This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move forward on your journey towards reaching your full potential. We hope the stories and lessons below will help you overcome self-doubt.
Melissa Marcy
I shared this question with a few close friends and my therapist and we all had a good laugh because it’s no secret that I still sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome. Albert Einstein said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” This is so relatable, humbling, and even overwhelming at times. To prevent myself from spiraling I keep in mind some inspirational gems I’ve read along the way: Read more>>
Orielle Anaïs
I think imposter syndrome is part of the growth process. It comes in waves and at different stages.
And, it can be especially strong for those who are conditioned as a female. I know women at the peak of their game who still experience it. Knowing that it’s a universal experience has softened it for me when it comes knocking. Read more>>
Dillon Dunnagan
Overcoming imposter syndrome in the music world, to us, is to be able to take your influences and make them your own. And to be influenced by things that aren’t necessarily your favorite thing. Music is a wide world and a broad spectrum. We just love a little bit of everything and like to incorporate it into what we do. It also comes with time and experience in writing, creating, and playing music. Read more>>
Sonia Silva Flores
Overcoming imposter syndrome can be challenging, especially when you feel pressured to follow trends. I initially tried offering popular treatments to attract more clients, thinking it would help my business. However, I quickly realized that those trends didn’t align with my philosophy. Read more>>
Daina Houghton
I remember I was having a bad day one day and I was sitting in my bedroom, crying. I couldn’t understand why certain things were happening to me. I had a conversation with my business and he guided me to set challenges for myself to boost my focus and confidence. I was upset but I realized it was something I needed to figure out. Over a course of time, I took inventory of myself and decided that I needed to change a few things in order to continue being happy with what I do. I overcame imposter syndrome through a combination of a few things: self-reflection, mentorship, and exposure to challenges.. Read more>>
Katie Winchenbach
When I first graduated law school, I took a job at a small, local boutique law firm. Not only was I the only female attorney at the firm, but I was the youngest and least experienced attorney by many years. Very quickly, I noticed that I was being left out of a lot of activities the other attorneys did, like golf outings. When they came back from those activities, discussions had been had and decisions had been made, and I was left out of it all. It made me feel like I didn’t belong and that I wasn’t good enough to excel at the law firm. I got frustrated, and my confidence was shattered. Read more>>
Abby Richmond
First, let’s define imposter: someone pretending to be what they are not. If you’ve earned that degree, that title, that certification, you are exactly who you claim to be. We have to be ok with not being an expert and accepting that we’re learning on the job, for our entire career. Being inexperienced or unconfident doesn’t make you an imposter; it makes you a newbie. “The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.” Consider that in a child’s eyes, their parent is a life expert with all the answers, while the new parent is actively learning how to be successful in their brand new role. Remember that every veteran in your field was a newbie one day and just as you earned the title, you can earn that expert status. Read more>>
Kelly Roehm
I believe everyone carries imposter syndrome in some way, but certain people have learned to control that nudge of doubt. I always tell my clients, “be more delusional.” What I mean by that is sometimes we have to silence our inner critic and just go for it—step into opportunities before we feel ready, because honestly, none of us ever feels 100% ready. Read more>>
Eva Katherine Coder
I would not say that I have not completely overcome my imposter syndrome. Whenever I teach or lead something new or am with a new group of people, I confront a part of me that wonders if I am qualified to do what I am doing. I often think that there is someone better to do it. Read more>>
Adrianna Munoz
Imposter syndrome looks different for everyone, and I hope that my story helps other professional women feel less alone. My journey to leadership and owning a business is not straightforward, I stumbled into both! When I was a new registered nurse (RN) I lacked confidence in my skills and I was also a people-pleaser. I had a few notable failures in navigating interpersonal challenges due to lacking confidence and they taught me more than any success did. My failures included coming home feeling defeated and feeling like I needed to wear a mask or be hyper-professional, it was exhausting. That compounded with feeling like a minority at work as a Mexican-American woman. Read more>>
Jadeia Grimes
