Have you ever walked into a room full of smart, successful people and thought... “It’s only a matter of time before they realise I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing”?
Yep. Been there.
A few years back, I was invited to run a stress and burnout session at Stanford. Fancy, right? I thought I’d be speaking to some stressed-out grad students. But when I got there, I found out I’d be teaching doctors—in the School of Medicine—about the nervous system.
Cue the internal spiral:
“Who do you think you are?”
“You’re about to be exposed.”
“Stick to breathing exercises, mate…”
I nearly skipped the science part altogether. But I cracked a joke, owned my nerves, and shared what I do know. And guess what? That was the part they loved the most. They stayed back after the session to ask questions.
Turns out, imposter syndrome doesn’t show up because we’re frauds.
It shows up when we’re doing something brave or important.
Why Smart, Capable People Can Feel Like Frauds
Imposter syndrome isn’t just self-doubt. It’s that quiet fear that you’ve somehow slipped through the cracks—and it’s only a matter of time before everyone finds out.
It often starts early. Maybe you grew up being praised only when you performed. Or maybe you learned to hide parts of yourself to stay safe, loved, or accepted. You probably got good at wearing masks—and forgot what it feels like to be enough without them.
Add a high-pressure job, some perfectionist tendencies, and a sprinkle of self-comparison, and boom—you’re thriving on paper… but doubting yourself at every turn.
Here’s the truth: if you feel like an imposter, chances are… you’re not.
Real imposters don’t sit around worrying they’re not good enough!
How to Catch It (and Stop Letting It Run the Show)
Here are a few practical ways to deal with imposter syndrome when it rears its head:
1. Name the Pattern: Notice when it shows up: after a compliment, during a big project, or when you’re stepping into something new. Say to yourself, “Ah, that’s imposter syndrome talking.” Just naming it takes the sting out.
2. Challenge the Voice: What is it actually saying? “You don’t belong here”? “You’re not qualified”? Now ask: “Is that really true… or just familiar?” Then try flipping it: “I’ve done the work. I’ve earned this.”
3. Use ‘Two Truths and a Counter’: List two actual wins you’ve had recently. Then counter the imposter voice with those facts. Example: “I ran a successful workshop. I got great feedback. I’m allowed to take up space here.”
4. Don’t Wait to Feel ‘Ready’: Confidence doesn’t always come before action. Sometimes, you need to show up scared—and let confidence catch up later.
5. Try the STOP Technique: When the inner critic kicks off, try…
Stopping
Taking a breath
Observing what you’re feeling
Proceed mindfully
6. Keep a ‘Truth File’: Create a folder where you save kind messages, testimonials, or wins. When imposter syndrome strikes, open it up. Let reality remind you of your impact.
▶ Watch: How to Stop Imposter Syndrome in Its Tracks
Join Me Live – Breaking Free from Imposter Syndrome
This week, I’m diving deeper into imposter syndrome during a live YouTube session.
We’ll explore:
✔️ Why it shows up (even when you’re smashing it)
✔️ How to catch it in the moment
✔️ Science-backed tools to stop letting it mess with your head
✔️ Plus a live meditation + Q&A
📌 Join me live here: https://www.youtube.com/live/e9BTaYUlKVQ?si=Je5YDhJeS572yNlM
🕑 Los Angeles: 2 PM, Sunday 13th April
🕔 New York: 5 PM, Sunday 13th April
🕘 London: 10 PM, Sunday 13th April
🕗 Sydney: 7 AM, Monday 14th April
Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your inner critic—I’ll help you make peace with all of them!
▶ Watch: Vagus Nerve Sleep Meditation | Sleep through the night | Black Screen
Trouble Switching Off at Night?
Let’s be honest—when imposter syndrome gets loud, sleep is usually the first thing to go. That’s why I created this Vagus Nerve Sleep Meditation—a gentle way to quiet the inner critic and invite your nervous system into rest.
You’ll move through soothing breathwork, balanced breathing, and a full-body scan—all designed to signal safety to your brain.
Don’t Miss This: A Burnout Conversation That Goes Deeper
On 16th April, I’m joining Pick My Brain on Cuppa.tv for a live session on burnout—not just the busy kind, but the deep kind, shaped by who you learned to be.
We’ll talk about:
How early life experiences shape your adult stress response
Why high-achievers often struggle to rest
The difference between true boundaries and performative ones
When being “helpful” is actually burning you out
Tools to rewire your relationship with work and self-worth
📅 Date: 16th April, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM AEST
Thanks for being part of this community.
Thanks for doing the work.
And thanks for reminding me every week that we’re all just humans… trying to grow, trying to be real, and occasionally wondering if we’re winging it.
(We are. And we’re doing great.)
Warmly,
Chibs 💙
