5 Practical Tips To Overcome Imposter Syndrome

My Story: Battling Imposter Syndrome in College and My Career

During college, I always felt as though I didn’t belong. I rarely participated in discussions and never took up space. This feeling didn’t just stop after graduation—it followed me into the beginning of my professional career, especially when I was applying for jobs. My anxiety skyrocketed during interviews, and that’s why it’s so important to grow and let go of imposter syndrome.

I remember one interview where I was completely capable of doing the job and even knew the answers to the technical questions being asked. But in the back of my mind, I was fighting imposter syndrome. I doubted myself so much that I stumbled over my words and struggled to answer questions I could have answered with ease otherwise. And let’s just say I did not get the job. That experience taught me just how powerful imposter syndrome can be—and why it’s necessary to overcome it. 

Here are five practical ways I’ve used in my own life to overcome imposter syndrome and how I started to own my success:

1. Recognize That Imposter Syndrome is a Liar

That inner voice telling you that you’re not qualified, not smart enough, or don’t deserve success? It’s lying. Imposter syndrome is not based on facts—it’s based on fear. It’s okay to feel anxious—it means you care. But when anxiety starts to take over and control your actions, it’s important to address it.

✅ What to do: Start acknowledging these thoughts when they come up. Instead of accepting them as truth, question them: “Where is the evidence that I’m not capable?” Most likely, there isn’t any.

2. Keep a “Wins” List

It’s easy to forget how much you’ve accomplished when you’re always focused on what’s next. A wins list helps remind you of your progress.

✅ What to do: Keep a journal or a simple note on your phone where you write down every achievement—big or small. It could be a compliment from a boss, a successful project, or even just speaking up in a meeting when you were nervous.When self-doubt creeps in, revisit your list to remind yourself that you are more capable than your imposter thoughts want you to believe.

Here’s my 2024 Wins List:

• 🎓 Graduated with my Master’s in Cybersecurity
• 💼 Landed a job
• ✅ Received a successful three-month review
• ✍️ Designed and launched my blog
• 🚀 Completed a freelance project as an example of my work
• 🏋️‍♀️ Lost 60 pounds and stayed committed to my health goals

When I first reflected on my year, I felt like I hadn’t achieved much. But in reality, 2024 was a huge year for me—both professionally and personally. That’s why having a wins list is so so important. It doesn’t have to be yearly; you can break it down quarterly, monthly, weekly, or even daily. Taking time to recognize your accomplishments helps build a stronger, more positive mindset and overcome imposter syndrome.

3. Reframe Your Thoughts

The way you talk to yourself matters. Instead of feeding imposter syndrome with negative self-talk, flip the script.

During that interview, I let negative thoughts take over. Internally, I was speaking to myself in a way I would never speak to anyone else. I would never tear down a friend or colleague the way I was tearing myself down. So why do we do it to ourselves?

The way you talk to yourself matters. Start speaking to yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you would give to a friend. Think about it—how often have you criticized someone else the way you criticize yourself? Probably never.

That’s why shifting your mindset is so important. Learning to reframe your inner dialogue is a key step in overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-confidence.

✅ Try these mindset shifts:
❌ “I don’t deserve this.” → ✅ “I worked hard for this opportunity.”
❌ “I just got lucky.” → ✅ “I prepared and took action to make this happen.”

By shifting your mindset, you begin to believe in your own competence rather than dismissing your achievements.

4. Take Action Before You Feel Ready

Many of us wait to feel fully confident before we take action—but the truth is, confidence comes after action, not before.

I used to hold myself back from applying for jobs because I felt like I didn’t know everything I needed to know. But that mindset is ridiculous—most skills are learned on the job! I had an entire master’s degree, yet I still discouraged myself from pursuing opportunities because I didn’t feel “ready” for a career. In reality, no one ever feels 100% ready, and growth happens through experience, not perfection.

✅ What to do: Set small challenges for yourself. Apply for that job, raise your hand in a meeting, or start the project you’ve been avoiding. Action creates momentum, and the more you push yourself out of your comfort zone, the more confident you become.

5. Talk About It & Find Support

Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. The more you talk about it, the more you realize you’re not alone. Personally, I’ve found that opening up to friends about my experiences in the workplace has been incredibly helpful—they offer encouragement and support when I need it most. But if that doesn’t feel like enough, consider seeking professional help. Therapy can provide valuable tools and guidance to help you work through self-doubt and build confidence in yourself and your abilities.

✅ What to do: Share your feelings with mentors, friends, or a community of like-minded women (Like here on my blog). You’ll be surprised how many successful people experience the same doubts! Having support can help put your fears into perspective and remind you of your worth.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Your Success

Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away overnight, but by recognizing it and taking action, you can stop it from holding you back. You are worthy, capable, and fully deserving of every opportunity that comes your way.

Whenever doubt creeps in, remember this: You’re not an imposter—you’re a work in progress, just like everyone else.

I still struggle with imposter syndrome, but the growth I’ve made since graduating with my bachelor’s degree is beyond what I ever thought possible. I once believed it was something I would always deal with, but that’s simply not true. You don’t have to accept imposter syndrome as a permanent part of your life—growth and confidence are possible.

Here are some resources to help you build confidence and overcome imposter syndrome

• The Self-Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem
• You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

✨ Have you struggled with imposter syndrome? Share your experience in the comments, and let’s start a conversation! ✨