Not Faking It: Why You’re Exactly Who You Say You Are Despite Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is something so many women, especially in their 20s, deal with, and I’m definitely no exception. It’s that nagging feeling that despite your accomplishments, you’re somehow “faking it” and don’t truly deserve your success. For me, even as a qualified teacher, I still struggle with feeling like a "real" teacher. Most days, it feels like I’m just pretending to have it all together, waiting for the day when someone will realize I don’t really know what I’m doing.

But here’s the thing—we are what we say we are, and we need to start believing in ourselves. If you woke up and went for a run this morning, guess what? You’re a runner! If you ordered some watercolor paints on Amazon and painted a flower, you’re an artist! And if you went to university, got your teaching degree, and show up in that classroom every day, you’re absolutely a teacher. Imposter syndrome tricks us into thinking we aren’t enough, but the reality is, we are capable of more than we give ourselves credit for.

So how do we start overcoming imposter syndrome? Here are a few tips that have helped me personally and professionally:

1. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

One of the biggest causes of imposter syndrome is that we downplay our successes. Start by making a list of everything you’ve accomplished—big or small. Whether it’s earning a degree, landing your dream job, or even smaller wins like handling a tough situation at work, acknowledge that you’ve worked hard to get where you are. Keep that list handy and refer to it on days when self-doubt creeps in.

2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Social media has made it so easy to compare ourselves to everyone else. But remember, what you see on Instagram or LinkedIn is usually just a highlight reel. Everyone struggles in their own ways, and it’s important to focus on your own journey rather than comparing yourself to others. You are exactly where you need to be right now.

3. Embrace the Learning Process

Feeling like a fraud often comes from thinking we should know everything right away. But no one knows everything, especially in the early stages of their career or a new hobby. Give yourself permission to learn and grow. Remember, “faking it till you make it” is actually just a part of the process. The more you practice and learn, the more you’ll feel confident in your abilities.

4. Affirmations and Positive Self-Talk

This one might sound cheesy, but positive affirmations can really help shift your mindset. Remind yourself daily: “I am capable,” “I deserve my success,” or “I am enough.” The more you reinforce these positive thoughts, the more your brain starts to believe them.

5. Seek Support

Sometimes, the best way to combat imposter syndrome is to talk about it. Chances are, your friends, colleagues, or mentors have felt the same way. Sharing your experiences and hearing theirs can remind you that you’re not alone in feeling this way. We all have moments of doubt, and that’s okay.

Ultimately, imposter syndrome is something that takes time to overcome, but the key is to keep showing up, keep believing in yourself, and keep reminding yourself that you are exactly who you say you are. You’re not faking it—you’re just growing into the person you’ve always been meant to be.