Perception is a powerful thing. It shapes how we see the world and how the world sees us. But so often, there is a vast difference between what people perceive and the reality that exists beneath the surface. As someone who has worn many hats—from CEO to Councillor, radio presenter to advocate—I have often been told how confident, capable, and fearless I appear. Yet, the reality is that I, like many others, wrestle with imposter syndrome.
The Confidence Illusion
In my various roles, I am expected to lead, make decisions, and speak with authority. From the outside looking in, it may seem like I have unwavering confidence. People assume I always know what I’m doing, that I never doubt myself, that every speech or decision is made with absolute certainty. But the reality? There are moments when I question whether I truly belong in the spaces I occupy. There are days when the voice in my head whispers, “What if they find out you’re not as capable as they think?”
This is imposter syndrome—the unrelenting feeling that you’re not enough, despite evidence to the contrary. It’s the internal struggle of reconciling how others perceive you with how you perceive yourself. www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imposter-syndrome
Overcoming the Inner Critic
The battle against imposter syndrome is not won overnight. It takes intentional effort to quiet the doubts and reaffirm your worth. Here are some ways I’ve learned to navigate this struggle.
Acknowledge the Feeling but Don’t Dwell on It Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. The first step is acknowledging that the feeling is there but not letting it define you. When I feel those doubts creeping in, I remind myself that feelings are not facts. Just because I feel inadequate in a moment doesn’t mean I am.
Lean on Your Evidence I often tell myself, “If I truly weren’t capable, I wouldn’t be here.” Look at the tangible proof of your success—past achievements, challenges you’ve overcome, and the people who believe in you. If you have been trusted with responsibility, it is because others see your value, even when you struggle to see it yourself.
Reframe the Narrative Instead of thinking, “I don’t belong here,” I try to shift my perspective to, “I have earned my place here.” The truth is, no one is perfect, and we are all learning as we go. I remind myself that even the most successful people have moments of doubt. Confidence is not about never feeling uncertain; it’s about pushing forward despite the uncertainty.
Surround Yourself with Supportive Voices Having a strong support system makes all the difference. The people who lift you up, remind you of your capabilities, and push you forward are invaluable. Whether it’s mentors, friends, or colleagues, being around those who recognise your worth helps drown out the negative self-talk.
You Can Be Something
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that confidence isn’t about eliminating fear—it’s about not letting fear stop you. The voice of imposter syndrome may never fully disappear, but it doesn’t have to dictate our actions.
My journey—from growing up with instability to leading organisations and advocating for change—has shown me that anyone can rise above their circumstances if they choose to. The key is to believe that you can be something, even when the doubts try to convince you otherwise.
If you’re reading this and have ever felt like an imposter in your own success, know that you are not alone. Your achievements are real, your contributions matter, and you deserve to be exactly where you are.
The perception of confidence may not always match the reality, but true strength comes from showing up anyway. And that’s what makes all the difference.
