their true potential. Our hope is to host conversations that inspire folks to overcome imposter syndrome and help others as well.

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome have stopped far too many talented folks from going for their goals and reaching their true potential. Our hope is to host conversations that inspire folks to overcome imposter syndrome and help others as well.

Dr. Joanna Consiglio

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been an ongoing process, but for me, it started with recognizing that no one has all the answers—even the most experienced professionals are always learning. When I started my chiropractic practice, I felt the pressure of wearing multiple hats:  Read More>>

Reba Birmingham

From a young age I worked, and had a child at twenty years old. Higher education was tough to get, and I went to five different community colleges to receive an Associate’s Degree. When I was around thirty, the company I worked for moved out of state. Read More>>

Jill Rosen

I don’t think you ever completely overcome imposter syndrome; it’s more like learning to walk alongside it instead of letting it block your path. For me, the real game changer was shifting my focus from my own insecurities to the people I’m here to help. Read More>>

L. Kelly Lyles

I overcame imposter syndrome by just realizing that it’s a universal sentiment, Well, mostly overcame, little twinges surface once in a while when a young person is gushing compliments. It’s hard to believe them, the “I am not cool enough” flashes in my head. Read More>>

Stephanie Small

Imposter syndrome was something I struggled with early on, but I knew I had to shift my mindset if I wanted to build a successful business. I focused on mindset work and leaned into my “why”, which were my kids. After losing my mom in 2019 and my husband losing his dad in the same month, I became even more intentional about creating a life full of memories for my family instead of getting caught up in comparison or self-doubt. Read More>>

Dori Lewis And Shannon Hughes

Who says that we have overcome imposter syndrome? For us, imposter syndrome isn’t something to be overcome. In fact, at times, we feel imposter syndrome very strongly. Read More>>

Tina Rushing

Have I ever really overcome imposter syndrome? Honestly… no, not entirely. I’m not sure anyone does. I work extremely hard in an industry I never really imagined myself in. Read More>>

Omar Kaisi

I can’t say I’ve “overcome” imposter syndrome, I think it’s safe to say I “handle” it quite well, without imposter syndrome checking myself daily and being honest with myself would’ve Been a lot different in so many ways I Do not want to think about haha. Read More>>

Elicia Neo

Imposter syndrome was something I’ve really struggled with for a long time – as many people definitely do in this line of work. I wouldn’t say I have overcome it, but I have definitely gone a long way into shifting my mindset away from thinking whether something good that I’ve gotten is more than what I deserve. Read More>>

Marc Scheff

Imposter syndrome can be a signal and not a stigma. It’s not so much about erasing it, but knowing how to overcome it when, not if, it shows up.

I haven’t erased imposter syndrome, and neither should you.

Bad news first, if you’re a creative then imposter syndrome never goes away.
Good news, there’s a good reason AND you can use imposter syndrome as a trigger to keep moving forward. Read More>>

Carlye Grose

I am still coming to terms with the nature of feeling like an imposter, or rather, not feeling like one. Learning to accept a quiet reverence for the mystery of existence, recognizing that maybe the magic lies in our inability to grasp it fully. Read More>>

Monica Reitsma

Naturally, when you start something new, there is always that voice in your head saying “you don’t know what the heck you are doing.” I remember my first job out of college at a small marketing agency feeling so overwhelmed. I was not only the youngest, but I was also the only woman in my location’s office for my first six months there. I had no idea what I was doing. I was the only account/project manager for the agency at the time. The operations side of an agency was never the end goal–I went to school for design, but this was the only job I could get so I took it thinking I could show my skills and transition to the creative department. Read More>>

Kacee Rigsby

I spent a really long time believing that I wasn’t good enough for people to pay me to take their photos. It made me stand still, stop learning, stop growing. The fear that people would see me (as an artist) and then potentially not be satisfied with the product I delivered to them was terrifying. If I heard someone’s dislike then that would just confirm all of the things I knew to be true about myself, right? So, for the majority of 7 or 8 years I stayed very quiet and unseen. Read More>>

Dany Crooks

I don’t think you ever really get over this! Especially this early on in my career, it’s something that I struggle with daily! But I can tell you what helped! Ilona Maher, yes, USA’s rugby bronze medalist Ilona Maher, said something along the lines of, “I don’t have imposter syndrome because I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and, “It’s okay feel like you deserve something.” So when my imposter syndrome starts to act up, I tell it to KICK ROCKS and refocus on what needs to get done. Read More>>

Rachel Pearson

When I first started doing makeup professionally, imposter syndrome felt like an ever-present shadow. No matter how many clients loved my work, or how good I felt after seeing the positive reactions, there was always this nagging feeling, “Am I really good enough?”

