Imposter Syndrome often shows up as a quiet, nagging voice of self-doubt. It tells you you’re not good enough, that you’re faking it, and that sooner or later, you’ll be found out. Even when things are going well on the outside, this inner critic keeps you stuck in fear, overworking, or playing it safe.
One helpful way of working with Imposter Syndrome is to begin changing the relationship you have with it. Rather than getting caught up in its stories, you can learn to step back and take a different perspective.
Externalising the Imposter
Start by noticing when Imposter Syndrome shows up. What does it say? How does it make you feel? The idea here is to externalise it – to treat it as a part of you, rather than the whole of you.
When you do this, you’re no longer completely caught up in its grip. You’re creating a bit of distance. You’re seeing the Imposter for what it is – a scared, reactive part that’s trying to protect you, even if it’s not doing it in a helpful way.
Personifying the Imposter
It can be useful to go a step further and give your Imposter Syndrome some kind of character. What would it look like if it were a person – or maybe a creature? A stern teacher? A jumpy little gremlin? A shadowy figure trying to keep you in line?
What tone does it speak in? What does it remind you of?
Giving it a form helps you get to know it better – and importantly, stops it from blending into your own inner voice.
Listening Without Obeying
The message from Imposter Syndrome is usually something like, “You’re not good enough,” or “They’re going to find you out.” When we’re in it, it feels true – so we respond by hiding, over-preparing, or holding ourselves back.
But when we can step back and see that this is just one part of us – not the truth of who we are – we can start to respond differently. Like anxiety, Imposter Syndrome tends to focus on the worst-case scenario. It’s not an objective voice; it’s a scared one.
You’re Still in Charge
Externalising and personifying the Imposter doesn’t get rid of it – but it gives you more choice about how to respond to it. You’re still the one steering the ship.
You can acknowledge what the Imposter is saying – without having to follow its lead.
Try This
Next time an imposter thought shows up, see if you can pause and name it.
Something like:
“Ah – here’s my Imposter again.”
or
“That voice is back, telling me I don’t belong.”
You might even say:
“Thanks for your input, Imposter. I’ve got this.”
That small shift – from being in it to noticing it – can start to change everything.
Want to go deeper?
Therapy can help you develop these skills, explore where the Imposter’s voice comes from, and learn new ways to relate to it – so it no longer runs the show.