“You are not good enough.”

“They will find out you are rubbish... you fraud.” 

“You will 100% fail (so don’t even bother trying).”

If these thoughts have ever crossed your mind, then say hello to imposter syndrome!

It can make you feel small, unworthy, and like you are one email away from being “exposed” - even if you have worked hard, earned your spot, and are absolutely capable.

Why we feel it
Imposter Syndrome thrives in moments of growth such as taking on a new role, a promotion or stepping into something you have never done before. That is when your brain likes to whisper, “You do not belong here.” and will try to do everything possible to get you to stop. 

It happens because:

• We compare our insides (full of doubt and uncertainty) to other people’s outsides (confident, polished, rehearsed).
• We forget that everyone starts somewhere - and most people are making it up as they go along.
• We assume competence is instant, instead of something we build over time.
  

Every time I have stepped into a new job, when I launched my business, when I had children, there have been times when I have felt so far out of my depth. But, what I have learned and truly believe in is that you have to push through. You have to say yes, you have to jump in the deep end and be prepared to flounder. BUT, trust that you will figure it out in the end. 

How I have pushed through it

For me, it comes down to three big things:

1. Fake it until you make it (but in the right way)
This does not mean pretending to be someone you are not. Authenticity is one of my core values, so what do I mean?

It means showing up with confidence in your ability to figure things out, even if you do not have all the answers yet. It means, not giving up too early, it means being honest with yourself about where you are at, it means remaining curious and open to new things. 

And sometimes it means putting on a brave face, a smile, even if your hands are trembling or you have a hitch in your voice. 

2. Accept that you will be terrible at something new - and that is OK
Every single job I have started, there has been a moment where I thought, “I have no idea what I am doing.” And that is normal. Trust that you will learn quickly, find your rhythm, and grow into the role.

Ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen? And what about the likelihood of it ACTUALLY happening (be real here!)? Then ask yourself “is this based on fact?” - Not as bad or likely as you first thought, right?

3. Find your people
You can figure things out on your own, or you can find the people who can help you get to a space of confidence and competence much faster. You are not alone!

I recently spoke with a very senior leader in my sector who told me their biggest career growth moments came from leaning into their unknown, and they had massive imposter syndrome every time. They took on roles they knew nothing about but trusted that they would figure it out - by finding the right people early, asking questions, and building a network to support their understanding.

That network became their safety net, their sounding board, and their shortcut to learning faster.

Your toolkit for quieting Imposter Syndrome

• Remind yourself: if you were not capable, you would not have been given the opportunity. If it is a new thing you are trying, then have a growth mindset and be ready to learn.
• Keep a “wins” list - projects completed, positive feedback, small victories. Remember times when you felt imposter syndrome in the past and broke through, you can do it again and again.
   
• Say yes to opportunities that stretch you, then trust yourself to close the gap.
   
• Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.
   
• Remember: growth never happens in your comfort zone.
  
  

Imposter Syndrome might never disappear entirely, but it loses its power when you know it is just part of the growth process. 

So next time you hear that voice saying, “You don't belong here”, smile and think, “Good - I am exactly where I am supposed to be.”

Always with love, 

Elsa