The imposter syndrome myth – Why you don’t need it &how to break free
If you’ve ever thought, “Who am I to be doing this?”, you’re not alone.
Many entrepreneurs feel like frauds, like they’re one step away from being ‘found out’ as not expert enough, not talented enough, not experienced enough. This feeling is commonly called Imposter Syndrome, but here’s the truth:
I don’t believe in it.
While the term itself has become widely recognised, the truth is—it’s not an actual disorder or syndrome. It’s simply self-doubt wrapped in a socially accepted label.
The problem with calling it a ‘syndrome’ is that it makes it feel like something we have no control over.
But you do. Because imposter syndrome isn’t who you are—it’s a thought pattern you can rewire.
The only thing ‘Imposter Syndrome’ does is keep you small, silent, and stuck. It convinces you that your success is luck, that you don’t deserve it, and that everyone else knows what they’re doing except you.
That’s a lie. Let’s unpack it.
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The Truth about Imposter Syndrome
Here’s the truth about feeling like an imposter: You only feel like an imposter when you’re growing.
🚀 If you’re stepping into a new level of visibility, impact, or leadership—feeling stretched is normal.
🚀 If you’re taking on bigger opportunities, of course, it feels unfamiliar.
🚀 If you care deeply about your work, you’re naturally going to want to do your best.
None of this means you’re a fraud. It means you’re expanding.
Instead of asking, “Who am I to do this?”, start asking, “Who am I becoming by doing this?”
You’re not an imposter. You’re just stepping into a version of yourself that you haven’t fully owned yet.
How Imposter Syndrome is Holding Back Your Business
Feeling like an imposter doesn’t just affect your mindset—it slows down your business growth.
❌ You hesitate to charge your worth, feeling like you need ‘more credentials’ first.
❌ You stay invisible online, avoiding showing up fully in your content.
❌ You downplay your success, brushing off achievements instead of owning them.
❌ You overthink every post, every email, and every offer, delaying action.
The result? You play small instead of owning your space.
And in business, that costs you—clients, opportunities, and momentum.
How Imposter Syndrome is Holding Back Your Business
Feeling like an imposter doesn’t just affect your mindset—it slows down your business growth.
❌ You hesitate to charge your worth, feeling like you need ‘more credentials’ first.
❌ You stay invisible online, avoiding showing up fully in your content.
❌ You downplay your success, brushing off achievements instead of owning them.
❌ You overthink every post, every email, and every offer, delaying action.
The result? You play small instead of owning your space.
And in business, that costs you—clients, opportunities, and momentum.
Why You Need To Change This (Now)
Success isn’t about being more qualified—it’s about owning your worth.
Your clients don’t need you to be ‘perfect’. They need you to be clear, confident, and committed.
If you don’t back yourself, why would anyone else?
The good news? You can rewire this. Let’s dive into how.
What to Call It Instead
Instead of calling it Imposter Syndrome, try using terms that reflect what’s actually happening—so you can shift your mindset and take back your power.
✔️ Growth Discomfort – Recognising that feeling stretched means you’re expanding into new territory.
✔️ Self-Doubt Cycle – Acknowledging the temporary nature of doubt and realising it’s something you can move through.
✔️ Leadership Adjustment – Accepting that stepping into bigger roles often comes with moments of uncertainty, which are normal and manageable.
When you change the language around it, you take away its power to define you. You are not an imposter—you are someone stepping into new levels of success, and that is something to embrace.
How to Rewire Your Identity & Own Your Worth
💡 Step 1: Morning Identity Anchoring
Before you jump online and get influenced by who you think you should be, spend time reinforcing who you already are and who you’re becoming.
✨ Start each morning with an I AM practice:
I am powerful in my work.
I am a confident leader in my industry.
I am capable of holding success and growth.
Create statements that feel powerful, exciting and aligned to your vision.
💡 Step 2: NLP Visualisation – Meet Your Most Confident Self
Close your eyes and imagine looking at a version of you that is fully confident, fully expressed, fully successful. Then imagine yourself floating up and into that image.
Now take a minute to feel into this image and become it. Note what you are wearing. How do you stand and speak? What is the energy of this new embodiment?
Now turn up the volume on this image to make everything bolder, brighter, more energised.
Now repeat the first 3 steps again, imagining an even more fully confident, fully expressed, fully successful version of you.
Open your eyes, and carry that energy with you throughout your day.
💡 Step 3: Use Empowering Self-Talk & Language
The words you use shape your identity. If you constantly tell yourself you’re not ready, not good enough, or not as capable as others, your brain believes it. Flip the script. Consciously choose words that affirm your worth and capability every single day.
✅ Speak powerfully about yourself. Instead of saying, 'I can't do this', say, 'I must do this'.
✅ Turn self-doubt into certainty. Catch disempowering thoughts and replace them with ones that elevate you. For example, swap 'I don’t know if I can handle this' with 'I will do this'.
✅ Acknowledge your strengths daily. Remind yourself, 'I am an expert in my field. My voice matters. My work changes lives. I can and am doing this'.
✅ Act as if you already are the person you’re becoming. Show up, make decisions, and speak as the confident, powerful version of yourself—because that person is already inside of you!
Your Challenge: Take Bold Action Today
🚀 Pick one bold action you’ve been avoiding—posting, selling, applying for something bigger—and do it today.
The only way to stop feeling like an imposter is to start showing up as the leader you already are.
What action will you take today?
Let me know in the comments at the bottom of the page!
Here’s to living with intention, courage and letting your actions elevate you - not limit you.
Catch you in the next Shift.
X, Tao
P.S. If you’re looking for 1:1 support, here are ways I can help:
➡️ Curiosity Call – A no-pressure chat to explore what’s next for you. Book Here
➡️ Power & Perspective Session – A deep-dive coaching session to gain clarity and take bold action. Learn More Here
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