People with impostor syndrome often live with a quiet but relentless self doubt.
Common thoughts include:
• I am not really good enough
• I have only got this far by luck
• Other people will realise I do not belong here
• Sooner or later I will be exposed
You may work harder than others to avoid mistakes, feel anxious before meetings or presentations, or downplay your achievements. Even when things go well, you might focus on what could have gone wrong or assume that others are more competent than you.
Impostor syndrome is often invisible from the outside. Others may see you as capable, reliable, or successful, while internally you feel tense, fraudulent, or on edge.
Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is the persistent fear of being found out. It is the sense that, despite your achievements, you do not really deserve your position, your success, or the respect of others.
If you struggle with impostor syndrome, you may feel as though you are constantly performing, waiting for the moment someone realises you are not as capable as they think. Praise can feel uncomfortable or undeserved, and success may bring relief rather than satisfaction.
How Impostor Syndrome Feels
People with impostor syndrome often live with a quiet but relentless self doubt.
Common thoughts include:
• I am not really good enough
• I have only got this far by luck
• Other people will realise I do not belong here
• Sooner or later I will be exposed
You may work harder than others to avoid mistakes, feel anxious before meetings or presentations, or downplay your achievements. Even when things go well, you might focus on what could have gone wrong or assume that others are more competent than you.
Impostor syndrome is often invisible from the outside. Others may see you as capable, reliable, or successful, while internally you feel tense, fraudulent, or on edge.
The Cost of Constantly Proving Yourself
Living with impostor syndrome can be exhausting. The pressure to perform and not be exposed can lead to overworking, perfectionism, or difficulty switching off. You may avoid opportunities that would draw attention to you, or feel unable to enjoy success when it comes.
Over time, this can erode confidence and self trust. Instead of feeling grounded in your abilities, you may feel trapped in a cycle of self doubt and fear, driven by the need to stay one step ahead of being “found out”.
Hhow Therapy Can Help
Therapy provides a space to explore these fears without judgement. Rather than trying to talk yourself out of impostor feelings, the work focuses on understanding where they come from and how they are maintained.
Together, we look at:
• The beliefs that fuel self doubt
• How pressure, comparison, and fear of failure keep the cycle going
• Ways to relate differently to achievement and mistakes
• How to build a more stable sense of self trust
As this understanding develops, many people find they can ease up on themselves. Confidence becomes less fragile, and success no longer feels quite so threatening.
The aim is to help you develop a steadier sense of confidence, so your choices are guided by trust rather than self doubt.
Taking the Next Step
If impostor syndrome is affecting your confidence, work, or wellbeing, support can help.
I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation where we can talk things through and see whether I might be able to help. There is no pressure or obligation, just a chance to explore whether therapy feels right for you.
You are welcome to get in touch.