Facing My Own Imposter Syndrome as a Business Owner

As I sit down to write this blog post about imposter syndrome, the irony isn’t lost on me—I’m struggling with it right now. I’ve faced the creeping self-doubt that whispers, “Who are you to give advice on this?” or “There’s no way this will be good enough.” As a business owner, this feeling has been a frequent companion, and it gets in the way more often than I’d like to admit. But instead of letting it paralyze me, I’m choosing to push through, because overcoming imposter syndrome is essential for my growth—and for yours too.

What Imposter Syndrome Feels Like for Me

It’s easy to look at other successful entrepreneurs and think they’ve got it all figured out. But I’ve learned that imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter how many wins I’ve had or how much experience I’ve accumulated, the feeling of not being “enough” creeps in, especially when I’m about to put something new out into the world—like this blog post.

Imposter syndrome shows up in moments when I question my ability to achieve my goals, thinking that maybe I’m not as competent as others in my field. I’m often hesitant to set big goals or take risks, and when I do, I brace myself for failure, convinced that it’ll be proof that I’m not cut out for this.

How Imposter Syndrome Affects My Business Mindset

As someone who’s working hard to develop a strong business mindset, imposter syndrome can feel like the biggest roadblock. The doubts it plants make it hard to fully embrace the characteristics I know are essential for success:

• Goal-Setting- It’s hard to set ambitious goals when part of me doesn’t believe I deserve to achieve them.

• Risk-Taking- I hesitate to take risks, even calculated ones, because I’m afraid of being “exposed” as a fraud.

• Problem-Solving- The fear of making mistakes can lead to overthinking, which makes decision-making feel like an uphill battle.

• Adaptability- When I feel like I’m faking it, adapting to new challenges feels more like a threat than an opportunity.

The Research That Helped Me Understand Imposter Syndrome Better

It turns out, I’m not alone in this. A recent study revealed that 78% of business leaders experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers​ (Home of Women in Business News). That’s a huge number, which makes me realize that even the most successful people out there feel the way I do. But while that’s somewhat comforting, it’s also a reminder that I need to actively work on overcoming it if I want to reach my full potential.

Interestingly, a study from MIT showed that imposter syndrome can actually make people better collaborators and more empathetic leaders​ (MIT News). While this is a silver lining, I also recognize that relying on these accidental benefits isn’t enough. If I want to build a business mindset that’s truly resilient, I have to address the self-doubt head-on.

What To Do To Overcome Imposter Syndrome

If you're like me, you're probably nodding along with this and hopefully you feel really seen. Mindset in business is no easy feat and can be challenging daily to keep not only your business going, but also your own mind. I remind myself daily that it’s okay to feel uncertain, but that doesn’t mean I’m not capable. Here’s what I’ve been working on and what you can work on too:

• Acknowledge It- Instead of ignoring it or letting it control you, name the feeling. Just recognizing that you're experiencing imposter syndrome can help to lessen its power.

• Celebrate Small Wins- Try to shift your focus from perfection to progress. Celebrating even the small victories will remind you that you're capable, even if you don’t always feel that way.

• Talk About It- Sharing your experience with others who are also business owners will be a game-changer. Every time I open up, I’m reminded that imposter syndrome is a shared experience.

• Embrace Continuous Learning- Remember that you don’t have to know everything right now. Accepting that growth is a process has helped me ease the pressure to be perfect. I’m embracing learning as I go, and you should too.

Why This Post Matters (to Me and Hopefully to You)

Writing this blog post isn’t just another task on my to-do list. It’s a real-time example of me facing imposter syndrome head-on. By putting my experience into words, I’m reminding myself—and hopefully, you—that imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be a roadblock to success. The fear and doubt might still show up, but it doesn’t have to control how I move forward in my business.

If you’re a business owner struggling with mindset challenges, know that you’re not alone. Whether it’s setting ambitious goals, taking risks, or trusting in your problem-solving abilities, imposter syndrome can get in the way. But it’s also something you can overcome. I’m doing it right now, and I believe you can too.