Simple Steps to Start Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Find Your Confidence
Have you ever looked at your own achievements and thought:
“One day they’ll figure out I’m not as good as they think I am”?
You’re not alone.
In fact, studies show that up to 82% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives (Bravata et al., 2019).
It’s not just a “you” problem. It’s a human one.
And the great news?
You’re not stuck with it.
Today, I want to walk you through some simple, powerful steps to start overcoming imposter syndrome — and building the kind of authentic, unshakeable confidence that changes everything.
Step 1: Name It to Tame It
Imposter syndrome thrives in silence.
It grows in the dark corners of our minds — in the whispered thoughts like:
“Who do you think you are?”
“You’re not ready.”
“They’re smarter than you.”
The first step to change is simple:
Say it out loud.
Dr. Valerie Young, author of The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, states:
“The only way to stop feeling like an imposter is to stop thinking like one.”
When you name the thought — “That’s imposter syndrome talking” — you instantly loosen its grip.
You bring it into the light, where you can work with it, instead of wrestling it in the dark.
Try this:
Next time the doubt creeps in, pause.
Say aloud (or write down):
“Ah, there’s imposter syndrome again. It’s a thought, not the truth.”
You are not your thoughts. You are the observer of them.
And this first small step changes everything.
Step 2: Gather the Evidence
Imposter syndrome tricks you into believing you’re not capable —
despite all the proof to the contrary.
In his groundbreaking book The Confidence Gap, Dr. Russ Harris explains that self-doubt isn’t proof of inadequacy — it’s just noise from your fear brain (Harris, 2011).
That’s why gathering evidence matters.
When your brain says:
“You’re not good enough” —
you need to reply with receipts.
Try this:
Make a list of:
- Five achievements you’re proud of.
- Three times you received positive feedback.
- One moment when you pushed through fear and succeeded.
You’re not faking it.
You’re remembering the truth.
Confidence isn’t built by chasing perfection.
It’s built by collecting proof that you are already stronger than you think.
Step 3: Reframe Failure
If you’re battling imposter syndrome, chances are you see failure as fatal.
But here’s the truth:
Failure isn’t proof you’re a fraud.
It’s proof you’re in the arena.
Brené Brown, in her book Daring Greatly, says:
“When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending.”
The goal is not to avoid mistakes.
It’s to change the story you tell yourself about them.
Try this:
Next time something doesn’t go perfectly, instead of saying:
“I’m a failure,”
ask:
“What did I learn?”
“How did I grow?”
“What strength did I build here?”
Mistakes aren’t evidence you’re not good enough.
They’re milestones on the road to mastery.
Step 4: Practice Future Identity
Most people wait to feel confident before they act.
That’s backward.
Action creates confidence — not the other way around.
Dr. Joe Dispenza, in Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, teaches that:
“You have to think greater than the environment, greater than the circumstances.”
This means you practice being the future you before you feel ready.
Try this:
Every morning, ask yourself:
- How would the confident version of me speak today?
- How would they stand, walk, respond to challenges?
Then…be that version.
Even if it feels awkward. Even if it feels fake.
Because every small action builds a new identity.
And identity is what rewires your story — permanently.
Step 5: Find Your Circle
Healing from imposter syndrome isn’t a solo mission.
It’s a community project.
Studies show that sharing your doubts in safe, supportive environments dramatically decreases the intensity of imposter feelings (Parkman, 2016).
Why?
Because when you realise others feel the same — even the ones you admire — you stop believing your self-doubt is unique or true.
Try this:
Surround yourself with people who:
- Celebrate effort, not just outcome.
- Speak encouragement, not criticism.
- Hold you accountable to your brilliance.
Community normalises growth.
Community reminds you:
“You are not alone. And you are not broken.”
Final Thoughts: Your New Story Starts Here
If you’re feeling the weight of imposter syndrome right now, let me tell you something from the heart:
You are not failing.
You are growing.
You are expanding into a bigger version of yourself.
And yes, it feels scary — because growth always does.
But fear is not your enemy.
Fear is the doorman to your next level.
“Confidence isn’t the absence of fear.
Confidence is trusting yourself to move forward anyway.” — Monique Bradley
If you’re ready to shift from stuck to unstoppable — if you’re ready to rewrite the story that’s been holding you back — I’m here to help.
Start today by taking my free Imposter Syndrome Quiz.
It’ll help you uncover the exact stories that are limiting you — and show you your next steps toward freedom.
Or if you’ve done the quiz, maybe it’s time to take the next step and explore what the world leading StorySHIFT method can do for you.
Your new story is already waiting.
All you have to do is step into it.
With belief,
Monique Bradley
