The Chains of Imposter Syndrome: You Are Not Alone
Have you ever sat in a meeting, nodded along, and hoped no one asks for your input because deep down, you’re convinced they’ll see right through you?
Or maybe you hit “send” on an important email, only to immediately feel that tight knot in your stomach, wondering if you came across as knowledgeable enough—or if you made a glaring mistake you somehow missed.
If any of that resonates, I want you to know: you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is real, and its chains can weigh you down. It’s that voice in your head, whispering that you don’t deserve the seat at the table, that your success is luck or a fluke, and it’s just a matter of time before everyone else realises it.
Let’s be honest, lovely. You’ve been here before. Mornings when you stand in front of the mirror, dressed and ready for another day, but instead of seeing a capable woman who’s worked hard for everything she has, all you can focus on is what you think is missing. And what you haven't achieved yet.
Maybe it’s the way your inner critic clings to the one typo in that flawless report you submitted, or how you can’t stop replaying that time you fumbled over your words during a presentation.
But here’s the thing: none of those moments define your worth.
Day-to-Day Struggles: The Little Things Add Up
You’re juggling so much—whether it’s managing your work deadlines, keeping up with your family responsibilities, or just trying to carve out a little time for yourself (though that “me time” is often the first thing that slips). And in the middle of all that, you’re constantly carrying the weight of feeling like you’re not doing enough, or not doing it well enough.
Remember that time you stayed up late finishing that financial project, even though it was already solid, because something in you said it wasn’t “good enough”? Or the way you downplayed your university degree when someone complimented you, brushing it off like it was no big deal, even though you’d worked so hard for it? These are the tiny moments where imposter syndrome creeps in, making you doubt what you’ve already earned and deserve.
You might feel that self-doubt when you’re scrolling through Instagram, seeing others post about their “perfect” lives, wondering if you’re somehow falling behind. Or when you’re in a room full of colleagues, feeling like everyone else has it all together while you’re still trying to figure it out. These are the moments that chip away at your confidence, that feed the nagging feeling of not being “enough.”
But let me remind you of something, lovely. You didn’t get here by accident. Those accomplishments you so easily dismiss? They’re the product of your hard work, your dedication, and yes—your talent!
The Inner Critic: How It Keeps You Small
Imposter syndrome has a sneaky way of keeping you small. It’s that inner voice that tells you to shrink back, to let someone else take the lead, to stay quiet in that meeting because “what if you say something wrong?” It’s the voice that makes you second-guess your instincts, your intelligence, and even your worth.
But what if that voice isn’t telling you the truth? What if, instead of shrinking back, you allowed yourself to take up space, to own your knowledge, and to trust your instincts?
Think about it—how many times have you held back, only to later see that your idea was right on target? How many times have you stayed silent, thinking someone else knew better, when in fact, you had the perfect insight all along?
That inner critic is loud, I know. But it’s not invincible. And little by little, we can quiet it down.
You Deserve To Be Here
I want you to remember something the next time you’re feeling that pit of doubt in your stomach: you deserve to be here! Not because someone gave you a break or because you got lucky, but because you’ve put in the effort, you’ve shown up, and you’ve earned your place.
You are not defined by one off-day, one awkward conversation when you didn't know the capital of Peru, or one typo in an email. Your worth is so much bigger than that.
When imposter syndrome whispers in your ear, telling you that you’re not enough, I want you to take a moment, breathe, and remind yourself: I am enough, exactly as I am.
You are worthy of taking up space, of owning your accomplishments, and of being proud of how far you’ve come. And if you need a reminder, let me be that voice for you.
Because you, lovely, are so much more than you give yourself credit for. And it’s time the world sees it, too. But first, it starts with you—believing that you belong here. Because you do.
What Now?
So, what do you do when the imposter syndrome hits hard? Start small. Each time you hear that inner critic, take a moment to challenge her. When she says you’re not smart enough, remind yourself of all the times you’ve proven otherwise. When she says you don’t belong, list the reasons why you do.
And on those days when the weight of it all feels overwhelming, remember: you’re not alone. Many women—successful, driven, and incredibly talented women—feel the exact same way. But that doesn’t make it true.
Little by little, step by step, we’ll work together to silence that inner critic and reclaim your power. I’m here to walk beside you as you do it.
This is your journey, and I’ll be right here, reminding you every step of the way that you are enough.
Your Turn
If you’re ready to silence that inner critic and finally embrace your worth, I invite you to sign up for The Anti-Perfectionist’s Playbook. It’s your FREE step-by-step guide to letting go of perfectionism, quieting the voice of doubt, and showing up for yourself—boldly and unapologetically. Because you don’t have to do this alone, and it’s time for you to start living life on your terms.
Let’s take this journey together. You’ve got this.
Because, lovely, it’s time to show up for yourself—boldly, unapologetically, and empowered.
Until next time, keep showing up, keep shining, and let's remind each other of all the wonderful talents we have.
Loads of love,
Nadine xxx