You know that moment when you walk into a meeting and think, “Why am I even here?” That is imposter syndrome creeping in. I felt it hard after sitting in a room with board members. Everyone else seemed polished, confident, in control, while I was quietly panicking, wondering if they would realize I had no clue what I was doing. Spoiler: they did not.

Imposter syndrome is invisible to everyone else but screams loud in your own head. You can achieve, perform, and even excel and still feel like a fraud. Confidence is not about knowing everything. It is about showing up, participating, asking questions, and trusting that you belong. Acting confident does not make you fake. It makes you present. It makes you noticed. And it is the fastest way to actually become confident.

Imposter syndrome thrives on comparison. You watch colleagues, mentors, or leaders and assume they have it all figured out. They probably do not. Most of them are winging it too, just better at hiding the nerves. The difference is they show up anyway, and that is what separates people who get ahead from people who stay stuck in doubt.

Here is what I have learned about handling it:

• Name it: Simply acknowledging “I feel like a fraud” takes away half its power
• Reframe your story: Instead of “I do not belong,” try “I am learning. I belong. My perspective matters”
• Celebrate wins: Even speaking up once in a meeting or sharing one idea counts. Give yourself credit
• Show up prepared, not perfect: Know your points, anticipate questions, but do not try to memorize a script. Authenticity beats perfection
• Build your support circle: Mentors, peers, friends. People who see your value and remind you you belong

Confidence does not arrive fully formed. It grows when you act despite fear, when you consistently show up, and when you stop letting self-doubt control your choices. The more you engage, the more you trust yourself, the less imposter syndrome gets to dictate your narrative.

Imposter syndrome is not just about work. It shows up in friendships, relationships, and life decisions. That hesitation before speaking up in a group chat or doubting whether you are allowed to take up space in a room. The same rules apply. Show up, speak your truth, and trust that your presence matters.

Eventually, you realize that confidence is not about having all the answers or never making mistakes. It is about owning your seat at the table and participating fully, even when it is uncomfortable. It is about saying yes to opportunities and letting your voice be heard, knowing that uncertainty does not disqualify you.

You are capable. You belong. The only way to truly beat it is to keep showing up, unapologetically, and let your presence speak louder than your doubts.