The Imposter Within
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: The Skills That Help You Own Your Success
Have you ever found yourself questioning whether you truly belong in the room, even after you’ve earned your seat the table?
If so, you’re not alone.
Imposter syndrome is a common internal experience, especially among high achievers. Despite evidence of your skills and accomplishments, you may feel like a fraud, waiting for someone to “find you out.”
I have been living with and researching Imposter Syndrome for quite some time. As someone who struggles with accepting compliments and often does not see in myself what others observe, I have to be intentional about quieting the imposter inside me.
Research shows that imposter syndrome is especially prevalent among women. Here are some staggering statistics.
Studies estimate that up to 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives, with women reporting it more frequently than men.
According to a 2020 KPMG study, 75% of executive women across industries reported having experienced imposter syndrome at various points in their careers.
Early in their careers, women in male-dominated fields were found to be more likely to report imposter feelings.
Here’s the truth: you don’t have to stay stuck in self-doubt. There are specific, learnable skills that can help you recognize your worth, quiet the inner critic, and step into your strengths with confidence.
Let’s break down a few of the most powerful ones:
💬 1. Self-Awareness
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing it. Self-awareness allows you to:
Spot the critical inner voice that’s feeding your doubt
Reflect on where these thoughts are coming from
Separate facts from feelings
By building this skill, you’ll begin to challenge your negative self-talk and replace it with truth-based thinking.
🎯 2. Emotional Intelligence
When you feel like an imposter, it’s often tied to anxiety, comparison, or fear of failure. Emotional intelligence helps you:
Name what you’re feeling without judgment
Manage those emotions in high-pressure moments
Develop empathy—for yourself and others
The more emotionally intelligent you become, the more you realize you’re not the only one with doubts—you're just one of the few willing to name them.
💡 3. Growth Mindset
People with imposter syndrome tend to interpret mistakes as proof they don’t belong. But adopting a growth mindset shifts that narrative:
Failure becomes feedback, not finality
“I don’t know” turns into “I’m learning”
Success is seen as earned, not luck-based
This mindset creates space to grow without perfection.
🗣️ 4. Assertive Communication
When you downplay your skills or avoid sharing ideas, it reinforces feelings of imposter syndrome. Assertive communication helps you:
Speak clearly and confidently, even when unsure
Ask for what you need without apology
Advocate for your value without arrogance
It’s not about being the loudest voice; it’s about being the most authentic.
🤝 5. Resilience
Resilience helps you bounce back from moments of doubt or perceived failure. It allows you to:
Stay grounded in your purpose
Reframe setbacks as part of the process
Keep going—even when your confidence wavers
The more resilient you are, the less hold imposter syndrome has over you.
🔁 Final Thought
Imposter syndrome thrives in silence—but it loses power when you name it, challenge it, and build the skills that ground you in truth.
“You are a work in progress, continually growing and evolving every day. And you belong here!”