Imposter Syndrome: How to regain control and transform your mindset
Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you don’t deserve something? You might be dealing with Imposter Syndrome.
It can make you doubt yourself so deeply that you’re worried that people are going to ‘find out’ that you’re not good enough, or competent enough. This can then paralyse you from wanting to do better, or send you into a cycle whereby you have to overwork and undervalue yourself to prove your worth.
Common Signs of Imposter Syndrome
Self-doubt: Constantly questioning your abilities.
Attributing success to luck: Thinking you just "got lucky" rather than earned it.
Fear of being exposed: Worrying that others will realise you’re not as skilled as they think.
Overworking: Pushing yourself excessively to prove your worth.
Discounting achievements: Downplaying praise and accomplishments.
“Imposter syndrome has been a major hurdle in my journey, especially when I first joined Indeed as a professional public speaker. I had to navigate this new role during the height of COVID, meaning all my training sessions and presentations were happening over Zoom—a platform that can make even the most confident speakers feel disconnected and exposed.
One of my most nerve-wracking moments was my first-ever Facebook Live session, where I was speaking to thousands of people. Just as I was trying to push through my nerves, my dog, Remus, decided he had something to say, too. He barked, howled, cried, and even scratched at my chair—completely stealing the moment. My mind went into overdrive:
💭 This can’t be happening. Just carry on. Don’t panic.
What happened next completely changed my perspective. Instead of judgment, the comments flooded in with kindness—people asking to see Remus, cheering him on. So, I brought him on screen, and just like that, he became the star of the session.
Now, when I feel that familiar doubt creeping in, I remind myself of that session with Remus—of the warmth and understanding of my audience. And I carry on. Confidence isn’t about never feeling like an imposter—it’s about knowing you belong, even when things don’t go perfectly.” - Mikaela Elliot, Founder, Innerminx
The hero in question, Remus!
The bottom line is that anyone can struggle with Imposter Syndrome. Whether it’s your first day at a new job or you’re someone who runs a multi-million-pound corporation, we all have the ability to stand in our own way and prevent ourselves from success.
(In her book Becoming, Michelle Obama admitted that she constantly questioned whether she was "good enough" even as she attended Princeton and Harvard Law.)
Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away just because you’re successful—it can persist even at ‘the top’.
If we look at this from a gender binary perspective, Imposter Syndrome can affect men and women differently. For example, men may feel the pressure to conform to gender norms and standards, whereas women can experience doubt and anxiety because they’re breaking them. Both experiences are valid and are both examples of Imposter Syndrome and how it can hold us back from achieving success.
Women can be more susceptible to Imposter Syndrome because of inequalities in the workplace, too. For example, when women don’t see many role models in leadership positions or in their field, it reinforces the idea that they don’t belong or that their success is an exception, not the norm. This creates a cycle of self-doubt, especially in industries or teams where they are underrepresented.
"At first, I thought to belong, I had to blend in. Being the only woman in my public speaking role at Indeed, I tried mirroring my male colleagues—their jokes, their style, even their confidence. But true confidence didn’t come from imitation. It came from embracing my own voice, my quirks, my unique perspective. The moment I stopped trying to fit in was the moment I truly stood out." - Mikaela Elliot, Founder, Innerminx
The issue with Imposter Syndrome is that it can be difficult to control, especially if you struggle on a day-to-day basis to accept positive comments about yourself. This could be in the form of compliments and thank-you’s all the way through to speaking positively about your achievements to friends and family. You could be someone who masks this with self-deprecating humour, or you could also be someone who retracts into their shell when anything positive is said about you.
How can I overcome Imposter Syndrome?
The first step is recognising that you suffer from it. It’s also crucial to be kind to yourself and know that these thoughts are common and not a reflection of your reality or who you are. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t have an ounce of insecurity at some point in your life. It’s important once you recognise the problem that you reframe your thoughts and start to combat the negative talk that goes on in your brain.
Reminding yourself that you are worthy is easier said than done, and a great way to implement positive change on a day-to-day basis is through journaling at the end of each day or trying out affirmations. Writing down accomplishments and positive feedback will only do good. Finally, sharing your feelings with peers, friends, or even a therapist can help to put things into perspective.
“The turning point came when I realised confidence isn’t about imitation—it’s about authenticity. The moment I embraced my quirks, my natural style, and my own voice, I truly stepped into my power.
Just remember:
it’s OK if things go wrong. People don’t expect perfection—they connect with realness.
Empathy is everything. The kindness from my audience gave me the confidence to keep going, and I learned to offer that same kindness to myself.
Preparation matters. One of my favourite quotes—"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail."—became a guiding principle. Practice, preparation, and repetition helped me gain confidence and lessen my Imposter Syndrome.”
In summary, the process of ‘beating’ Imposter Syndrome isn’t linear, and it can return at any time. However, regaining control and transforming your mindset will enable you to achieve your goals without feeling guilty, and ultimately stop you from holding yourself back from future successes. Learning and improvement are part of the journey, so don’t expect it to be perfect!
Join our Instagram live, where we talk all about Imposter Syndrome! This will take place on Friday, March 21st at 10:30 am GMT.
Resources:
Rita Clifton on Imposter Syndrome – Key Quotes & Summary
Rita Clifton, a branding expert and business leader, has spoken candidly about imposter syndrome, particularly how it affects high achievers and those stepping into leadership roles. Some of her best insights include:
"Everyone feels like an imposter sometimes—even the most successful people."
→ She highlights that imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of incompetence but rather of ambition and self-awareness."Doubt can be a sign that you care, but it shouldn’t stop you."
→ Feeling like an imposter often comes from a desire to do well, but it shouldn’t hold you back from showing up confidently."Own your story and your skills—your uniqueness is your strength."
→ Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on the value you bring to the table.
