Mindset Moments
You land a role, win a client, get invited to a big meeting...and instead of celebrating, a little voice whispers: “They’ll find out you’re not really good enough.”
That’s what most people call Imposter Syndrome, the persistent belief that your achievements are down to luck, timing, or other people’s overestimation of your abilities.
But let’s pause.
The truth is: you’re not an imposter at all.
You’ve earned your place. What you’re experiencing isn’t fraudulence, it’s fear. It’s your brain noticing you’ve stepped into growth territory and firing off protective signals: “Be careful, this is new!”
It’s not just new hires who feel this way. High achievers, seasoned professionals and even global leaders have admitted to it. The irony? The more you accomplish, the louder the doubts can get...because every success raises the bar you think you must clear next time.
Unchecked, this cycle keeps you stuck in overwork, overthinking and constant self-doubt. You downplay your wins, avoid opportunities and drain yourself trying to “prove” what doesn’t need proving.
So instead of framing yourself as an “imposter,” let's look at practical ways to reframe and tackle that thinking:
Practical tips for reframing
Name the Feeling for What It Really Is — Growth Anxiety:
Instead of saying, “I have imposter syndrome,” try: “I feel anxious because I’m stretching myself.” That small shift matters. Anxiety in moments of growth is normal. By renaming it, you remove the sting of “not good enough” and reframe it as evidence you’re exactly where you should be...expanding your comfort zone.
Collect the Evidence (Not Just the Fear):
When the doubt spiral starts, balance it with facts. Keep a 'wins journal' or a success log', a running evidence base of positive feedback, achievements, successes and moments where you've overcome something, solved a tricky problem or made a big difference. The anxious brain fixates on flaws and risks; so when doubt creeps in, this evidence grounds you in reality. Over time, this becomes a toolkit you can return to when fear tries to rewrite your story.Borrow perspective:
Ask yourself: If a colleague had my CV, achievements, and feedback, would I think they were a fraud? The answer is almost always “no.” Apply the same fairness to yourself.
Feeling doubt doesn’t make you a fraud...it makes you human. Those nerves and worries are simply the side effects of ambition and growth. Instead of wearing the “imposter” label, see these feelings as signs you’re in motion, stretching into new spaces where you’ll learn, contribute and thrive.
You don’t need to feel confident to belong, you just need to keep showing up.
The more you act despite the doubt, the less power it has. Confidence is often what follows action, not what precedes it. It only grows through continued acts of courage.
"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." – Suzy Kassem
If you’re tired of battling self-doubt on your own, coaching can give you tools, perspective and the confidence to move forward with clarity. Book a FREE intro call with me and let’s explore how you can step into your next chapter, without the weight of those doubts.
Hi I'm Zoë Schofield
Your dedicated Career, Life & Personal Development Coach.
Clarity + Courage for Crossroad Moments
I help people navigate career crossroads, life transitions and everything in between... through curiosity, clarity, confidence and perhaps a little humour too along the way!
I've been where you are; successful on paper but unsure what's next, perhaps pulled in too many directions and craving something more aligned. My coaching is practical, human and gently challenging. No pressure to have it all figured out, just real support to help you reconnect with what matters and take action from there.
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