I’m so shocked this was a question to be answered because I truly thought I was in my own head! It’s insane but wholesome to know I’m not alone. Personally I have not gotten over imposter syndrome, I’m so grateful and have worked hard for this moment in my life but it still all feels unreal, but I’m learning to give myself grace and not be so hard on myself lol. Read more>>
Audreon Babb
Often, I have doubted my own abilities thinking I didn’t belong in a certain setting or couldn’t achieve what I wanted. But I’ve overcome this by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Whether it was applying and securing a recognition I didn’t think I was qualified for, quitting my job in the middle of the pandemic to launch my business, or volunteering in an unknown setting, every experience has taught me to trust myself and God a little more each time. I have found that I do well and even enjoy myself when in these situations. As a result, I feel less like an imposter and more like I am right where I belong. Read more>>
Mariah Hagenbach
Imposter syndrome is something I’ve definitely experienced throughout my photography journey. To overcome it, I’ve had to step back and recognize when I need a break—whether that’s from photography itself or from social media. I’ve learned that constantly comparing myself to others doesn’t serve me, so I make a conscious effort to unfollow or mute accounts that make me feel like I’m not doing enough. By staying in my own lane and focusing on my personal growth, rather than checking in on competitors, I’ve found more confidence in my work and have been able to reconnect with the passion that drew me to photography in the first place. Read more>>
Katherine Papatheodore
I think this is an interesting question because I believe it’s an ever-evolving process to “overcome” imposter syndrome. As someone who has started a business that’s not in the same industry as the grad program I was going for, the imposter syndrome is WILD. Constantly comparing myself to others who are “more experienced” or have a certain degree, or are what I deem as “better” than what I do. Read more>>
Olivia Becker
Imposter syndrome has been a constant challenge throughout my consulting career, but one that I learned to manage over time. In consulting, you continuously step into unfamiliar situations—new clients, new challenges, new teammates, and even new office spaces. It’s easy for self-doubt to creep in: “I don’t belong here,” “I don’t have enough experience,” “My opinions don’t matter.” These thoughts can be paralyzing, especially when you’re expected to deliver impactful results every week. Read more>>
Owldamone
Imposter syndrome is something so common in the online creator space it’s almost expected. It’s the very self doubting feeling of “am I good enough?” or “do I deserve this?” I get this every time I get an opportunity, fearing that from the outside others may question my deservedness of it. But I realise that even if that is true, if you work hard and you’re passionate then there’s no opportunity you don’t deserve. When I get in my own head about that I take the time to think about all the work I’ve done over the years. And it then becomes a very validating reminder that yes, I do deserve this, and here’s all I’ve done TO deserve it. Read more>>
Diane Jorge
Imposter syndrome is a part of the journey of pursuing your dreams, especially anything with comedy. We all doubt our skills and capabilities from time to time. The main thing for me is to have faith in myself and my capabilities. I know how to make people laugh, but I’m going to have a bad night and bomb here and there. If I have a bad night, I try to learn from it as much as I can. So, I’ve also taken the sting away from failure by giving myself grace and encouraging myself to take big swings. The real failures in life are the ones you don’t learn from. Read more>>
Jenna Mutya
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey, and I still experience it from time to time. What helped me the most was recognizing that self-doubt is a normal part of growth. The more I leaned into the discomfort, the more I realized it was a sign that I was stepping outside of my comfort zone—exactly where I needed to be. Read more>>
Laura Petrolino
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a daily, never-ending journey for me. Which would probably surprise a lot of people because I’m not afraid to jump into new challenges. But the truth is, I absolutely am. I question myself and abilities constantly. Daily I have a moment of wondering what the heck I think I’m doing. Read more>>
Sean Mis
Imposter syndrome can be challenging and confusing. Most of the time, I feel like I have it under control, knowing I’ve earned my place and worked hard to be where I am—a position where clients value and respect what I offer. But occasionally, when I’m working alongside professionals I look up to or get an unexpected big client early in my career, the feeling resurfaces. In those moments, I start doubting myself, thinking, “Why did they choose me? What if I can’t meet their expectations?” Read more>>
Alexandria Rhinehart
