It happens in boardrooms, classrooms, and even in the MBA application process. That small, nagging voice that whispers, I don’t belong here. I’m not as smart as they think I am. Any moment now, someone’s going to figure out I don’t deserve this.
This is imposter syndrome, and it can keep even the most accomplished people from reaching their full potential.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. Some of the world’s most successful leaders, entrepreneurs, and public figures have admitted to battling self-doubt. In fact, 71% of CEOs say they experience imposter syndrome!
But what separates those who let it hold them back from those who push forward?
They recognize imposter syndrome for what it really is: a sign of growth rather than proof of inadequacy.
The Truth About Imposter Syndrome
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, here’s something you need to hear. The people who never experience self-doubt are usually those who aren’t challenging themselves.
The very fact that you feel like an imposter means you are stepping outside of your comfort zone. It means you are growing, pushing, and reaching for something bigger than you’ve done before.
That doesn’t mean imposter syndrome is easy to shake. But instead of waiting to feel more confident before moving forward, the key is learning how to act despite the doubt.
How to Break Through Imposter Syndrome
Reframe It as a Growth Signal
Instead of seeing imposter syndrome as a warning sign that you’re not enough, recognize it as proof that you are challenging yourself in new ways. If you never feel self-doubt, you’re probably playing too small.
Separate Feelings from Facts
Imposter syndrome thrives when we mistake feelings for reality. Just because you feel unqualified doesn’t mean you are unqualified. Your accomplishments, experience, and effort got you to this point for a reason.
Try this: Make a list of five times you overcame something you initially thought you weren’t good enough for. Chances are, you didn’t feel ready for those moments either, but you figured it out. You’ll figure this out too.
Change the Narrative
Imposter syndrome feeds on negative self-talk. Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself. If your inner dialogue sounds like, I’m not good enough or Everyone else is so much more qualified, rewrite the script.
Instead of I don’t belong here, tell yourself: I am here because I worked for this. I have earned my place. Instead of I’m not as smart as they think, remind yourself: I bring unique strengths and experiences to the table.
What you tell yourself matters. Choose words that empower you rather than ones that hold you back.
Stop Comparing Your Insides to Everyone Else’s Outsides
One of the biggest traps of imposter syndrome is assuming that everyone else has it all figured out. They don’t.
The colleague who seems effortlessly confident? The applicant who appears to have the perfect resume? They have their own doubts and struggles—you just don’t see them. No one is immune to self-doubt, and you are not alone in feeling this way.
Borrow Confidence Until You Build Your Own
Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s built through experience. If you’re struggling to feel confident in yourself, borrow it from people who believe in you.
Think of the mentors, friends, or colleagues who have encouraged you. Trust that they see something in you for a reason. When in doubt, remind yourself: If they believe in me, I can believe in myself too.
You Deserve to Be Here
The real imposters are the people who fake expertise without putting in the effort. That’s not you. You’ve worked for this. You’ve earned your seat at the table.
Next time imposter syndrome creeps in, don’t ask yourself Am I good enough? Instead, ask What growth opportunity is this moment giving me? Then, step forward with confidence—even if you have to fake it for a little while.
Ready to Step Into Your Potential?
At Ellin Lolis Consulting, we help MBA applicants overcome self-doubt, craft powerful applications, and show up with confidence in their essays, interviews, and beyond.
Our All-In Services provide the expert guidance and support you need to tell your story with clarity and conviction.
Apply to Work With Us today, and let’s turn imposter syndrome into unstoppable confidence.
You belong at a top school. It’s time to believe it.
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
