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Unmasking Imposter Syndrome: 3 Strategies to Eliminate It Now

People with imposter syndrome are riddled with unfounded feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, incompetence, and shame.

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Although imposter syndrome is not an official psychiatric diagnosis, the impact is widely recognized by psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors who assist people who believe that they are imposters in their own lives.

People with imposter syndrome are riddled with unfounded feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, incompetence, and shame. They wear a metaphorical mask and live in fear of being found out. 

Even as they grow weary of their need to be people pleasers and workaholics, and their compulsion to appear invincible, their mask is so tightly affixed that it blinds them to the fact that their thoughts are distorted and their brains have tricked them into believing that they lack skills, talents, and worth. 

The condition is pervasive. An estimated 70 percent of all people suffer from imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. It affects both men and women in similar proportions. When it infiltrates lives, it can become dangerous for careers, relationships, health, and well-being. 

But it is possible to crack the mask. I was personally forced to confront it when my attempts to mask a life-threatening disease caused me several months of recovery and nearly cost me my life. Before hitting rock bottom, however, those hiding behind their disguise can take action by embarking on a journey of self-discovery. 

The process isn’t a quick flip of the switch. It will require rewiring many entrenched mental patterns. But with persistence and determination, the mask will fall away and a confident, multifaceted, wonderfully authentic being will emerge. 

Incorporate the self-awareness mindsets below to unmask your true self and allow it to shine:

1. Learn to let go of the past

Negative experiences can become engrained in our subconscious and ultimately affect how we think and behave. To heal and move forward, it’s important to identify these experiences and actively work on rewriting the beliefs that have been instilled in us. 

For me, the genesis of my imposter syndrome reached back to when I was 6 years old and writhing in pain from a stomach ache (in my later years diagnosed as hereditary chronic pancreatitis). My mother believed I was lying so I wouldn’t have to go to school. I started to doubt my pain, and essentially myself. 

I started to develop all the symptoms of imposter syndrome — self-doubt, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and feelings of being a fraud. Recognizing the power of my subconscious mind and learning to let go of the past helped me to move on.

2. Challenge your beliefs

To change your beliefs, you need to start cultivating self-awareness. Opening yourself to self-awareness equips you to understand which beliefs in your subconscious are responsible for your imposter syndrome. 

Once you discover these beliefs aren’t rational, challenge them. When you think you’re not good enough, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Why do I believe this? What evidence supports this?” 

Remind yourself of all the hard work you’ve put in and all that you’ve accomplished. 

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” — John Wooden

3. Find the upside of failure

One cause for imposter syndrome is a fear of failure. But fearing failure can sabotage you in many aspects of your life. At work, it leads to avoiding big projects in favor of menial tasks. It keeps you from voicing an opinion and taking risks. 

Soon your manager will avoid involving you as you see to be too busy with insignificant work and uninterested in collaborating on big projects. You must change this mindset and recognize that those who never fail never win. 

When you fail, you learn, and when you learn, you improve. Ultimately, you can only be happy if you’re living your life authentically — mistakes and failures included. 

When you open yourself to self-awareness, you become better equipped to understand which beliefs engraved in your subconscious mind are responsible for your imposter syndrome. 

With your new understanding, the mask you’ve hidden behind will crack, allowing your true self to emerge free from imposter syndrome’s oppressive disguise. 

Coline Monsarrat is a passionate author driven by a mission to help others thrive. She weaves captivating stories that transcend boundaries. Whether through her insightful nonfiction work or the adventure MG book series, Aria & Liam, she imparts valuable wisdom that inspires readers to overcome challenges and embrace their potential. Her new book, You Are Not an Imposter: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Unlock Your True Potential So You Can Thrive (Apicem Publishing, April 11, 2023), offers a powerful and personal exploration of this all-too-common condition. Learn more at youarenotanimposter.com.

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Did You Know

How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution.  (more…)

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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Success Advice

Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)

The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

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Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
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Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)

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Success Advice

What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)

Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

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When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)

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