6 Signs You Might Be Struggling with Imposter Syndrome (and How to Break Free)

Ever had that creeping thought: “Any minute now, they’re going to find out I’m not as good as they think I am”?

If so, you’re not alone – and you might be dealing with imposter syndrome.

This isn’t just about feeling a bit shy when someone compliments your work. Imposter syndrome is that deep-down belief that you don’t really deserve your success, no matter how much proof there is that you’re doing a great job.

Let’s break this down so it’s a little easier to understand – and most importantly, let’s talk about how you can stop it from holding you back.

What Exactly Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the inner voice that says, “You’re not as smart, talented, or capable as everyone thinks.” It tends to show up the moment someone praises you, when you get a promotion, or after you’ve landed a new client.

You might shrug it off, saying:

“Oh, I just got lucky.”
“It was a team effort.”
“Anyone could have done it.”

This term was first used in the 1970s to describe how even high-achieving professionals and athletes often struggled to see their own worth. And it’s not just about confidence – left unchecked, it can lead to overworking, burnout, and a constant sense of anxiety.

6 Common Signs You’re Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

1. You Downplay Your Wins

You hit a big milestone, but instead of celebrating, you brush it off:

“It wasn’t that hard.”
“It’s no big deal.”
You might even deflect praise by pointing to what others did, rather than owning your part in it.

2. You Call It “Luck”

When you do achieve something amazing, you convince yourself it was a fluke.
You think your success came from good timing, being in the right place, or pure chance – rather than your skills, effort, or persistence.

3. You Set Impossible Standards

Do you feel like no matter how well you do, it’s never quite enough?
You might set ridiculously high standards for yourself – and then feel anxious and unworthy when you can’t meet them.

This often looks like perfectionism. For example, you finish a project but still spend hours tweaking it, terrified someone will find a mistake.

4. You Fear You’re Not Measuring Up

Even when you’re doing well, you worry that others secretly expect more of you – your boss, your clients, your friends. No amount of positive feedback feels enough to quiet the thought that you’re falling short.

5. You’re Stuck in the “Imposter Cycle”

This is a common pattern:

You feel anxious about a project.
You either procrastinate or over-prepare like crazy.
You finally finish it, feel a moment of relief, then immediately worry about the next thing on your list.

It’s a never-ending loop that leaves you exhausted.

6. You Don’t Ask for What You’re Worth

Because you doubt yourself, you might avoid asking for a raise, quoting your real rate, or saying yes to big opportunities. You tell yourself you’re not ready yet – when in reality, you’ve been ready for a long time.

10 Practical Tips to Beat Imposter Syndrome

Notice the Signs
Now that you know what imposter syndrome looks like, start paying attention. Catch yourself when you minimise your success or dismiss compliments.
Look at the Facts
Feel like a fraud? Pull out your resumé, list your wins, and remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Hard evidence is a powerful antidote to self-doubt.
Talk About It
Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust. Many incredibly successful people have spoken about imposter syndrome. You’re not alone.
Stop Comparing
Everyone’s on their own journey. Comparing yourself to someone else’s highlight reel will only make you feel worse.
Celebrate Every Win
Big or small – write them down, take yourself out for coffee, or simply pause and feel proud before moving on to the next thing.
Make a Strength List
Write down your skills, experience, and achievements. Keep this somewhere handy for when you need a confidence boost.
Flip the Script
When you hear your inner critic say, “You’re not good enough,” respond with something positive like, “I’m learning and growing every day.”
Reframe Failure
Failure isn’t proof that you’re a fraud – it’s proof that you’re trying. See every setback as data that helps you improve.
Visualise Success
Picture yourself confidently giving that presentation or signing that client. Visualisation can train your brain to see success as achievable – and normal.
Let Go of Perfectionism
Done is better than perfect. Focus on progress, not perfection, and remind yourself that mistakes are part of growth.

Want to go deeper?

Inside Focus Tribe Online, you’ll find a full How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome course and an Imposter Syndrome Masterclass with psychologist Dr. Madeleine Amie – both designed to help you stop second-guessing yourself and start owning your success. Here’s the link to join. Cancel anytime.