Imposter Syndrome vs Lack of Confidence

From experience of working with some incredible leaders and business owners over the years, many of them incorrectly assume imposter syndrome = lack of confidence.

Equally if you are to believe one popular influencer (no names mentioned) imposter syndrome is good because it makes you work harder....oh hi there burnout...

But here is the difference:

Confidence means:

• Inner trust in skills/abilities validated by external wins/milestones
• Acknowledging capabilities AND limitations
• Using past experience to justify taking on reasonable new challenges

Whereas Imposter Syndrome is:

• Inability to truly own achievements no matter external proof
• Core belief deep down of being an undeserving fraud - "not enough"
• Feeling catastrophically incompetent at things you may actually excel at

For leaders battling imposter syndrome vs confidence issues, gaining comfort with well-earned expertise can feel pretty much impossible when that harsh inner critic endlessly drones, "Who do you think you are?"

Working with imposter syndrome is a process, not an overnight fix. It takes time to unravel those internal narratives that undermine even the most amazing accomplishments. But with consistent, patient effort it can be something that is less dominant, and something that can be recognised and managed with a set of tools.

This stuff impacts even incredibly successful entrepreneurs at times. So trust me, you are not alone.

As a coach, I’ve developed a specific toolkit to support clients who are experiencing imposter syndrome.  We will work to drown out that voice of doubt before gradually expanding your comfort zone.  Then, from building out that self-trust, that imposter noise won't feel so paralysing anymore. You'll be able to tune into YOUR voice, leading confidently from inner clarity.

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If this resonates with you, please get in touch to talk through how we can work together in 1:1 coaching.