The Space Between ‘I’ve Got This’ and ‘I’m an Imposter’
When we stretch into something new, fear is part of the process. I’m learning to catch the doubts early and reframe them as part of growth.
I’ve talked about this before, but it’s something I’ve been coming back to lately:
Imposter syndrome. Self-doubt. And that voice that whispers, “You’re not ready.”
That feeling that you’re not competent (despite plenty of evidence), that you’re not worthy, or that someone will eventually realise you’re not quite as capable as you seem.
Over time, I’ve learned to reframe this
While I wouldn’t say imposter syndrome has completely disappeared for me, I do think it’s evolved. I can usually spot it more quickly.
Lately though, that voice has been a little louder. I’m going through a season of change at work and exploring what might be next in my career, and that brings up a whole new wave of uncertainty.
It’s not quite imposter syndrome - not yet. I haven’t stepped into the new thing. But the self-doubt? Oh, it’s here!!!
I can swing between:
Yes, I can do this. Let’s give it a go.
…and…
Wait, can I actually do this? Do I have the skills? Can I really make this shift?
It’s wild how quickly I can swing from let’s do this to but can I?
How I’ve started to say No to imposter syndrome
This is when I really have to remind myself:
This is new. Of course I don’t know exactly how to do it yet.
That doesn’t mean I can’t learn. It doesn’t mean I’m not capable.
It means I’m stretching.
I’ve found it helpful to separate self-doubt from imposter syndrome.
👉🏻 Imposter syndrome tends to attach itself to identity: I’m not good enough.
👉🏻 Self-doubt, though? It’s situational. Temporary. Something that can be explored and worked through.
These days, when the self-doubt creeps in, I ask myself:
Am I freaking out because this is new or super important to me?
Am I uneasy because of values misalignment?
Is there actually a capability gap, and if that’s true, how can I patch that gap?
Am I holding myself to an unrealistic expectation, like needing to know everything before I begin?
Is this actually about me… or is it about the system I’m trying to navigate?
Three things that have helped me
I don’t have all the answers (and I’m learning I don’t need to), but here are three things that have genuinely helped me shift my thinking:
1. Writing it down and naming the doubt
When I catch myself spiralling, I pause and get the thoughts out of my head. I ask myself: Is this fear, or is it fact? Labelling it helps take away some of its power. And naming that voice also helps me ‘talk back’ to them (I’ve called that voice Alan - he has a whole persona behind him 💁🏼♂️ and yeh, why would I listen to him?!)
2. Gathering the evidence
I go back to projects I’ve delivered, feedback I’ve received, and moments I’ve been proud of. It reminds me that I can do hard things, even when they were new or uncomfortable at the time. I list these in a Brag book (I’ve built a digital one that you can use too - if you want a copy, let’s connect!).
3. Talking to trusted people
I lean on the people who see me clearly, who can gently challenge my self-doubt and remind me of what I bring to the table. Their belief often helps me reconnect with my own.
Confidence doesn’t mean never feeling doubt
Before I close, I want to say this: I'm not "cured" from this. I still remember those stories and moments that are fuelling my self-doubts - they pop up now and then. Some of them are from over fifteen years ago. I'm not the same person I was then, but those echoes still live somewhere in the background.
The difference now is, I don’t let them affect me in the same way. I’ve grown. I’ve learned. I would handle myself differently today. And I know that these feelings will still show up in the future - from feedback, meetings, interactions, or big projects.
I am focussing on learning to move through it. Showing up anyway. Even when it feels wobbly.
So if you’re in that space right now like me, swinging between “yes, I can” and “can I really?”, you’re not alone.
And maybe, like me, the self-doubt isn’t a red flag.
Maybe it’s a sign that you’re growing.
💬 Your Turn!
Here’s my challenge to you:
What thoughts are you back right now?
Listen to your inner critic - would you really speak to anyone else in that way?
Let’s connect!
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