Imposter syndrome is a sneaky little bitch that creeps into even the most accomplished minds, whispering, “You don’t belong here.” It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, how many degrees hang on your wall, or how many wins you’ve racked up—there’s always that nagging voice convincing you that you’re just one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud. (Which, let’s be honest, is complete bullshit, but our brains love to self-sabotage. ASK ME HOW I KNOW.)

For many professionals, especially those in leadership roles or high-achieving fields, imposter syndrome can be the ultimate confidence killer. You work your ass off, push through challenges, and hit your goals, yet instead of celebrating, you’re stuck waiting for the moment someone realizes you have no idea what you’re doing (even though, in reality, you absolutely do).

I’ve been there. Working for a company that is full of incredible accomplished professionals, I’ve seen firsthand how even the most qualified, badass experts doubt themselves. And let’s not forget, I do this as a sales department of one, (1.25 on a good day if I have help from a divisional support person), juggling everything from strategy to execution. I’ve had my own moments of thinking, “Who the hell let me in the room with these people?” before realizing—oh right, I worked my ass off to get here.

How Imposter Syndrome Undermines Your Career

1. It Makes You Downplay Your Achievements (Like a Delusional PR Agent Working Against You) Every success feels like luck. That promotion? Must’ve been a clerical error. That major project you led? Clearly, the stars aligned just right. Nope. Hard pass on that nonsense. Imposter syndrome is like that annoying coworker who insists on giving you backhanded compliments—except it lives in your brain rent-free. You got where you are because you put in the work, but imposter syndrome loves to make you forget that. REGULARLY, like a toxic ex sliding into your DMs. 
2. It Fuels Overworking and Burnout (Because Clearly, You Need Another Plate to Spin, Right?) If you constantly feel like you need to prove yourself, you’re probably stacking your workload higher than a brunch buffet plate. Late nights, extra projects, saying “yes” to everything—because if you don’t, won’t people finally see that you’re a fraud? (Spoiler alert: No, they won’t. Because you’re not.) I’ve been guilty of this one—taking on way too much just to quiet the voice saying I’m not doing enough. Spoiler alert: that voice is full of shit and does NOT pay overtime.
3. It Stops You From Taking Opportunities (And Keeps You Trapped in Your Comfort Zone ) Ever passed on a promotion or a new challenge because you thought you weren’t ready? Yeah, me too. Imposter syndrome thrives on keeping you in your comfort zone, making sure you never risk the possibility of “failing.” But guess what? You can do hard things, and taking risks is how you grow. And no, no one actually feels “ready” for the big moves—unless they’re either lying or a sociopath. You just have to go for it anyway.)
4. It Impacts Your Leadership and Decision-Making (Because Second-Guessing Everything is a Great Use of Time, Right?) Second-guessing yourself at every turn? Constantly seeking validation like a needy Wi-Fi signal? When you’re leading a team or running the show, imposter syndrome can slow you down, making you less effective and more hesitant to trust your own instincts. I’ve wasted way too much time agonizing over emails, presentations, and decisions, only to realize that, 99% of the time, no one is scrutinizing me as hard as I am. Let’s not do that anymore. Seriously.

Fighting Back Against Imposter Syndrome (Because Fuck That Lying Little Voice)

1. Recognize It for What It Is (A Lying Gremlin in Your Brain) Awareness is half the battle. When that little voice pipes up telling you you’re not good enough, recognize it for what it is—a lying, insecure gremlin whose sole job is to make you feel like a fraud. It’s basically the workplace version of a toxic ex—clingy, manipulative, and full of shit. Evict it from your mental real estate.
2. Reframe Your Thoughts (Because Luck Didn’t Write Those Emails for You) Instead of saying, “I got lucky,” say, “I worked hard and earned this.” Because last time I checked, luck didn’t stay up late responding to client emails, handling crises, or making sure that everyone else’s last-minute problems magically got solved. That was you. Your success is a result of your skills, effort, and expertise—own it. You don’t just “stumble” into a great career. That’s not how it works.
3. Keep a Wins Journal (A.K.A. Your “Shut Up, Imposter Syndrome” Folder) Start writing down your accomplishments, no matter how small. Closed a tough deal? Nailed a presentation? Managed to make it through a meeting without screaming internally? Write it down. I personally keep a folder of nice emails and wins, and whenever imposter syndrome starts whispering bullshit, I crack it open and remind myself that I do, in fact, kick ass.
4. Talk About It (Because Everyone’s Secretly Freaking Out Too) You’d be surprised how many high-achieving professionals battle imposter syndrome. Literally everyone you admire? Yep, they’ve doubted themselves too. I’ve had these convos with some of the best in my industry, and the general consensus is: We’re all just trying to keep the wheels from flying off while looking competent as hell. No one is immune to this bullshit, so let’s normalize calling it out.
5. Push Yourself Anyway (Because No One Actually Knows What They’re Doing) If you only took on opportunities when you felt 100% ready, you’d never grow. Newsflash: No one actually knows what they’re doing all the time. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t? The successful ones say yes, figure it out as they go, and trust that they’ll make it work—because they always have. Half the people who seem like they have it together? They’re just winging it better than the rest of us.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to dictate your career. The truth is, if you’re feeling it, it’s probably because you care, and that’s not a bad thing. The trick is not letting it hold you back. Your success isn’t a fluke—it’s yours, and you deserve every damn bit of it. Now, go own it.