When Success Feels Like A Mistake

Imposter syndrome is a quiet inner voice whispering, “You’re not good enough,” even when all the evidence says otherwise. It’s surprisingly common among high achievers –  people like Maya Angelou, Tom Hanks and Michelle Obama have all spoken openly about feeling like frauds at times. But here’s the truth: imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re broken, it means you’re human.

It’s your brain’s misguided attempt to protect you, usually triggered when you’re growing, stretching or stepping into something new. It warns you not to get too comfortable, as if playing small will keep you safe. But the cost is high: anxiety, procrastination, self-doubt. It disconnects you from joy and dulls the shine of your own success. Recognising it is the first step. Reclaiming your truth is the next.

Strategies

Name It, Don’t Nurture It

The first step is awareness. When imposter syndrome creeps in, call it out. “This is imposter syndrome talking.” Naming the feeling creates distance. You’re not being a fraud, you’re feeling like one. And that’s a powerful distinction.

Track the Evidence

Keep a “proof file” – screenshots, testimonials, messages of praise, small wins and kind emails. Your brain has a habit of forgetting your brilliance. But the paper trail tells the truth.

Talk to Someone Who Gets It

Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. Speak it out loud to a coach, mentor or trusted peer. Nine times out of ten, you’ll hear, “Me too.” That connection reminds you: you’re not alone, and you never were.

Reframe Mistakes as Growth

Perfectionism fuels imposter syndrome. Instead of fearing mistakes, reframe them as markers of movement. The most successful speakers, leaders and creatives make mistakes – and keep showing up.

Use the Power of “Yet”

Change “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet.” That single word shifts the mindset from fixed to flexible – from stuck to stretching.

Visualise the Future You

Picture the boldest version of yourself – confident, unapologetic, fully expressed. Ask: What would they say, believe, or choose right now? Then, take one small step in that direction.

Detach Your Worth from the Outcome

You are not your pitch. You are not your results. When your self-worth isn’t tied to external outcomes, the fear of being “found out” starts to dissolve.

Make Peace with Progress

You don’t need to be flawless to make an impact. You just need to be present, prepared and real. Progress over perfection – always.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign that something’s wrong with you – it’s often the clearest sign that you’re on the edge of growth. It shows up when you’re expanding, stretching, and stepping into something bigger than before. The key to success isn’t to silence the inner critic – it’s to meet it with awareness, compassion and truth. That’s how you reclaim your confidence: not by pretending to be more, but by finally recognising who you already are. You don’t need to fake it. You just need to own it. One brave step at a time.

Ponderings

In what areas of my life do I feel like I’m hiding behind a mask?
How is self-doubt costing me opportunities, joy, or momentum?
Who might be waiting for the real, unapologetic version of me to show up?
What empowering truth am I ready to claim in place of this old fear?

Resources

The Quantum Results Formula E=MC²