With few exceptions, most of us have had those moments when we are on edge, anxiously awaiting the day when someone will discover that we are not as competent as we (unintentionally or otherwise) have led others to believe. That sinking feeling in our stomach with that whispering voice in our heads incessantly reminding us that we are not good enough. This is “Imposter Syndrome” and it is part of the human condition that many (if not most) of us will experience.

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern where, despite our level of success, number of accolades and accomplishments, and competence, we have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud.” It is a lingering sensation that maybe, just maybe, we do not belong where we are. It does not discriminate. It affects all of us, no matter who we are.

So, how does imposter syndrome show up? It is like a chameleon; it adapts to various situations and disguises itself in a variety of forms. For some, it manifests as perfectionism. We strive for perfection, flawless in everything that we do, but deep down, we are terrified of making mistakes because we believe that it will reveal our incompetence. For others, it is the comparison trap. In this scenario, we are constantly measuring our achievements against those of other people. We are convinced that everyone else has it together, while we are just faking and winging it as we go along.

The most insidious form of imposter syndrome, however, is our inability to internalize success. Instead of graciously accepting compliments or accolades, we will brush them off and attribute them to simply luck or timing instead of acknowledging our hard work and talent. It is as if we are wearing a mask, hiding our true selves behind a facade of self-doubt.

In my work, I am very familiar with this pattern. With every new client, I find myself doubting my abilities, questioning my skills, and wondering whether this will be the one that exposes me as not having a clue as to what I am doing. Over time, I have learned that imposter syndrome is just a story we tell ourselves. It is a narrative deeply rooted in fear and insecurity.

Imposter syndrome can be managed and eventually overcome, but it is a journey—a marathon, not a sprint. There are a few strategies that are helpful along the way.

First, we have to acknowledge our feelings. We must remember that these feelings of doubt are shared by many; it is merely part of the human experience. We can diminish some of its power by simply acknowledging it for what it is.

Second, we need to reframe our thoughts. Instead of focusing on what we have not accomplished, we can celebrate our successes no matter how small they may seem. We can keep a journal of our achievements as a reminder of how far we have come.

We can also learn to embrace failures as opportunities. Mistakes are a natural part of growth and development. Sometimes the only way to learn is by experiencing the effect that we have caused by an ineffective choice. As Thomas Edison said, I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Finally, we can seek support from other people. Whether it is friends, family, colleagues, or mentors, we can surround ourselves with people who believe in us and lift us up during difficult times. A support system can make all the difference.

Overcoming imposter syndrome takes time and patience. We must be kind to ourselves when those feelings of doubt rear their ugly heads. It is not about banishing imposter syndrome; it is about learning to coexist in its presence. It is about recognizing when it is trying to hold us back and pushing beyond it despite our fears. It is about our ability to embrace our authenticity and own our worth.

Success or sabotage? When we find ourselves trapped in the maze of imposter syndrome, we must take a deep breath and remember that we are not alone. We are more than enough, just as we are.

Is this going to be an incredible day?  The fact that we are here to experience this day, despite our worries, fears, concerns, and doubts is a gift that we should never take for granted.