🧠 3 Quick Fixes for Imposter Syndrome

A QUICK TIP TO SPEAK UP WITH CONFIDENCE

Replace “I feel like we should…” with “I propose we…”

🧠 Why it works: Intentional wording increases authority.

👉 Use it: When your instinct is right but your delivery feels unsure.

🔍 DEEP DIVE

🧠 3 Quick Fixes for Imposter Syndrome

You’re asked to present your view, and everyone turns to look at you.

But instead of speaking with clarity, the voice in your head starts:

• “I don’t know enough.”

• “They’ll see I’m not as capable as they think.”

• “I shouldn’t be the one leading this.”

That pause — or the rush of words that follows — is imposter syndrome kicking in.

Why It Happens

Imposter thoughts often surface at moments of visibility, when you feel exposed and under scrutiny.

Your brain treats visibility as a threat. It looks for flaws in you before anyone else can.

That’s why you second-guess, over-prepare, or hold back, even when you’re fully qualified.

💡 Insight: Imposter syndrome isn’t proof you don’t belong. It’s a safety reflex.

The key is moving the focus off you, and back onto the value you bring.

3 Fast Resets

1. Label the Imposter Thought

When you name the pattern, it loses power.

• Say: “This is imposter syndrome speaking.”

• Or: “This is a doubt, not a fact.”

This separates you from the thought so you can choose how to respond.

2. Shift from Self to Service

Imposter thoughts keep all the focus on you.

You’ll feel and sound more confident when you put the focus back on the work or the group.

• Ask: “What’s the value I want to add here?”

• Remind yourself: “I’m here to contribute, not to be perfect.”

This flips your attention from how I’ll be judged to what I bring.

3. Ground in Evidence

Imposter syndrome thrives on vagueness, with thoughts like, “I’m not good enough.”

Fight it with specifics.

• List 3 facts about your experience that qualify you to be in the room.

• Remind yourself of the preparation or results you’ve already delivered.

💡 Tip: Keep a running record of your achievements and feedback. When doubt shows up, go back to what you know, not what you fear.

This Week’s Challenge

Notice the moment imposter syndrome shows up in a conversation or meeting.

Name it.

Then steady yourself by focusing on either what you can contribute or what you know to be true.

Final Thought

Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear at senior levels.

It shows up differently — often at moments of visibility and pressure.

It may not fade, but it doesn’t have to control you.

The tools you’ve learned here will stop it dictating how you speak and lead.