Reflection #6: Almost Enough
Professional doubt, perhaps, walks beside growth.
At the start of last week, as I opened Google Meet, my first client of the day, Fernanda, got straight to the point: “Vanessa, I’ve just received an offer for a role above my current level, and I’m terrified. The day-to-day demands skills I don’t yet have.”
Later that week, it was Carlos appearing on the same screen, adjusting his headphones before sharing: “I’m leading a team for the first time, and everyone seems to think I know exactly what I’m doing. I don’t want to let them down.”
Imposter syndrome. That quiet fear that someone will find out you’re a fraud. It hits everyone. High performers. Career changers. First-time leaders. People with solid credentials who still doubt themselves.
The term was coined in 1978 by Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes. They noticed many brilliant women diminishing their achievements. Today, we know it crosses gender, identity, and age. Nearly 70% of people feel it at some point.
So why does it stick around?
In a world of constant social media comparisons, it’s no surprise that so many professionals feel like they’re just playing a part. Imposter syndrome also protects the ego, replacing self-awareness with self-criticism. According to the Berkeley Well-Being Institute, people who feel like impostors often think their successes are just luck or timing, and they have a hard time taking praise at face value.
This feeling intensifies during transitions — a new job, a promotion, a high-profile project — when unfamiliar territory reignites old insecurities.
The irony is that imposter syndrome often shows up precisely when you’re growing; it’s almost a sign that you’re in your growth zone.
Below are some research-backed strategies many of my clients use to reclaim their confidence.
1. Document your achievements and impact
One of the most effective antidotes to imposter syndrome is simple: concrete evidence of your competence.
Keep a portfolio of success. Digital or paper. It doesn’t matter. Record victories, compliments, reviews, and impact metrics.
Why it works: It creates a healthy system of validation.
Another powerful habit is reflecting on micro-wins. Spend two minutes a day noting a small success. It’s like mental training: recognising your own contributions strengthens the neural pathways that counter the negative bias typical of imposter syndrome.
2. Internalise feedback and seek support
Those struggling with imposter syndrome often dismiss praise too quickly. Don’t. Collect, value, and internalise recognition — whether it’s a quick comment on Slack or Microsoft Teams, or a formal performance review. Instead of thinking, “If I pulled this off, it couldn’t have been that hard,” pause and acknowledge the skills you genuinely demonstrated.
Also, build a feedback circle. Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation. Share experiences with trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors. Objective feedback — both strengths and areas for improvement — helps recalibrate your self-image.
3. Reframe negative self-talk
Start by identifying triggers. Which situations spark the fraud thought? A presentation, a leadership meeting, a client delivery? Name the thought: “I don’t know enough” or “I’m not ready.” Only then can you challenge it.
Next, apply cognitive reframing. It’s not the event that causes distress, but the belief attached to it. Swap “I’m not an expert” for “I’m passionate about this area.” The statement remains true but shifts the focus from deficiency to capability.
Adopt a growth mindset. Research by Carol Dweck shows that people who believe their skills can develop achieve more than those who see talent as fixed. In this context, mistakes are no longer failures — they’re learning steps.
4. Compare wisely
Comparison is fertile ground for imposter syndrome. The solution is simple: compare yourself to yourself, not to others. Recording your achievements and goals gives you your own standard of progress.
Celebrate milestones, even small ones. Reward yourself with something simple — your favourite coffee will do.
Looking ahead:
Imposter syndrome may never disappear completely — and that’s okay. A touch of doubt can keep us humble and open to learning.
The goal isn’t to silence the voice asking, “Am I good enough?” but to decide whether it’s worth listening to. By documenting achievements, reframing thoughts, and adopting a growth mindset, we reduce its power.
Until next time,
Vanessa