5 Ways You Might Be Living With Imposter Syndrome Without Realizing It
Hey everyone!
Thanks for coming back and joining us on the Imposter Syndomre blog series.
If you missed Part 1, hit pause and go check it out on the blog and catch the Vlog over on YouTube for even more real talk and practical strategies. It’s a great place to start if you’ve ever wondered, “Do I deal with imposter syndrome… or am I just being hard on myself?”
This week, we’re taking it a step further.
Because sometimes, imposter syndrome doesn’t scream. It doesn’t always show up as panic or fear. Sometimes… it wears a smile, wraps itself in personality traits, and blends into your everyday routine.
We’ve gotten so used to the way it hides, we’ve stopped noticing it altogether. So what I’m goning to do today is 5 Ways You Might Be Living With Imposter Syndrome Without Realizing It.
1. You call it 'humility' but it’s really hiding.
You refuse to take credit. You pass the mic (and no not just my singers and speakers), but never grab it when it’s handed to you. While you may have talked yourself into thinking you’re being modest or humble, the truth is you’re scared of being seen and/or judged.
Ask yourself: Am I shrinking to be humble or because I’m afraid I’ll disappoint someone?
2. You over-prepare because you don’t think you’re enough.
You spend hours upon hours, upon hours tweaking that email, double-checking that assignment, or rehearsing that presentation 18 times. Thinking i't’s excellence but it’s really anxiety.
Ask yourself: Am I preparing from a place of confidence or from fear of being “found out”?
3. You joke about your wins before anyone else can.
You downplay achievements with a joke or self-diss (yal remember the word dissin’ LOL). Stuff like: “I guess they were desperate when they hired me!” This my friend is a coping mechanism, but it reinforces self-doubt.
Ask yourself: What would it feel like to just say thank you and keep it moving?
4. You avoid leadership roles even when you're qualified.
You say you’re “not ready” or “not the best fit”—but everyone else sees it in you. What’s really behind the hesitation?
Ask yourself: Is it discernment—or is it fear?
5. You set impossible standards so you never have to celebrate.
It’s always not quite good enough. So, you delay joy. You move the finish line. No matter how much you do, you never let yourself expreience the proud moment.
Ask yourself: Have I made perfection a requirement for feeling worthy?
So, What Can You Do Right Now?
1. Journal Your Self-Talk
Spend 5 minutes writing down what you actually say to yourself after a win, during a challenge, and when you’re recognized. Then circle anything that sounds like insecurity in a cute outfit.
2. Interrupt the Habit
Pick one phrase you’ll stop using this week. Maybe it’s “I just got lucky” or “I’m not really that smart.” Replace it with something true like:
“I worked hard and showed up. That matters.”
3. Invite Accountability Into Your World
Tell a trusted friend or mentor, “Hey—I think I’ve been shrinking back. If you see me doing it again, call me out with love.”
Remember: Imposter syndrome doesn’t always show up loud. Sometimes, it hides behind habits we’ve learned to live with and we define them as something else. Now you’ve got some work and refelction to do before Thursday’s Vlog. Get to work!
You’ve got this.
You belong here.
–Natalie
