Imposter Syndrome: Feeling Like a Fraud When You’re Actually Doing Just Fine
Ever accomplished something big and thought, “Okay… but I just got lucky”? Or maybe you nailed a presentation, got a promotion, or handled a tough situation, and yet the voice in your head whispers, “They’re going to find out I’m not really qualified”?
If so, welcome to the world of imposter syndrome. It’s that sneaky little feeling that you’re not good enough, smart enough, or experienced enough, even when the evidence says otherwise. And let me tell you — I get it. You are not alone.
What imposter syndrome really is
Imposter syndrome isn’t about occasional self-doubt. It’s a persistent pattern of thinking that you’re “faking it” and that your success is undeserved. People with imposter syndrome often:
Attribute success to luck rather than skill
Fear being “found out” as a fraud
Set impossibly high standards for themselves
Downplay achievements or avoid recognition
Even highly accomplished people — leaders, creatives, professionals — experience this. Feeling like an imposter is common, but it doesn’t have to control your life.
Why it happens
There’s no single cause, but a few things can make imposter syndrome feelings stronger:
Comparing yourself to others (especially in the age of social media)
High expectations or perfectionism
Past criticism or childhood messages about not being “enough”
Entering a new role or environment where you’re stretching your skills
Understanding why these feelings pop up can help you respond to them more effectively.
How to deal with imposter syndrome
You can’t just “wish it away” or pretend it isn’t happening, but there are some strategies that help:
Name it. Recognizing that what you’re feeling is imposter syndrome can take away some of its power.
Talk about it. Sharing your feelings with trusted friends, mentors, or a therapist reminds you that you’re not alone.
Track your wins. Keep a journal of achievements, compliments, and milestones (even the small ones!) to remind yourself you earned your successes.
Reframe mistakes. Mistakes don’t make you a fraud — they make you human. Use them as opportunities to learn, not as proof that you’re “faking it.”
Practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend experiencing these feelings. (Need more help with this? Check out my other blog post: “What Does Self-Compassion Actually Look Like?”)
A little perspective
Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one. It often means you care, you’re pushing your boundaries, and you’re growing. That voice in your head? It’s loud — but it’s not the truth.
Final thoughts
Imposter syndrome can be exhausting, isolating, and self-limiting — but it doesn’t have to define your story. Therapy can help you sort through these feelings, build confidence in your abilities, and quiet that pesky inner critic. You earned your place, your achievements, and your success. It’s time to start believing it.
💡 At Morrow Therapeutics, I help people overcome imposter syndrome and reclaim their confidence. You can learn to challenge negative thoughts, trust yourself, and embrace your successes — and I’m here to guide you through it.