For a long time, I thought imposter syndrome was a confidence problem.
That it meant I wasn’t good enough and therefore ready to show up properly in my business.
I thought it meant that I needed more clarity, more experience, more proof that I was qualified enough or an expert, before I could really put myself out there.
So I held back – I overthought my content, I softened my message and I stayed broad so I didn’t get it ‘wrong.’
And whilst on the surface, it looked like I was doing the right things, nothing was really landing, and now I see why.
I had an insight.
Imposter syndrome isn’t about not being good enough – it’s about not fully stepping into who I actually am.
And that shows up everywhere in your life and business. Because when you don’t trust yourself…
- You don’t say what you really think.
- You don’t own your perspective.
- You try to appeal to everyone instead of speaking to someone.
You stay safe. But safe doesn’t connect.
What I used to call ‘needing more clarity or expertise’ was actually me holding back from expressing what I already knew, because clarity isn’t something you wait for.
It’s something that sharpens through expression. It grows through saying the thing, feeling vulnerable, through putting your thoughts out into the world, through being seen, and through starting before you feel ready (ready is made up by the way!)
Even when it feels uncomfortable. In fact, especially then!
That discomfort we label as imposter syndrome, it’s not a stop sign. It’s actually a signal that you’re stepping into a more honest, more visible version of yourself. So think of it as a green light, rather than red!
And your marketing will only ever be as powerful as the level of truth you’re willing to stand in.
The shift for me was simple once I saw this… but that’s not to say it’s easy. Those old habits of thinking are hard to break!
But I’m slowly but surely breaking that habit by asking myself different questions. Instead of ‘Am I confident enough to share this,?’ I now ask, ‘Am I holding back what I really want to say?‘ and ‘Who am I NOT to share this?’
Because connection lives in the expression of the authentic you. It is not in perfect messaging or polished strategies. But in truth.
So now, when that feeling shows up…I don’t pull back, I lean in. I share the thought. I say the thing. And I trust that clarity will meet me there.
And it always does.
Because the version of me building my business right now…isn’t waiting to feel ready.
She’s speaking… and letting that shape everything else.
So let me ask you…
Where in your marketing are you holding back what you really want to say, because you’re not sure you’re ‘ready’ yet?”