Why You Still Feel Like a Fraud at Work (Even If You’re Successful) – And How to Start Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Does this sound familiar?
You’re doing really well in your career or business. To the outside world, you’re a success. You’re doing well. Maybe even better than you ever imagined.
But on the inside, there’s that nagging voice.
The one that whispers “Any minute now, they’ll realise you don’t actually know what you’re doing.”
Or a dread that sooner or later you’ll slip up, lose the respect and recognition you’ve earned and become an overnight failure.
It’s a horrible feeling and it has a name you’re probably familiar with: imposter syndrome. And it’s far more common than most people realise, especially among high-achievers.
Why success doesn’t ‘cure’ imposter syndrome
Most people would expect that once they reach a certain level of success, or hit particular milestones, they’d have enough evidence and experience to put these kind of doubts to rest. In some cases, for some people, that does happen, but for most, each new success and achievement is another stretch outside of the comfort zone.
You see imposter syndrome isn’t about external achievement. It’s not based on actual capability. It’s about internal patterns; old belief systems, conditioning, and nervous system responses that keep looping even when reality proves otherwise.
Your mind might logically know you’re capable. But your body, your unconscious patterns, and your self-talk haven’t caught up yet.
That’s why success alone rarely makes imposter syndrome disappear.
I once worked with a client who was on the verge of giving up his career altogether. On paper, he had everything going for him, but inside, he was convinced he couldn’t do his job. Every success felt like a fluke, and every challenge felt like proof that he was about to be “found out.”
Through our coaching together, he learned how to reset his nervous system, reframe those deeply ingrained beliefs, and build a new level of trust in himself.
Fast forward a few years, and not only did he stay in his role, he went on to become one of the most successful people in his industry globally. He still credits that turning point to the work we did together.
That’s the thing about imposter syndrome: it isn’t about your talent or capability (he had plenty of both). It’s about the internal patterns that keep you doubting yourself until you learn how to shift them.
What imposter syndrome actually is
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where you doubt your accomplishments and live with a persistent fear of being “exposed” as a fraud, despite clear evidence of your competence.
It often shows up as:
-
Attributing success to luck, timing, or other people rather than your own skills.
-
Feeling you constantly need to “prove yourself.”
-
Downplaying your achievements.
-
Overworking to compensate for not feeling “enough.”
-
Anxiety that others will “find out” you’re not as capable as they think.
It’s exhausting. And left unchecked, it can hold you back from truly stepping into your leadership, enjoying your success, and creating the impact you’re here for.
Signs you may have imposter syndrome
See if any of these feel familiar:
-
You minimise compliments with, “Oh, it was nothing.”
-
You over-prepare for every meeting or presentation.
- You dread being asked questions on the spot.
-
You worry new recruits are going to take your place.
-
You feel like you’re “faking it” and just got lucky so far.
-
You constantly compare yourself to others and come up short.
Sound familiar? You’re far from alone.
Why it lingers even after success
Imposter syndrome hangs around because it’s rooted deeper than logic.
-
Old belief systems – many of us grew up with messaging like “don’t get too big for your boots”, “work harder if you want to be valued”, or were constantly compared to siblings or peers. Those scripts run in the background long after childhood.
-
Perfectionism – if you feel you can never make mistakes, no level of success feels safe.
-
Fear of exposure – deep down, imposter syndrome is tied to the fear that if people saw the real you, you wouldn’t be accepted. This is due to a disconnection with your innate self-worth.
-
Nervous system patterns – if your body has learned to live in a state of “on edge,” success can feel threatening instead of secure.
Overcoming imposter syndrome: steps that actually work
The key to overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t just mindset—it’s body, mind, and awareness working together.
Here are some practical ways to start shifting it:
1. Name it when it shows up
The moment you notice the thought “I don’t belong here”, pause. Awareness begins to break the cycle.
2. Reconnect with your body
Practices like breathwork, grounding, or nervous system regulation help calm the inner alarm that fuels imposter feelings.
3. Rewire your beliefs
Begin questioning old stories. Instead of “I got lucky,” try “I worked hard, and I deserve this.”
4. Collect your evidence
Keep a “proof list” of compliments, wins, and results. It’s harder for imposter thoughts to argue with facts.
5. Shift from proving to being
What if you didn’t need to constantly prove your worth? What if you simply trusted it? This is a huge reframe and one I guide my clients through.
Final thoughts
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re getting it wrong, it means you’ve been carrying patterns that no longer serve you. The fact that you’ve achieved what you have while feeling like a fraud is a testament to your strength.
But imagine what would be possible if you could release those doubts for good!
That’s exactly what I help people do in my Ground programme; a 3-month journey to reset your nervous system, shift old patterns, and finally feel solid in who you are and what you bring.
If you’re ready to stop questioning yourself and start leading with confidence (without the constant inner battle), Ground might be your next step.