Imposter Syndrome isn’t Your Enemy — Here’s How to Work WITH It
I recently had one of those episodes that made me question everything about my work.
You know the kind - where that voice gets loud and mean: "Who are you to be advocating for a systemic change in education?" "What will people think now that you're coaching women of color leaders when you haven't been an executive yourself?"
These thoughts had me stuck for several days. 😩
I felt a lack of inspiration, feeling down about my own abilities and capabilities.
And scrolling on LinkedIn?
That just made the "not good enough" feeling even worse. (Because apparently comparing yourself to everyone else’s success posts is never a good idea - the lesson I keep relearning over and over... 🙄)
Here's what I'm learning in my "Coming Home to Myself" era…
Even though we'd love to "get rid of imposter syndrome for good," the truth is, it's a feeling we'll experience from time to time throughout our lives in different scenarios.
I know, it's not what we want...but what has helped me and my clients is accepting this fact that imposter syndrome is part of the human experience.
Yes, we can absolutely not like the imposter feeling AND accept that this is the experience we're having right now.
Both things can be true. 💯
Let's be real - imposter syndrome gets treated like it’s an enemy. We're told to "overcome" it or "push through" it like it's some kind of obstacle blocking our path to success.
But here's what I’ve learned for myself and through coaching my clients: imposter syndrome isn't your enemy. It's your internal compass of integrity working overtime.
The truth is, feeling like an imposter often means you care deeply about showing up with integrity.
You're not being dramatic - you're being conscientious.
So let’s talk about how we can PARTNER WITH your Imposter Syndrome ✨ versus fighting it and self-judging yourself for feeling it.
3 Ways to Partner WITH Your Imposter Syndrome
1. Get curious about the message: Next time that voice shows up, instead of fighting it, ask: "What are you trying to protect me from?"
Maybe it's saying:
"Make sure you're actually prepared"
"Stay humble and keep learning"
"Don't lose sight of who you are"
Your imposter syndrome might just be your values system doing its job.
2. Let it guide you back to your values: That episode where I questioned my credentials? It actually reminded me to:
Get clear on why this work matters to me personally
Connect with my own story and lived experience as my foundation
Remember that authenticity matters more than having the "perfect" resume
Focus on the impact I want to create, not others' perceptions
3. Reframe the internal self-talk:
Instead of: "What will people think about my credentials?"
Try: "The right people will value authenticity and heart over a perfect resume"
In hindsight, it wasn't really about imposter syndrome at all.
It was about learning to honor the part of me that wants to do meaningful work without losing myself in the process.
When we stop fighting our imposter syndrome and start partnering with it, we become leaders who are both confident AND humble, prepared AND adaptable.
Because here's what I've noticed: the most powerful people I know aren't the ones who never doubt themselves - they're the ones who've learned to use that doubt as motivation for showing up more authentically.
Let’s get curious right now: How does your imposter syndrome typically show up?
Sometimes the best way to befriend something is to first understand how it shows up in your world.
And if you're finding that imposter syndrome feels more like a constant critic keeping you stuck rather than a helpful advisor, that's exactly what we can work through together in coaching.
Question to noodle on: What if your imposter syndrome is actually evidence of your readiness for the next level, not proof that you don't belong there? 🤔
Your imposter syndrome isn't trying to hold you back - it's trying to help you show up with wisdom and authenticity.
And honestly?
The world needs more leaders who care enough to question themselves to ensure they're showing up with integrity, wisdom, and authenticity.🌟
Lastly, if you’re needing to give yourself grace like I do today, then these words are for you…
You can feel uncertain AND be exactly where you're supposed to be.
If this resonates and you're curious about coaching support...
I'm offering Chemistry Calls for us to connect and see if we might be a good fit to work together.
Think of it as a no-pressure conversation where we can chat about what's showing up in your leadership, what coaching might look like, and you'll get 10 minutes of actual coaching around something you're working through right now.
Sometimes the best way to know if coaching is right for you is to experience a taste of it yourself.
💕Sending you love, light, and the courage to befriend all parts of you.
