Imposter syndrome: use evidence, not anxiety

I don’t think I’ve ever had imposter syndrome. For years I sat in speakers’ rooms before panels while everyone compared nerves. I was usually calm, mostly wondering if I had time to grab more snacks. It isn’t that I’m fearless. I just don’t label normal nerves as proof I don’t belong.

Since becoming a coach I’ve looked into imposter syndrome a lot. Many clients feel it. We talked about it at my previous company because I wanted people to get out of their heads and back into their abilities. My take is simple: look for evidence.

My first talk was in 2018. I felt nerves like anyone would. Then I did it, it went fine, and I had proof. After that I felt confident because I had evidence. The same logic applies to panels and most high-stakes moments. If I understand the topic, I’m not worried. If I don’t know something yet, I know I can learn.

This is the loop I rely on: try it once > collect what happened > decide based on facts, not the story in your head > repeat and refine.

Feelings are real, but they’re not always accurate. Evidence is boring, which is why it works. It cuts through the noise. Ask yourself: have I done something like this before? What actually happened last time? What did I handle well? What would I change next time? Most of the time there’s no hard proof that you can’t do the thing. There’s only a loud thought saying that you can’t.

Most of the time there’s no hard proof that you can’t do the thing. There’s only a loud thought saying you can’t.

A simple way to practise

Use this before your next presentation, pitch or interview.

1. Write your fear in one line.
   Example: I’ll forget what to say.

2. List three facts that challenge it.
   Example: I know the material. I’ve delivered it to my team. I have notes I can glance at.

3. Plan one safety net.
   Example: a prompt card or a slide with key points.

4. Do the thing.
   Don’t wait to feel ready. Start, then adapt.

5. Debrief for evidence.
   What went fine. What to improve. What to repeat.

For managers and leaders: if your team say they feel like imposters, help them find evidence. Reflect wins at the start of meetings, not just at the end of projects. Break big goals into visible steps so progress is obvious. Normalise first tries. First versions aren’t supposed to be perfect.

You don’t get clarity from thinking. You get it from doing. Do it once, learn something, then do it again with better information.

Question: what piece of evidence would change your mind the next time your brain says you can’t do something?