I overcame imposter syndrome by reflecting on my experiences, accepting positive affirmations, and working on my self-concept. We often struggle to see ourselves and our achievements clearly. Nowadays, I receive a lot of praise and positive feedback, but it took time for me to truly believe in it. Many of my old beliefs were limiting. For example, in my teenage years, I was labeled as lazy because I didn’t excel in sports or other disciplines. My caretakers and well-meaning people worried I wouldn’t reach my potential. Read more>>
Yiwen Qian
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been quite a journey for me. I used to be a person who always doubted myself, believing I didn’t deserve the love and support from my surroundings. Over time I realized these emotions really dragged me down in the hole and didn’t help me grow as an individual whether in my daily life or work field. Then I started reminding myself of what I’ve achieved coming along—like when my work got recognized by prestigious film festivals, filmmakers and talents, and just audiences in general. Getting feedback from mentors and peers was crucial as well. I began working at a production company called Rollin Studios last year. Read more>>
Keith Maddy
I believe Imposter syndrome is a familiar feeling for people in all professions and realms of life. For me it is a long process of sticking true to my own unique voice and believing in it. Embracing it and nurturing it, like a child, even when it was/is confusing or unruly. Staying committed and focused and not distracted by the perceived success of others. Instead, learning to admire, appreciate and learn from colleagues and peers. By doing this I’ve learned that there is a reciprocal curiosity and support that is generated, direct and indirect, and invaluable to my own confidence. Read more>>
Libby Cope
Honestly I think every creator struggles with this to some degree, and I’d love to say I’ve overcome it but it’s something I still struggle with here and there. I create content in the outdoor space which is full of incredible, talented, type-2-fun-humans. I’ve met some of the best people in the outdoor content space, and majority of my best friends too. When your job is to showcase the outdoors by doing cool outdoorsy things, there is a sense of pressure you get from seeing other outdoor creators doing other wildly awesome things and being so successful at them. Read more>>
Katherine Swanson
I think this is such a wonderful question because everyone I talk to that wants to do great things has had to overcome imposter syndrome. For me personally, I look for the evidence that I’m great at what I do. I look at all the clients I’ve helped. I look at how many various ways I’m able to help transform my life and lives of others. I read my clients testimonials. I read the comments and messages I get from people and how much I’m helping them with what I’m sharing. Read more>>
Eli Neugeboren
To be honest I haven’t completely gotten over it! The trickiest thing with imposter syndrome is that it is lurking around every corner sometimes. The best thing to help me deal with feeling like I don’t belong in certain situations is compartmentalizing – accepting that this is how part of me is going to feel about it, that I’m going to lack some of the self-confidence I should properly have. Read more>>
Sharonda Purnell
You overcome imposter syndrome by understanding that no one will ever master being a human on a floating rotating rock suspended by the juice of the universe, or ever know all there is to know about everything there is to know. That in a way, we are all imposters, figuring things out. No one really knows a thing. And thats the scary, yet exhilarating part of being a human. Read more>>
Devyani Mahadevan
I most definitely have not overcome imposter syndrome, but what helps is breaking tasks down into smaller steps and hyper-focusing on completing them as a way of distracting myself from my the final outcome and how it is going to be perceived by others. Taking a break from Social Media has also been really helpful in the past, although it hasn’t been an option lately because of the job hunt. Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy being a beginner, keep trying new things without constantly feeling inadequate and enjoy the process so much that the outcome becomes less significant—but I know that’s still a long way ahead. Read more>>
Erica Hill
There was a time when I stood on the edge of my dreams, but instead of stepping forward, I felt paralyzed by the weight of self-doubt. On the outside, I looked like a woman who had it together—a successful business owner, driven and focused. But on the inside, I was quietly battling a voice that kept whispering, “You’re not enough. You don’t belong here.” “This is not a safe space for you”. That’s the cruel reality of imposter syndrome—it sneaks up on you when you least expect it, even when you’ve put in the work and earned your place. Read more>>
Charli Terry
Imposter syndrome is a difficult feat, especially as a new and upcoming name in your industry. There is no amount of knowledge that can prepare you for when you are standing in the room with people who are at the top of your field. Something that I do before I even leave the house is remind myself that hard work pays off. Most of the people that have the success you desire, started as the underdog. So as long as I keep that in mind, my comparison mindset silences and helps me navigate the room with more confidence. Read more>>
