Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever achieved a milestone? Maybe you became MVP, won a championship, landed a new role, or launched a big project, but that feeling of not belonging is still on you? That’s imposter syndrome.

It’s that tiny voice that whispers, “You’re not good enough, you don’t deserve this,” when the facts clearly say otherwise. For athletes, students, and professionals, this mentality can prevent development, confidence, and potential opportunities.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is the internal belief that you’re not who others think you are. It makes you feel like your accomplishments are based on chance, timing, or being in the right place at the right time, rather than your actual hard work and talent.

It often shows up as:

• Continuous self-doubt

• Fear of being “exposed” as an imposter

• Minimizing achievements

• Overworking to show worth

For athletes, it might sound like:

“I only got this scholarship because of my coach.” “Everyone else is better than me.” “I don’t belong on this level.”

Why It Happens

Imposter syndrome often comes from perfectionism, comparability, and the pressure to execute. In competitive environments, especially in athletics, it’s easy to forget that confidence has to be built. We live in a social climate that praises highlight reels, not the behind-the-scenes hard work that made the highlight reel. So, when our wins don’t feel as effortless as they appear to others, we question whether we’re who we really say we are.

The truth is: you earned it ALL. Every rep, every all-nighter, every obstacle you overcame led you to this exact place in life.

Here’s how to shift the mindset:

1. Recognize: Call out damaging thoughts as they come; acknowledgment is the first step.

2. Replace: Focus on progression, not perfection. Instead of labeling something as challenging, welcome it and be grateful for the opportunity to overcome it. You can only grow from it.

3. Document: Maintain a “success log” of areas within you that you’ve excelled or grown.

4. Talk: Discuss your feelings with someone you trust: a mentor, coach, or peer. You’ll find you’re not alone in the challenges you face.

5. Trust: Trust the process. Confidence is developed by consistency, not the immediate validation of others.

The Reality Check

Even the best of the best experience imposter syndrome. How to combat it?

Feel it and move forward ANYWAY!

You don’t have to “fake it till you make it” or put on airs; just believe that you’re already becoming who you are meant to be. The writing is already on the wall. You are not an error. You are the outcome of grind, purpose, and perseverance. The next time imposter syndrome shows up, remind yourself: 

I am worthy. 

I belong. 

I can.