7 ways to overcome imposter syndrome

Imposter Syndrome, How it shows up and 7 ways to overcome it

Many women hear it…
Not from colleagues or strangers, but from the voice within:
‘You’re not good enough’
‘You don’t belong here.’
‘It’s only a matter of time before they find out.’

This voice has a name
It’s called imposter syndrome and it’s quietly holding back some of the most capable, intelligent and compassionate women in the UK.

What is Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a deep-rooted belief that your success isn’t truly earned. That you’re somehow faking it even when your track record tells a different story. It often shows up as anxiety, overworking, self-sabotage or shrinking back from opportunities.

But it doesn’t stop at work it weaves itself into your emotions, your beliefs and your relationships.

How it feels

A tight chest before meetings
Racing thoughts after sharing an idea
Avoiding eye contact when praised
Constantly comparing yourself to others
Feeling like everyone else is coping better

It’s emotionally draining and over time that constant self-questioning chips away at your confidence, clarity and joy.

The Impact on Your Career

Imposter syndrome doesn’t just make you feel unqualified it can limit your success

You say ‘no’ to opportunities you are qualified for
You hesitate to speak up in meetings
You overwork to ‘prove’ your worth
You stay stuck in roles that feel safe but small
You burn out trying to meet unrealistic standards

Many brilliant women stay quiet, underpaid and undervalued not because they can’t rise, but because deep down they believe they are not ready yet (and it can go on forever!).

The impact on your Relationships

Self-doubt doesn’t switch off when you log out. It can show up in personal relationships too…

Struggling to accept compliments or emotional support
Feeling unworthy in romantic partnerships
Being overly self-critical in parenting or caregiving roles
Constantly comparing yourself to your friends, colleagues or people you don’t know on social media

It can make connection feel exhausting and create a wall between who you are and who you believe you should be.

What Can You Do…

Here are five grounded, compassionate steps to move beyond imposter syndrome and reclaim your self-belief

1. Acknowledge your patterns

The first step is recognising when imposter thoughts are active. They often sound like…

‘I’m just lucky.’
‘I don’t know what I’m doing.’
‘Other people are way more qualified.’
‘Who do I think I am!’

Understand this is a pattern, one wired into your subconscious and it is not the truth.
Naming it helps loosen its grip (give it a silly name to lighten it up).

2. Create a confidence folder

Build your personal archive of evidence e.g compliments, feedback, wins, successes however small, kind words from friends. This isn’t vanity, it’s a toolkit for those hard days when doubt clouds your memory.

Tip: Revisit it regularly. Let your past self remind your present self what’s true.

3. Rewire perfectionism

Perfectionism often hides a fear of not being good enough. But the pursuit of being ‘flawless’ only deepens the imposter syndrome cycle. Instead, aim for progress over perfection.

Mantra: ‘I can be excellent without being perfect.’

4. Learn to receive with grace

Whether it’s praise, support or love – imposter syndrome makes you deflect or dismiss it. Start small saying ‘thank you’ without an apology or explanation. It may feel difficult or alien to you but practice makes it easier.

Reminder: You don’t have to earn rest, kindness or recognition you are already worthy.

5. Reframe your inner stories

The stories you tell yourself shape your reality. If your inner voice says “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t belong,” start gently rewriting the script.

💬 Try this shift:
If you are thinking ‘Who am I to do think I can do this or be worthy of this?’
Frame with ‘Who am I not to?’

Your experience, empathy and presence have value. You don’t need to wait until you’re ‘perfect’ to be worthy.

6. Visualise your cool, calm, capable and confident self

Imposter syndrome triggers the nervous system into fear and uncertainty. Ground yourself with visualisation by closing your eyes and picturing the version of you who feels calm, capable and confident.

✨ See yourself standing tall, breathing deeply and handling challenges with grace.
✨ Ask yourself: “What would I need to believe about myself to be this way?

By connecting to her / your energy daily and integrate those feelings and you begin to become her.

7. Release comparison

Comparing yourself to others can fuel imposter syndrome, especially in today’s world of social media hype.

You are not behind, you are on your path

🌿 Turn comparison into inspiration.
🌿 Focus on progress over perfection.
🌿 Celebrate your small wins—they’re the stepping stones to trust and self-belief.

Make a decision today to do something about it – it is easier than you think

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you are failing, it’s not weakness, it’s a signal, a sign that it’s time to rewrite old stories and strengthen the relationship you have with yourself.

So when the voice whispers, ‘“Who do you think you are?’ you can respond with clarity and certainty…

‘I’m someone who has earned her place and I’m ready to embrace it’

Ready to take the next step?

If imposter syndrome is holding you back in your career, confidence, or relationships, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

As a mindset and emotional wellbeing coach, I help women just like you shift limiting beliefs, calm the inner critic, and reconnect with their worth, so they can show up in every area of life with clarity, confidence and ease.

Together, we’ll work through the thoughts, patterns and emotions that are keeping you stuck and replace them with grounded tools and lasting mindset change.

You’re not “too sensitive.” You are not ‘behind’ ‘You are not a fraud’
You are a woman on the verge of remembering her power.

✨ Book a free discovery call to explore how coaching can support you.
✨ Or call me with any questions 0771 4257461

You are ready and I’m here to guide you.