Ever felt like you’re on top of everything—your business, your goals, your life—and then suddenly, out of nowhere, the doubt creeps in? Impostor syndrome strikes when you least expect it, making you question your abilities and second-guess your decisions. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been there more than once, and you know it can shake your confidence.
Last week, I found myself in that exact spot. Things were going well—I had nailed a project, received great feedback, and my businesses were growing steadily. Then came that nagging feeling: “Am I doing this right?” I started overanalyzing every decision I made. But after a few moments of spiraling, I remembered the one thing that always pulls me back on track—my ‘why.’
What is Impostor Syndrome Anyway?
Before we dive into how to overcome it, let’s break down what impostor syndrome is. It’s that inner critic telling you that despite not being good enough. It may despite your achievements you feel like a fraud, even when there’s evidence to the contrary.
For founders, this can hit especially hard. We’re expected to be problem solvers, and visionary leaders, and sometimes, we even have to pretend we know what’s coming next. The pressure to always have it together is enormous. But here’s the thing—none of us have it all figured out 100% of the time. And that’s okay.
How I Recentered: The Power of ‘Why’
When impostor syndrome sneaks in, it’s easy to lose focus on the bigger picture. We get caught up in the minutiae of daily tasks and forget the deeper reason we started in the first place. The key to overcoming those feelings of doubt is simple but profound—remembering my ‘why.’
Why did I start this journey? What is the impact I want to make? How will this business contribute to the greater good, my fulfillment, and the community I’m building?
These are the questions I ask myself when impostor syndrome shows up uninvited. And every time, the answer is clear: I’m here to empower entrepreneurs. I’m here to build communities that uplift, inspire, and help each other navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
3 Steps to Beat Impostor Syndrome
If you find yourself battling with impostor syndrome, here are three steps I’ve found helpful to get back on track:
1. Reconnect with Your ‘Why’
Take a moment to reflect on why you started this journey. What was your mission, and what drives you every day? Write it down, say it out loud, or meditate on it—whatever helps to ground you in your purpose.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
When self-doubt creeps in, we tend to forget all the things we’ve already accomplished. Take stock of your recent wins, no matter how small. Did you close a deal? Get great feedback from a client? Even small milestones are worth celebrating—they’re stepping stones to your larger goals.
3. Talk It Out
You’re not alone in feeling this way. Reach out to a fellow founder, mentor, or trusted friend. Sometimes just voicing your concerns can take the power out of them. Sharing your struggles can also help you see them from a new perspective—and who knows, you might inspire someone else going through the same thing.
Remember: You’ve Got This
The truth is, impostor syndrome never fully goes away. But that doesn’t mean it gets to call the shots. Every time it creeps up, you have the tools to overcome it. And for me, it always comes back to remembering my ‘why.’ That’s the foundation of everything I do, and it’s the reason I push through the doubt and keep moving forward.
If you’re dealing with similar struggles, take it one step at a time. Reconnect with your purpose, trust in your journey, and know that every founder experiences this at some point. The key is to keep going, even when doubt tries to slow you down.
What’s your ‘why’? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what keeps you going. Let’s continue this journey together and lift each other when impostor syndrome tries to bring us down.
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