Why You Feel Like an Imposter (And How to Finally Shut That Voice Up)

I still remember the first time I landed a big client. I should’ve been excited—ecstatic, even. But instead, my brain whispered, "What if they realize I don’t actually know what I’m doing?"

That voice didn’t care that I’d worked hard. It didn’t care that I had results to back up my skills. It just kept asking, "Who do you think you are?"

Sound familiar?

That, my friend, is imposter syndrome. And it’s way more common than you think—especially among women, moms, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

What Is Imposter Syndrome, Really?

Imposter syndrome is that internal voice that tells you you're a fraud, even when you’re not. It’s the feeling that you don’t deserve your success, that you’ve just been lucky, or that you’re somehow faking it and everyone’s about to find out.

It’s not a reflection of reality—it’s a trick your brain plays on you.

And it often shows up:

• When you're doing something new or outside your comfort zone

• After you achieve a big win (yes, success can actually trigger it)

• When you compare yourself to others (hello, Instagram scroll spiral)

Where Does It Come From?

There’s no one cause, but here are a few common culprits:

• Perfectionism: If it’s not perfect, it’s not good enough (sound familiar?)

• High expectations from childhood: Being praised for achievement can lead to equating worth with success

• Comparison culture: Social media makes it easy to feel like everyone else has it figured out

• Underrepresentation: When you don’t see people like you in leadership or entrepreneurship, it’s harder to feel like you belong

How It Shows Up in Business

Imposter syndrome doesn’t always wear a label. Sometimes it sounds like:

• "I’m not ready to raise my prices."

• "I need another certification before I can launch this."

• "I can’t apply for that opportunity—I'm not experienced enough."

• "Why would someone choose me when there are so many others out there?"

  
  

The result? You play small. You undercharge, overthink, procrastinate, or avoid visibility altogether. And that holds your business back.

How to Shut That Voice Up (Without Pretending It Doesn’t Exist)

Imposter syndrome might not ever go away completely—but you can learn how to manage it so it doesn’t run the show.

1. Name It to Tame It

When that voice starts whispering doubts, call it out. Literally.

Say, "Ah, that’s imposter syndrome talking." Naming it gives you space to question it, instead of believing it.

2. Gather the Evidence

Keep a "you’re legit" file—screenshots of client praise, testimonials, wins, and milestones. When you’re doubting yourself, review it.

Facts dismantle fear.

3. Talk About It (Yes, Really)

One of the most powerful things you can do is simply say it out loud. Tell a friend, coach, or biz bestie: "Hey, I’m feeling like a fraud right now."

Chances are, they’ll say, "Me too." You’ll realize you’re not alone—and that honesty dissolves shame.

4. Shift from Outcome to Impact

Instead of obsessing over how perfect your offer or content is, ask:

• "How can I help someone today?"

• "What message does someone need to hear right now?"

  
  

When you focus on serving, the pressure to be flawless fades.

5. Do It Anyway

Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action. The more you show up (even when you’re scared), the quieter that voice becomes.

It’s not about never feeling like an imposter—it’s about not letting that feeling stop you.

If You’ve Been Waiting for Permission...

Here it is:

• You don’t need to know everything to be valuable.

• You’re allowed to be successful and still feel nervous.

• You are already qualified—because you’re doing the work.

• Your story, your voice, and your perspective matter.

  
  

You’re not behind. You’re not a fraud. You’re building something real—and you’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.

Need support as you grow with confidence (and ditch that inner critic)?

Let’s chat. Book a discovery call with MZVA, and let’s move forward

without the imposter energy tagging along.

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