What if you did it anyway?
Why confidence follows action — not the other way around.
Too many times, when I started a new big project, there was at least a brief moment when I spiraled into negativity. Even though I’ve worked in my field for a decade, I still catch myself doubting my expertise and skills. My inner voice questions my place and the opportunity I was given. Even though my track record says otherwise, in those dark moments, I am convinced that I know nothing and that sheer luck is the only reason I’ve made it this far.
Can I really do this?
Am I smart enough?
Aren’t there others who fit in better?
Why did I even get this chance?
Everyone will realize I cheated my way up to this point.
Feelings of not being good enough, smart enough, or deserving enough wash over you like a mile-high wave. You have no chance to avoid swallowing so much water—it’s a miracle the sea isn’t dried up afterward.
The important question to ask yourself in a moment of massive self-doubt:
Will I let this take me down, or will I do it anyway?
Around 70% of adults have experienced Imposter Syndrome at least once. It’s a phenomenon that affects both women and men and essentially means that a person suffers from feelings of professional or intellectual fraudulence. Even if this person has academic achievements, professional experience, or in-depth skills, deep down, they still believe they got this far purely by luck and are only one step away from being exposed as incapable.
Even experts feel like frauds (which, in many ways, can be a relief).
One, you are not alone.
Two, even people who seem confident and successful might struggle with imposter thoughts without anyone realizing it.
Three, you can still do all the things while having these thoughts.
How do you keep going when your inner imposter is trying to take you down?
You start before you feel ready.
Think back to a skill you mastered or a situation that now comes easily to you. Has it always been this way? Most likely not. No one is born fully equipped, without needing to put in at least some effort or work.
Through studying, practicing, and learning, you build competence. You gain knowledge that leads to action. The more you repeat an action, the easier it becomes, and the more your confidence grows. Before you even realize it, what was once theory has become a skill.
Most of the time, we wait to feel confident before we take action. But confidence isn’t a prerequisite, it’s a result. You don’t gain confidence before doing something. You gain it by doing it.
The more you take action, the less space your imposter has to take over.
So, the next time your inner imposter tries to hold you back, ask yourself:
What would happen if I did it anyway?
Because the truth is: you don’t need to feel ready. You just need to begin.
If this resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear this.
As someone who’s battling perfectionism, procrastination, nd imposter syndrome at different levels, this resonates a lot!! Thanks for this wonderful reminder to start doing things, without letting second thoughts move it aside!! <3
It's so true. What's the worst that could happen if you give it a go? You might have to try again, sure, but you'll do better the next time. Everything can contribute to our growth, if we let it.
Thanks.