How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome + My Personal Struggle

Imposter syndrome is the worst, isn’t it? It’s that sneaky little voice in your head telling you that you don’t belong or that your achievements are just luck. Trust me, I’ve been there. Whether it’s a new job, a big project, or even starting this blog, imposter syndrome has made me second-guess myself more times than I’d like to admit throughout my life. If you’ve felt the same way, you’re not alone.

In fact, research shows that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. Even super successful people like Michelle Obama and Emma Watson have admitted to feeling this way. Knowing this helped me realize that those feelings aren’t unique to me—and that I could work on quieting that inner critic.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

If you’re not familiar with the term, imposter syndrome is when you doubt your skills, achievements, or intelligence and feel like a fraud. You’re constantly worried that someone is going to “find you out.” And you're probably wondering if this is the "real" you.

Imposter syndrome can look different for everyone, but some common signs include:

Overworking to prove your worth
Dismissing compliments by saying you were “just lucky”
Feeling like you don’t deserve your success

My Personal Struggles With Imposter Syndrome

One of the biggest moments of imposter syndrome I’ve faced was starting this blog. I kept thinking, “Who am I to share advice or my thoughts? What if no one reads it?” Even after years of blogging, that feeling pops up now and then. I’ll write a post and wonder if it’s good enough, comparing it to others who seem to have it all together.

Why Imposter Syndrome Happens

Experts believe imposter syndrome often stems from perfectionism, childhood expectations, or being in environments where you feel different from others. For women, especially younger millennials, it can also come from societal pressures to prove we’re “enough” in every way.

Imposter syndrome can be more common in high-achieving individuals, which is ironic, right? You’re so good at what you do that you start thinking it can’t be real.

How I’ve Learned to Overcome It

I won’t lie and say I’ve completely conquered imposter syndrome, but I’ve found ways to manage it. Here’s what’s been helping me:

Talking About It: Opening up to close friends about feeling like an imposter has been a game-changer. It turns out a lot of people feel the same way. Sharing those thoughts out loud takes away some of their power.
Keeping a “Wins” List: Whenever I doubt myself, I look back at a list of accomplishments I’m proud of. It’s a little reminder that I’ve earned my place and worked hard to get here.
Accepting Compliments Gracefully: Instead of brushing off compliments, I’m learning to say “thank you” and let myself feel proud. It’s harder than it sounds, but it’s so worth it.
Reminding Myself That Perfection Isn’t Real: Nobody’s perfect. Nobody expects me to be perfect. Repeating this to myself helps me keep things in perspective.
Focusing on Growth Over Perfection: When I shift my mindset to see challenges as opportunities to grow, I feel less pressure to be flawless. Progress matters more than perfection.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to define us. It’s just a feeling, not a fact. If you’ve struggled with it, know that you’re in good company and that you’re absolutely capable of overcoming it. Whether it’s in your career, your personal life, or any big goals you’re chasing, you deserve to be where you are.

I’m still working on this myself, but I’m learning to be kinder to me—and you should be kinder to you too.