Feeling like an imposter and why that doesn’t mean that you don’t belong

Writing this blog is making me feel like an imposter, so let’s talk about that. When the idea to write a blog first came to me, my immediate thought was, “Who do I think I am to write anything, and who would even want to read it?” If I’m honest, this is a familiar thought pattern for me: the self-doubt, the hesitation, the voice that questions whether I’m good enough (and often outright insists I’m not). I wasn’t even sure what my first blog should be about, that was until those exact thoughts started to show up. Feeling like an imposter once again made the choice obvious, because if I am experiencing it this strongly, chances are, others are too.  I see the same doubt in my clients, my peers, and my friends whenever we try to put ourselves out there. So, I’m writing this not as an expert, but as someone trying to understand what’s really happening for us in those moments.

In simple terms, imposter syndrome is the belief that you’re not good enough, even when there’s plenty of evidence that you are. It often stems from a fear of being “found out”, that people will see the version of you that only you see, the one living in those quiet, critical corners of your mind. It can grow out of perfectionism too, where anything less than perfect feels like failure, especially when we compare ourselves with others. Personally, I really struggle with feeling deserving of my own successes. I find it far easier to dismiss a win or hand the credit to someone else. It’s worth remembering that imposter syndrome can affect absolutely anyone, even people who seem confident on the outside.

From my experience, imposter syndrome doesn’t just sit quietly in the background, it shows up in all sorts of subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways. It can make us second-guess decisions, downplay achievements, or hesitate to put ourselves forward. For me, it’s the voice that says I’m not ready or skilled enough, or that I don’t deserve recognition, it’s the very voice speaking up as I write this. I see the same patterns in people I care about: the anxiety, the guilt, the feeling like a fraud, the urge to shrink ourselves so we avoid judgment. It’s exhausting and isolating. But noticing how it shows up day-to-day is the first step towards challenging it and responding with something kinder.

Often, these beliefs are formed early in life, beliefs like “I’m not enough,” “People will see my flaws,” or “I get everything wrong.” Over time, they shape how we deal with fear, rejection, comparison, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. These deeply rooted thoughts can make it difficult to recognise strengths, accept praise, or even believe we’re allowed to take up space. I’ve struggled with this personally and professionally. For years, it felt easier to focus on what I thought I’d done wrong, sometimes even searching for it, while completely overlooking the good.

So, what helps? And realistically, how can we work with imposter syndrome without pretending it will disappear overnight?

A simple place to start is asking: “Is this a feeling or a fact?”
If it’s a feeling, name it. Acknowledge it. Notice it for what it is instead of accepting it as the truth.

Another step, and a challenging one, is allowing imperfect action. Doing the thing even when the doubts are loud, even when you’re convinced it won’t be perfect. This blog is a perfect example of me choosing to do something despite those louder-than-usual doubts.

We can also start challenging the inner critic that feeds us negativity and keeps us small. That doesn’t mean silencing it entirely (I wish!), but meeting it with a softer, more compassionate voice. Reminding ourselves that thoughts are not facts. That we don’t have to be the best to be worthy. That we’re allowed to get things wrong and still belong.

Therapy has helped me hugely with this. Understanding where my internal narrative came from hasn’t fixed everything, and it would be unrealistic and unprofessional for me to say otherwise, but it has helped me feel more grounded. It’s helped me spot imposter thoughts more quickly, and it’s given me space to show up imperfectly and still feel okay. Celebrating small wins has become part of healing, instead of waiting endlessly for perfection.

I hope it’s clear that I’m not writing from some place of wisdom or mastery, I’m writing from inside the experience. Self-worth is something I have to work on every day. Healing is messy, non-linear, and incredibly human.

So, if you’ve ever felt like an imposter, like you somehow slipped into a space you don’t deserve to be in, you’re not alone. I see you. I’m right here with you.

Worth isn’t earned through perfection. Take a moment to reflect on where your own imposter thoughts might come from, and what a kinder voice might say back.