Ever felt like you don’t quite belong in the role you’re stepping into? Yip, me too. That feeling of being “other than” or feeling like a fraud? That’s imposter syndrome. And here’s the truth - everyone experiences it.
As a psychotherapist, facilitator, and mindful compassion coach, I believe the key isn’t to fight imposter syndrome but to reframe it. To be honest I don’t even like the term!
Instead of seeing it as a sign that you’re not good enough or don’t deserve success (or whatever story your mind is telling you), try looking at it for what it really is - proof that you’re growing.
Why It Happens
Imposter syndrome shows up when we step outside our comfort zone. It’s not a sign that we’re faking it, though. It’s proof that we’re daring to step into new possibilities. It’s a natural response to change, risk, and development and I think we need to acknowledge it.
My Top Three Tips to ‘Overcome’ It (though, really, it’s not about overcoming... read on!)
- Turn Towards It – Instead of resisting imposter syndrome, imagine you’re looking through the peephole in your door. Ignoring it will give it more power and take away more of your energy. See it as a marker of growth, a signal that you’re evolving into the person you’re meant to be. Get to a stage where instead of looking through that peephole invite it in for a cuppa, it’s not as scary as you think!
- Claim Your Belonging – The more you step into who you truly are, the more imposter syndrome fades. I always say to my clients, “We have two hands to carry the joy and struggles in life and a heart as vast and big as the universe, you can carry this”. Over time, what once felt unfamiliar becomes home. Trust the process.
- Lighten Your Grip – Give your imposter a name. Hold the thoughts and feelings lightly, as if you’re holding a feather in the pam of your hand. With each step forward, that feather changes, just as you do. Growth isn’t about erasing doubt but learning to walk with it.
Next time imposter syndrome whispers in your ear, take it as a sign you’re exactly where you need to be. Keep going. You belong.
Ange Cameron is a Counsellor. Psychotherapist. Retreat Leader and Managing Director of egg business member Direction. She helps individuals and couples untangle their minds, recharge their energy, and step into life with clarity, confidence, and resilience. Whether it’s through counselling, psychotherapy, coaching, or transformative retreats in Scotland and Portugal, they offer real, powerful ways to reset, refocus, and thrive. www.direction.org.uk
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