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My Experience with Imposter Syndrome

Writer: Britt RitchieBritt Ritchie
4 days ago4 min read

Updated: 16 minutes ago

My Personal Journey Through Self-Doubt and the Psychology Behind It


Imposter Syndrome
Behind the polished resume and steady smile, the inner critic whispers: You’re not enough.

Imposter syndrome is the strange paradox where your achievements multiply, yet your confidence doesn't follow suit. It's not just a passing feeling of self-doubt; it’s a persistent internal belief that you’re a fraud, that your success is a fluke, and that it’s only a matter of time before someone finds you out. At its core, it is a profound psychological contradiction: despite overwhelming evidence of competence, the internal narrative remains fixed on inadequacy.


For me, this narrative started early. As someone with ADHD and dyscalculia, I struggled to grasp concepts quickly. I would reread the same passages multiple times, circle back on ideas others absorbed in minutes, and labor through studying while others seemed to breeze by. Math was particularly defeating—by high school, I had written it off completely, believing I simply wasn't wired to understand it. I internalized that as a truth about my intelligence.


My thoughts often felt foggy and scrambled, especially when anxiety kicked in. Speaking in class or meetings—particularly around people I saw as "superiors"—was terrifying. I feared I’d stumble, forget my words, or say something incoherent. So I stayed quiet. And somewhere along the way, I started believing that I had nothing valuable to contribute. Everyone else was smarter. More articulate. More deserving. I wasn’t just doubting myself—I was actively erasing myself.


And yet, paradoxically, I thrived. I earned scholarships. I landed every job I aimed for. I was selected for special projects, published articles, even contributed to a book. Colleagues praised my dedication and talents. Still, I’d find a reason to explain away the success: “They just needed someone.” “Someone put in a good word.” “It’s not that hard if you just work really hard.”


This, in a nutshell, is imposter syndrome. And it’s not just about feeling unsure—it’s about being unable to own your competence, no matter how loudly the world reflects it back to you.


Philosopher Stephen Gadsby describes this as a form of self-deception, where the brain actively filters evidence to maintain a belief in inadequacy. A single criticism sticks like glue, while accolades slide right off. This isn’t accidental. For some, like me, this belief has motivational benefits: it pushes us to over-prepare, overwork, and outperform. But over time, it takes a toll.


Imposter syndrome shows up with three primary features: emotional (fear of being found out), cognitive (belief in inadequacy), and behavioral (distorted evidence processing). It often overlaps with maladaptive perfectionism—a relentless internal demand to be flawless, paired with the inability to feel “good enough.” As Sheveleva et al. (2023) note, low self-esteem is the key bridge between perfectionism and imposterism. The higher your standards, and the lower your sense of self, the harder it becomes to feel secure.


Now that I understand this, I’ve worked hard to shift my internal narrative. Here are six evidence-based strategies I’ve used—and that research supports—for overcoming imposter syndrome (Psychology Today, 2023):


  • Normalize it. Realizing that imposter syndrome is incredibly common—especially among high achievers—helps reduce shame. You're not broken; you're human. Just naming it can reduce its power.


  • Name your strengths. I started listing the things I excel at—things others have consistently reflected back to me—and keeping them visible. These aren’t bragging rights; they’re reminders of reality when my brain goes rogue.


  • Rewrite the narrative. I consciously challenge thoughts like “I only got this opportunity because someone put in a good word” and replace them with “They saw something valuable in me—and I’ve shown up and delivered.”


  • Track your wins. I keep a “wins folder” in my inbox and a journal of accomplishments, big or small. This practice has helped me ground myself in tangible evidence when my inner critic acts up.


  • Accept praise—don’t deflect it. Instead of brushing off compliments, I’ve practiced saying “Thank you” and sitting with the discomfort. It feels awkward at first, but over time, it becomes a new kind of normal.


  • Mentor others. Supporting others has been one of the most healing parts of this process. When I share my experience openly, I see how common these feelings are—and how deeply they don’t match reality.


Healing imposter syndrome doesn’t require erasing every self-doubt. For me, it’s been about making peace with the voice that says “you’re not enough”—without giving it the steering wheel. As Gadsby’s analysis shows, imposter syndrome might have short-term benefits, but in the long run, it diminishes your joy and distorts your sense of self.


So I’ve committed to honoring my growth, trusting my voice, and giving myself credit—even when my inner critic tries to take the mic.




Which imposter type resonates most with you? Select one that best describes your experience:

  • The Perfectionist – “If it’s not perfect, it’s a failure.”

  • The Superwoman – “I must excel in everything.”

  • The Expert – “I never know enough to be qualified.”

  • The Natural Genius – “If it takes effort, I must be doing it


Want to feel less alone?

Drop a comment sharing which one you chose—and how it shows up in your daily life.

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