“I’m Not Good Enough”: Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Pamela Varas
- May 1
- 3 min read
Have you ever walked into a meeting, received praise, or achieved a goal, only to feel like you don't deserve the praise? Maybe you quietly wondered, “How did I get here? Do they realise I’m just winging it?” You’re not alone. That creeping fear of being “found out” is known as impostor syndrome, and it affects people from all walks of life, even those who seem the most confident.
From high-achieving professionals to students and creatives, impostor syndrome doesn’t discriminate. In fact, research shows that around 70% of people will experience impostor feelings at some point in their lives. In Australia, a recent study revealed that 90% of female employees and 80% of male employees have experienced impostor syndrome, highlighting its widespread impact across genders and professions.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud”—despite evidence of their success. It’s that inner critic whispering, “You’re not really that good,” even when everyone else sees your talent, effort, and worth.
It often shows up as:
Downplaying achievements: “I just got lucky.”
Perfectionism: setting impossibly high standards.
Fear of failure: avoiding new opportunities to stay ‘safe.’
Overworking to ‘prove’ oneself.
Sound familiar?
Where Does It Come From?
There’s no single cause, but impostor syndrome often stems from early family dynamics, societal pressures, and internalised beliefs. High expectations, comparisons, or growing up in an environment that praises achievement over effort can all play a role.
In today’s fast-paced, high-performance culture—especially in Australia, where tall poppy syndrome can sneak in—many people feel pressure to appear capable at all times. But beneath that polished surface, there’s often a quiet struggle with self-doubt.
As Australian tech entrepreneur Mike Cannon-Brookes shared in his TEDxSydney talk:
“For me, impostor syndrome is a feeling of being well, well out of your depth, yet already entrenched in the situation. Internally, you know you don’t have the skills, yet you’re there anyway.”
Is It Holding You Back?
Take a moment to reflect:
Do you brush off compliments or feel uncomfortable accepting praise?
Are you constantly afraid of making a mistake?
Do you feel like you have to work twice as hard just to be “good enough”?
These patterns can impact your confidence, relationships, and mental health over time. But the good news? Imposter syndrome isn’t a fixed identity—it’s a mindset. And mindsets can change.
You Are Not Alone—And You Can Shift This
Here are a few empowering ways to work through impostor syndrome:
1. Talk About It Shame thrives in silence. Speaking with a counsellor or trusted friend can bring relief and clarity. Often, just voicing the thoughts aloud helps defuse their power.
2. Track Your Achievements Keep a “win journal” where you write down compliments, achievements, and moments of pride. When self-doubt creeps in, flip through it as a reminder of how far you’ve come.
3. Reframe the Narrative Instead of thinking, “I don’t belong here,” try: “I’m learning and growing—just like everyone else.” Confidence isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about trusting your ability to figure things out.
4. Challenge Perfectionism Progress over perfection. Allow room for mistakes, learning, and self-compassion. Ask yourself: Would I speak to a friend the way I speak to myself?
5. Seek Support from a Qualified Counsellor Working with a professional can help you uncover the root of these beliefs and build healthier, more empowering thought patterns. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
A Kinder Way Forward
You don’t need to earn your worth by doing more or proving yourself. You are already worthy of success, love, connection, and ease. Imposter syndrome may still visit from time to time, but it doesn’t have to drive the bus.
Imagine what life could feel like if you stopped doubting yourself and started embracing your strengths. What would you do if you believed deeply that you are enough?
Ready to Rebuild Your Confidence?
If impostor syndrome is holding you back, Rebuild Counselling is here to help. Pam offers a warm, personalised, and trauma-informed counselling space where you can unpack limiting beliefs and reconnect with your true self.
Let’s rewrite the story you tell yourself—together.
You deserve to feel confident, capable, and at home in who you are.
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