Imposter Syndrome: When Excitement Turns into Self-Doubt

Have you ever decided to do something you were genuinely excited about, only to feel a wave of dread and self-doubt a few days (or even hours) later? And once those feelings show up, you end up not doing the thing you set out to do in the first place?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

These feelings are often referred to as imposter syndrome, and they’re incredibly common, especially if, growing up, you had someone telling you that you weren’t capable of doing something for one reason or another. As adults, that voice doesn’t always disappear. Sometimes it stays in the same voice from our childhood, and other times it becomes our own.

Imposter syndrome can be exhausting. It drains our energy, steals our excitement, and slowly chips away at our sense of purpose.

So how do we work through it?
How do we keep going even when self-doubt shows up?

These are questions I still come face-to-face with myself, but over time, I’ve learned a few things that help me move through imposter syndrome when it arises.

1. Consistency Matters More Than Perfection

Imposter syndrome often shows up when we believe we won’t be able to do something perfectly. And because it won’t be perfect, we convince ourselves it’s better not to try at all.

But here’s the truth: consistency matters far more than perfection.

We’re human. Humans make mistakes. We learn as we go. So why do we hold ourselves to standards that are impossible to reach?

Instead of waiting until everything is perfect (or until you have every skill figured out) start showing up for yourself as you are. Focus on proving to yourself that you can be consistent.

If you mess up, that’s okay. Learn from it. Adjust. Keep going. You’ll thank yourself later for allowing room to grow instead of demanding perfection from the start.

2. Trying (and Failing) Is Better Than Never Trying

Building on that idea, it’s important to remember that trying is essential.

Imposter syndrome and perfectionism both want to protect us from failure. But when we don’t try, we don’t grow—and we never actually learn what we’re capable of.

It’s impossible to know whether you can do something without giving it a shot. And other people don’t get to decide your capabilities either, because they’re simply not you.

Instead of listening to outside opinions, or your inner critic, try.
If you succeed, you’ll be glad you did.
If you fail, it’s not the end of the world. You still learned something, and you’re still moving forward.

Yes, failure can feel scary. But it’s far better to say “I tried” than to spend years wondering “What if?”

3. Change Your Thought Patterns

Our thoughts are powerful. They can either limit us or move us forward.

When imposter syndrome shows up, our minds are usually filled with limiting beliefs—beliefs that hold us back instead of supporting us. One of the most helpful things I’ve learned is that changing what I believe about myself directly impacts what I’m willing to do.

For example, instead of thinking:

“I can’t do this because it won’t be perfect,”

Try shifting to:

“I am capable of doing this, and I will do it to the best of my ability.”

Over time, reframing your thoughts helps create a new internal narrative—one that’s more supportive and realistic.

Along with reframing, affirmations can be helpful when used intentionally. Choose a few affirmations that actually feel believable to you, and repeat them daily: out loud, with confidence. The key is not just saying the words, but allowing yourself to believe them.

Moving Forward, Gently

Overcoming imposter syndrome doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process. But each time you remind yourself of these points, it becomes easier to step out of the spiral and move forward a little faster.

It can also help to ask someone you trust to remind you of these things when your thoughts start spiraling.

And finally, remember this: even a 1% change matters.
Small shifts add up, and over time, they can completely change how you show up in your life.

If you recognize yourself in this, you don’t have to navigate imposter syndrome on your own. Having a supportive space to explore these patterns, rebuild self-trust, and move forward without pressure can make the process feel much lighter.

This is the kind of work we do together in 1:1 coaching. If you’re curious, you can learn more or book a session here.