Like many artists, I felt into the trap of comparison. Social media made it easy to see other makeup artists thriving, effortlessly creating flawless looks. Meanwhile, I was questioning every look I’ve ever done, every decision I’ve ever made about starting my own business. The doubt was loud, but deep down, my passion for makeup and beauty was louder. Read More>>

Sarah O’hara

Honestly, I think imposter syndrome comes from a huge misunderstanding of what it takes to be successful. When I was younger, I used to believe that people were successful because they were just naturally gifted — like doctors or lawyers were born smarter than everyone else, or musicians and actors had some magical talent that the rest of us didn’t. I thought success was all about having something special that no one else had. Read More>>

 Danilo Habusmel

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey of self-awareness and growth for me. Early in my career, I often felt like an outsider looking in, questioning whether I truly belonged in the spaces I occupied. However, several key steps helped me navigate these feelings:

Acknowledge and Normalize: I began by acknowledging that imposter syndrome is a common experience shared by many successful individuals. Realizing that I wasn’t alone in these feelings helped normalize them and reduced their power over me. Read More>>

Amethyst Marrone

I actually still find that I struggle with this one. I’m sure like many in business themselves, it’s hard to not feel like an “imposter” at times. In the early stages of building Lovely Thyme Events, I often questioned whether I was ‘qualified enough’ to lead a multi-service event company. There were moments when I compared myself to larger, more established businesses, and imposter syndrome would creep in. But I quickly realized that my passion, creativity, and the personal touch I bring to every event is what sets me apart. Read More>>

 Jacquie Pershing

Imposter syndrome is like this sneaky shadow that creeps in, making you question your worth, your abilities, and even your place in the world. It whispers, “Who do you think you are? You don’t know enough. You haven’t done enough. You’re just faking it.” And every time that shadow rears its head, it’s as if everything you’ve worked for, every bit of progress, is erased, leaving you standing in the dark, uncertain of your next step. Read More>>

 Grace E.g E.g

I read this question and think to myself -I too want to know- hahaha. To give you an answer, overcoming imposter syndrome is a continuous, evolving process that I actively work on every day, recognizing that the battle against self-doubt is never truly “finished.” I believe that understanding the root of imposter syndrome is essential; it often stems from early family dynamics, societal pressures, and deeply ingrained perfectionist tendencies that make us question our self-worth. Read More>>

Michelle Freney

This is still a work in progress. There are so many tools in your toolkit as a Kinesiologist and Mind Body Medicine Practitioner that it can easily feel overwhelming. Do I deepen my Counselling skills? Or should I explore using Crystals more in clinic? Is it time to study Aromatherapy or add massage to my offerings? So many of my colleagues are using sound healing – should I be incorporating more of that too? Read More>>

 Annie Lenora Evans

Imposter syndrome was a significant challenge for me to overcome. Through music, sound healing, and meditation, I came to realize that it stems from a deep-rooted fear of being truly “seen.” As a creative individual, many of us can relate to the feeling that our work is often misunderstood or undervalued in a society that tends to dismiss creativity as “not a real job.” It can also feel overwhelming when external validation, like having a huge social media following, becomes the measure of whether our art is valid. Read More>>

Eli Verano

You know, sometimes I feel like imposter syndrome isn’t really part of me anymore. And then, out of nowhere, it creeps back in. It’s like I keep going through the same cycle—doubting myself, questioning whether I’m good enough, and then finding my way back to confidence, reminding myself that I do have what it takes. Read More>>

Laurie Myers

Time,, Prayer and meditation. When doubt creeps in, reminding myself of the work Ive put in, the impact I’ve made, and the doors that have opened because of my purpose. His purpose; He has on my life

One thing that helps is shifting the focus from “Am I worthy of this?” to “How can I serve with what I’ve been given?” I’m not in this position by accident—God placed me here for a reason. Walking by faith, and let His truth silence the noise around you. Read More>>

Amanda Maday

Over a decade ago, I took a leap and started my own commercial design firm with no formal business training and only a passion for design with an entrepreneurial spirit. I had a drive to create something on my own; I told myself if I made it 3 years, I’d be happy yet here I am 12 years later with hundreds of projects created under our brand. Read More>>

Cynthia Flores

Imposter syndrome has been one of the most difficult things to overcome. As I grew in my career, it was hard to find people who looked like me in the positions I aspired to hold. This made it challenging to find relatable mentors who truly understood the obstacles I faced.

