Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever walked into a room and doubted yourself, feeling like a fraud, believing you don’t belong with the professionals that surround you, and it is only a matter of time before they are on to you? Do you fear disappointing other people or dislike praise? These are a few symptoms of imposter syndrome. I’d be lying if I said those thoughts never entered my mind, irrespective of my confidence.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is not pretending to be someone you aren’t. It’s believing you haven’t earned your way to the table. While not yet a mental health diagnosis, imposter syndrome, also known as the imposter phenomenon, imposter experience, or fraud syndrome, alters behavior and confidence fueled by one’s own doubt about their skills, accomplishments, and expertise.

I shared a comparison on a clip of my podcast, Sip on This, on how lying nude on a clothing-optional beach and experiencing imposter syndrome share similar emotional dynamics, such as exposure and vulnerability, perceived judgment, drawing comparisons, reality versus perception, and liberation through acceptance, which I will clarify throughout this post.

Sip on This

What Imposter Phenomenon Feels Like

Drawing back to my earlier relationship, on a nude beach, you’re physically exposed. Even if it’s “allowed,” it can feel like every flaw is on display. With imposter syndrome, you’re mentally and professionally exposed. You fear people will “see through” you and discover you don’t belong.

Lying naked, you might believe everyone is watching, critiquing, or comparing your body. With imposter syndrome, you assume colleagues, clients, or peers are silently judging your abilities and waiting for you to slip up.

On the beach, you scan others and compare: who looks confident, who looks “better,” who belongs here. With imposter syndrome, you measure yourself against others’ credentials, successes, or confidence, often minimizing your own.

Why Fraud Syndrome Matters

According to WebMD, imposter syndrome causes excessive worry, which leads to procrastination. You might finish the project at the last minute, but label your success as “luck.” In contrast, it sometimes motivates individuals to work harder, not smarter, by doing extra work, only to avoid taking credit for a job well done, creating a cycle of self-doubt.

Imposter syndrome is widespread, affecting high achievers, women, minorities, and college graduates, as well as CEOs, with some studies indicating that 80% of all people have suffered from it, including Albert Einstein. You are not alone, and in good company.

In reality, most people on the beach are too focused on themselves to care. The harshest critic is looking back at you in the mirror. Similarly, most people aren’t scrutinizing your competence the way you imagine. Your inner critic is amplifying the spotlight and, therefore, a harsh set of rules. If left unchecked, it can cause burnout, stress, and stalled careers.

Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Liberation comes with acceptance. Back to the nude beach. When you settle in, you realize that being naked is just another state of being, and you deserve the same sunlight and sea breeze as everyone else.

Overcoming imposter syndrome offers similar freedom; you belong where you are, you’ve earned your spot, and embracing it frees you to enjoy the moment.

Both experiences boil down to learning to silence the inner critic, challenge distorted perceptions, and lean into presence rather than performance.

But how? 

·      Start with the basics. Be kind to yourself. Keep a Wins journal to remind yourself of your successes.

·      Learning that you are not alone is powerful. Share your experiences with a mentor, coach, or peer group.

·      Practice saying thank you instead of downplaying your achievements.

·      Commit to a daily practice of gratitude, which helps shift your mind towards positive thinking.

·      Repeat: Feelings aren’t facts. Success is earned and not given by accident. You deserve to be where you are.

·      Read and put into practice Mel Robbins’ The High Five Habit.

The Career Coaching Connection 

Career coaching, group workshops, training, and counseling can help people manage impostor feelings. Mentoring and coaching help people realize that their achievements are earned, not just a matter of luck.

Coaches help you:

·      Recognize your wins (with evidence, not feelings).

·      Reframe mistakes as opportunities for learning, not failures.

·      Build confidence in decision-making.

Coaching provides you with tools and a safe space to be honest about self-doubt. Sometimes, a coach might be the only person who listens to you on any given day.

Impostor syndrome is common, but it doesn’t have to define you. Coaching can be a game-changer in helping you own your value. Don’t wait to feel confident — take steps to claim it.

Free Discovery Call

If you’re ready to gain clarity and take control of your future, book a free discovery call with Coaching with Ms. D today to learn how to overcome imposter syndrome, build confidence, and empower yourself with the awareness of your self-worth.

Coaching with Ms. D offers both individual and package options of 30- and 60-minute Coaching Sessions, where you will be asked thought-provoking questions and learn strategies to build your life, advance your career, and strengthen your relationships. You will gain clarity, confidence, and be prepared with a personalized approach to achieve your goals.

I AM NOT A LICENSED THERAPIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST. COACHING SESSIONS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY OR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING. We focus on the present and future. I provide personalized support and strategies to help you achieve your career goals and self-evaluate your progress. Together, we work towards your ultimate success. Schedule your free consultation now!

Do you want to work in the beauty field? My book, The Future Professional's Guide to Cosmetology, answers all your questions about the industry. Email your inquiries to coachingwithmsd@gmail.com or call me at 732-800-6416 (during Eastern Standard Time business hours).

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©Deirdre Haggerty 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part without the author’s prior written consent.

References

 “Interventions addressing the impostor phenomenon: a scoping review” (2023, Frontiers in Psychology)

 “Using developmental mentoring and coaching approaches… to address feelings of ‘imposter syndrome’” (2023, Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice)

 “Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome: A Systematic Review” (2019, Journal of General Internal Medicine)