Feel Like A Fraud? How To Bury Impostor Syndrome

Impostor Syndrome is something we’ve all felt at one point, especially as creatives and entrepreneurs. That nagging voice telling you you're not good enough, despite your accomplishments, is hard to silence. It keeps you doubting yourself and downplaying your wins. But here’s the truth: the work you’re doing is real, and your success is earned. In this post, we’re diving into how Impostor Syndrome shows up, why it’s holding you back, and how to start owning your worth unapologetically. Let’s confront the lies and step into the power of your talent.

Does this sound familiar?

Impostor Syndrome creeps in quietly, but its impact is loud. You hesitate when making decisions, constantly second-guessing yourself. Every move feels like it needs to be perfect, and that delay in action costs you momentum and growth. Fear keeps you playing small — you avoid taking risks, staying in the safety of your comfort zone, even when you know deep down that growth demands boldness. Then, there’s the self-sabotage that comes with undervaluing your work. You price too low and are hesitant to ask for what you’re worth, and that not only affects your income but also sends a message that your work isn’t as valuable as it is.

But maybe the hardest part is the fear of being seen. The thought of stepping into the spotlight, where others might "see through" you, feels paralyzing. So, you stay in the background, avoiding the visibility your business needs to thrive. You pass up networking opportunities, skip out on promoting your services, and hold back on sharing your wins. Impostor Syndrome convinces you that you're not ready, that you don’t belong — and that lie is keeping you from stepping into the success that’s already within reach.

How could this have started?

It often starts quietly, with small, everyday triggers. Maybe it’s the endless doom scrolling on social media, where you compare yourself to others who seem to have it all figured out. Suddenly, their success makes you feel “less-than,” undeserving of your own accomplishments. That comparison becomes a trap, feeding your doubts and making you question whether you belong in the same space. This spirals into self-sabotage — either through procrastination, where you put off important tasks out of fear of failure, or by overworking yourself to prove you're worthy.

The key is to recognize these triggers early and shut them down before they gain momentum. Protect your mental space by stepping back when you feel overwhelmed. Set boundaries around how you engage online, and remind yourself that no one’s journey is identical to yours. Taking time for yourself isn’t a weakness — it’s necessary to preserve your energy and reclaim your confidence.

So, what even is Impostor Syndrome?

In simple terms, it’s the belief that you’re not good enough or don’t deserve the success you’ve achieved. You might feel like a fraud, even though there’s no real evidence to support that. In business, this self-doubt creeps in when you compare yourself to others who seem more successful, confident, or polished. It convinces you that your wins are a fluke or that you’ve somehow tricked people into believing in you. This mindset undermines your progress and keeps you from fully owning your achievements.

The Impact on Women & LGBTQ+ Business Owners

For women and LGBTQ+ communities, the struggle with Impostor Syndrome runs deeper. We’re already marginalized and disrespected by society, in professional spaces, and sometimes even by our own families. These constant battles make it easy to doubt ourselves and question whether we truly belong. But when we find safe spaces among people who understand, those prejudices don’t follow us. We’re free to be ourselves without fear of judgment.

Story Time 

I’ve worked in environments that did everything to tear me down. The negative self-talk I deal with doesn’t come out of nowhere -it was planted by toxic experiences. I was told, sometimes daily, that I wasn’t good enough. That I was “lucky” to even have a job because no other employer would want me. 

I was told I wasn’t a good designer, that I didn’t understand social media, websites, messaging, or strategy, and that I wasn’t good at anything. 

But here’s the kicker: once I found my worth and stepped into my value, those same people shifted. Suddenly, they were my biggest cheerleaders, claiming it was all “tough love” or that it never happened at all. Their memories got really fuzzy about the times they yelled at me in front of the whole staff or blew up my phone while I was talking to my therapist. 

It’s funny how toxic behaviors disappear when you leave, become successful, and finally realize just how much work you were doing behind the scenes. 

How Community & Conversations Bury Impostor Syndrome

Community and conversations are crucial to bury Impostor Syndrome. When we share our experiences, it creates connection. We realize we’re not alone in our self-doubt, and others feel less isolated, knowing they aren’t the only ones struggling. Vulnerability becomes normalized. By opening up about our challenges, we break the stigma that vulnerability is a weakness — it becomes a source of strength instead.

Hearing how others have overcome their own doubts inspires growth. It gives you the courage to face your own insecurities and take action. A supportive community also builds accountability. When self-doubt creeps in, that community keeps you focused, pushing you forward when you might otherwise hold yourself back. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people boosts your confidence, offering the validation and encouragement you need in moments of uncertainty. It’s a reminder that you’re capable, worthy, and not in this fight alone.

Share Your Story

Impostor Syndrome thrives in silence, but it loses power when we speak up and connect with others. Your story, your struggles, and your wins matter — and sharing them helps break down the walls that self-doubt builds. By talking about your experiences, you help others realize they aren’t alone, and you give them the strength to push through their own doubts.

So, let’s keep the conversation going. Share your story. Whether you’ve overcome Impostor Syndrome or are still in the middle of the fight, your voice can inspire others to step into their worth and keep pushing forward. Together, we can create a community where self-doubt doesn’t stand a chance.

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