Imposter Syndrome: It’s Normal to Feel It—What Matters Is How You Manage It

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I don’t deserve this,” or “One day, they’ll find out I’m not as capable as they think I am”?If so, you’re not alone. You’ve likely experienced imposter syndrome, a surprisingly common and very human feeling.

Here’s the key: feeling like an imposter is normal. It’s part of being human. What defines your growth and success is not whether you feel it—but how you manage it.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be, despite evidence of your success. It often shows up as:

• Self-doubt

• Fear of being “exposed”

• Attributing success to luck

• Underestimating your own ability

These feelings are not limited to early-career professionals or new parents. Leaders, high achievers, athletes, and even public figures often face them.

The Truth:

You can be smart, capable, and experienced and still feel like an imposter. It’s how you manage those feelings that matters.

Why It’s Normal to Feel Imposter Syndrome

Feeling like an imposter is:

• A byproduct of growth: When you push yourself into new challenges, doubt naturally arises.

• A sign of self-awareness: You care enough to question your performance and strive to improve.

• Part of being in uncertain or competitive environments.

It’s actually more worrying if you never question yourself—because that can indicate complacency or overconfidence.

How to Manage Imposter Syndrome: Practical Steps

1. Name It

When imposter feelings arise, call them out:“This is imposter syndrome. It’s normal. I don’t have to believe these thoughts.”

Awareness takes away some of its power.

2. Talk About It

Share what you’re experiencing with a trusted friend, mentor, or colleague. You’ll be surprised how many people say, “Me too.”Speaking openly normalizes it.

3. Focus on Evidence, Not Emotion

Write down your achievements, successes, and positive feedback. When self-doubt creeps in, look at the evidence of your capability.

Your feelings may not always reflect the truth. Facts can anchor you.

4. Switch to a Growth Mindset

Instead of thinking, “I don’t belong here,”Think, “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.”The most successful people are not the ones who know everything—but the ones who keep learning.

5. Reframe Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes.Failure is not proof you’re an imposter—it’s proof you’re stretching yourself.Adopt the mindset: “If I fail, I’ll grow. If I succeed, I’ll grow.” Either way, you win.

6. Don’t Wait to Feel Ready

Imposter syndrome tells you:“You’re not ready yet.”

Truth: No one feels 100% ready for growth.Progress comes when you act anyway. Courage is doing it despite the doubt.

The Real Lesson

Imposter syndrome is not something you “cure.” It’s something you navigate.

It will likely pop up at every new level in life—new job, new challenge, new responsibility. That’s because you’re growing.

But if you learn to recognize it, manage it, and keep moving forward—you’ll realize that you’re far more capable, deserving, and ready than you thought.

You don’t have to get rid of imposter syndrome. You just have to stop letting it stop you.