Over time, I realized that while I had been searching for mentors, there were also people looking up to me as a mentor. Rather than focusing on who wasn’t in the room, I chose to step up and be that person for others. I shared my experiences, mentored others, and helped them navigate their own journeys. I also reminded myself that I wouldn’t have these opportunities if I didn’t deserve them. I made a conscious decision to hold space, to take up room in places where I once felt like an outsider. By stepping into that role, I not only empowered others but also built confidence in myself. Read More>>

Natalie Murphy

It was the night before another one of my self-publishing workshops. I sat at my desk, staring at the email. Another aspiring author had just signed up, eager to learn from me. I should have been excited, but instead, doubt gnawed at me. Who am I to teach them? What if someone asks a question I can’t answer? Imposter! Imposter! Read More>>

Heath Biller

Imposter syndrome is a challenge many of us face, especially during significant career transitions. For me, it surfaced when I shifted from healthcare to financial advising three years ago. While I was a dedicated healthcare professional, my passion for finance was undeniable. I found myself drawn to investment books and financial articles, and I consistently encouraged my colleagues to become more knowledgeable about their own finances and take advantage of the investment opportunities offered by our hospital. I was eager to become an entrepreneur, as it became clear that I wanted to help people improve their financial health, just as I’d helped patients improve their physical health. Read More>>

Abby Mccolgan

In my experience imposter syndrome isn’t something you overcome once and never deal with again. Instead it comes in waves— some days you look at your work and think “this is great, I’m definitely on the right path!” while others leave you struggling to muster a single positive thought. Being surrounded by talented creatives in spaces like art school or social media can make this even tougher. It takes a lot of confidence to start believing in yourself, but just a glance at someone else to send you spiraling down a path of self-doubt.  Read More>>

 Peter Dorsey

Sometimes, people ask me where I went to art school. I respond, “I’m self-taught.” Several years ago, I reflected on this response and asked myself, “If you claim to be self-taught, why don’t you focus more on teaching yourself techniques, color theory, and improving your craft beyond your natural ability?” So, I decided to double down on my efforts to teach myself. Through books, YouTube videos, and truly studying the works of the masters with an artist’s eye, I began to push myself. But most importantly, I honed my artistic gift through good old-fashioned practice, taking on more challenging pieces. You never know what you’re capable of until you try. Read More>>

Elise Miguel

Well, it definitely did not happen over night. My imposter syndrome reached a boiling point that tipped me over the edge – a much needed push. I had a long overdue realization that everything I have accomplished, and will continue to accomplish, is because of my own hard work and determination. There’s nothing wrong with giving yourself credit where credit is due, but it’s a lot easier said than done when talking about yourself. I overcame imposter syndrome by being kinder to myself. Read More>>

Christina Specos

Imposter syndrome is something I battled in my career, even after years of education, certifications, and experience. Despite working with elite clients—pro athletes, high-level executives, and entrepreneurs—I still had moments where I questioned whether I was “qualified enough” to be in the room.

But here’s what I learned: imposter syndrome is just a sign that you’re pushing beyond your comfort zone. It’s not proof that you’re unqualified—it’s proof that you’re growing. Read More>>

Toni Larue’

As an author, I’ve learned that imposter syndrome often stems from comparing your journey to others in the industry. I used to measure my success against my peers – their book deals, their social media following, their writing pace. It was exhausting and counterproductive.

What transformed my relationship with imposter syndrome was reconnecting with my life’s purpose. Writing isn’t just my career – it’s my calling. When I focus on why I write and who I’m writing for, rather than external metrics of success, those feelings of inadequacy lose their power. Read More>>

 

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