How to Build Confidence When You Feel Like an Imposter
Impostor syndrome doesn’t care about your resume, your accomplishments, or your intentions. It sneaks in quietly and asks, “Who do you think you are?” It shows up whether you're launching a new business, stepping into a leadership role, or simply trying something new. It whispers doubts, second-guesses your abilities, and casts shadows over your successes.
But here’s the truth: your voice is already valid.
Your experiences, ideas, and contributions are meaningful not because they’re flawless, but because they’re real. Impostor syndrome is just noise. And while it may not disappear entirely, you can learn to quiet it and build the confidence to move forward anyway.
Why Impostor Syndrome Shows Up:
Impostor syndrome thrives on comparison and perfectionism. Impostor syndrome tends to show up in moments of growth, particularly when you're stretching yourself outside of your comfort zone. That’s because growth often invites comparison and perfectionism: the two main ingredients that feed self-doubt. When these feelings creep in, impostor syndrome convinces you that everyone else is more qualified, more experienced, more deserving. But what it forgets is that your perspective is unique, shaped by your story, skills, and lived experiences.
Comparison is a distorted mirror, and perfectionism is a moving target. No one else has your exact combination of experiences, skills, values, and insights. That uniqueness is your superpower. When you own your story instead of disqualifying it, you start to reclaim your confidence.
So how can you do this?
Keep in mind that building confidence isn’t an overnight task. It requires consistently showing up for yourself in small, meaningful ways that build over time.
Here are a few strategies to start with:
1. Focus on Service
When you're stuck in self-doubt, shift your attention outward. Ask yourself: “How can I help?” When you focus on the impact you can make rather than proving your worth, confidence grows naturally. Your value isn’t in being perfect. It’s in being useful, helpful, and human.
2. Reflect on Your Journey
It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come when you’re focused on where you want to go. Take time to reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome and the lessons they taught you. Maybe write them down, or talk to someone about them. Getting your thoughts out of your head and into the world is a great way to start sifting through and making sense of them.
Remember, every experience you’ve had so far has contributed to the wisdom you now carry, and that wisdom is worth sharing because no one else has it.
3. Start Small
You don’t have to launch a podcast or write a book right away. Confidence builds with momentum. Try sharing your thoughts in a low-pressure environment, like a blog post, a comment on a forum, or a conversation with a trusted friend. Each small step you take will strengthen your voice and help you trust it more.
Exercises to Combat Self-Doubt
Here are some practical tools to help you manage impostor syndrome:
The Brag List: Write down everything you’re proud of—no accomplishment is too small. Maybe you led a successful project, navigated a tough situation, or simply showed up on a hard day. Keep this list somewhere you can revisit when self-doubt creeps in. It’s a tangible reminder of your capability.
Reframe Negative Thoughts: Replace “I don’t know enough” with “I’m always learning.” This small shift acknowledges your growth mindset and releases the unrealistic pressure to know everything.
Ask for Feedback: Hearing others’ appreciation for your work can quiet the inner critic. Sometimes, we’re our own worst critics. Asking for feedback from colleagues, clients, or mentors can provide perspective and remind you of the value others see in your work. Let their words sink in, and reflect on them often, because you deserve to believe them.
Impostor syndrome won’t vanish overnight, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.
Confidence doesn’t come from achieving some predetermined level of success. It comes from choosing to believe, again and again, that your voice matters, even when the world seems to tell you that it doesn’t. It grows when you speak up even while feeling unsure, and when you share your story even though it feels vulnerable.
Every time you challenge impostor syndrome, you take a step forward, not just in your journey but in your impact on others. So the next time that inner critic asks, “Who are you to say this?”, answer back with this: “I’m someone who’s still learning, still growing, and still showing up anyway.”
And that’s more than enough.