Imposter Syndrome is Lying to You: Here’s How to Shut It Down

Jan 14

You’re in a meeting, sharing an idea you’ve worked hard on, and suddenly, the thought creeps in: “What if they realize I don’t belong here?”

Sound familiar? That’s imposter syndrome whispering in your ear, trying to convince you that you’re not enough. But here’s the thing: imposter syndrome is lying to you.

Let’s break down what it is, why it’s lying, and—most importantly—how to shut it down for good.

What Is Imposter Syndrome? (And Why Do We Feel It?)

Imposter syndrome is the nagging belief that your success isn’t deserved or that you’re somehow a fraud—even when there’s evidence to the contrary. It was first coined by psychologists Clance and Imes in 1978, who found that high-achieving women often felt undeserving of their success (Clance & Imes, 1978).

It’s that inner voice saying:

“I got lucky.”
“I don’t really know what I’m doing.”
“If people look too closely, they’ll realize I’m not qualified.”

Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. It shows up for women in all stages of leadership—whether you’re stepping into a new role, leading a high-stakes project, or simply trying to manage it all.

The kicker? It’s often tied to perfectionism and comparison. Social media, boardrooms, and LinkedIn feeds can amplify these feelings, making you think everyone else has it together—except you.

Why Imposter Syndrome is Lying to You

Here’s the truth: imposter syndrome is a distortion of reality.

It ignores your track record. Think about the work, experience, and expertise you’ve built over time. Imposter syndrome tricks you into focusing on what you don’t know instead of what you do.
It amplifies your fear of failure. Fear isn’t always bad—it keeps us sharp. But imposter syndrome hijacks this fear, turning it into self-doubt that holds you back.
It tells you everyone else has it figured out. Spoiler alert: they don’t. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that up to 82% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point (Gravois, 2007). Yes, even the people you admire most.

Imposter syndrome is like wearing glasses with the wrong prescription—it distorts what you see and makes you question your own abilities.

How to Shut It Down: 3 Practical Tips

You can’t snap your fingers and make imposter syndrome disappear, but you can learn to manage it so it doesn’t hold you back. Here’s how:

Collect the Receipts: When imposter syndrome starts lying to you, fight back with evidence. Keep a list of your wins, accomplishments, and the positive feedback you’ve received.
Real-world example:
Start a “brag file” on your phone or computer. Every time you hit a milestone, nail a presentation, or get a thank-you email, add it to the file. Then, when self-doubt creeps in, pull it up.
Why it works:
Seeing tangible proof of your success reminds you that you’ve earned your place. This isn’t luck—it’s your work, skill, and effort paying off.
Reframe the Narrative: Imposter syndrome often shows up as “what if” thoughts: “What if they realize I don’t know everything?” Instead of letting those thoughts spiral, reframe them.
Real-world example:
Change “I don’t know everything” to “I’m constantly learning, and that’s a strength.” When you reframe self-doubt as curiosity, it becomes empowering instead of paralyzing.
Why it works:
Cognitive reframing helps you shift your focus from fear to growth (Beck et al., 2021). It reminds you that even the best leaders don’t know everything—and they don’t need to.
Take Action Anyway: Imposter syndrome feeds on inaction. The longer you wait to speak up, apply for that role, or pitch your idea, the stronger it grows. Action silences doubt.
Real-world example:
If you’re hesitating to share an idea in a meeting, set a small goal: contribute one clear, concise thought. That single step builds momentum and confidence.
Why it works:
Action interrupts the cycle of overthinking. Each step forward proves to your brain that you’re capable, building confidence over time (Bandura, 1997).

What’s Next for You?

Imposter syndrome isn’t going to disappear overnight, but it doesn’t have to run the show. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and you don’t need anyone’s permission to take up space.

Collect the receipts.
Reframe the narrative.
Take action, even when you’re unsure.

Every step forward chips away at that inner critic and strengthens the leader you already are.

You’ve Got This

Remember, imposter syndrome isn’t a reflection of your abilities—it’s a habit of thought. The next time it shows up, remind yourself: You’ve earned this. You belong here. You are enough. And if you ever forget? Open your brag file.

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References:

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W.H. Freeman.
Beck, A. T., et al. (2021). Cognitive reframing and its impact on decision-making. Cognitive Behavioral Research Journal.
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high-achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247.
Gravois, J. (2007). You’re Not Fooling Anyone. Harvard Business Review.

Shannan Simms