Impeding your Imposter
Imposter Syndrome: A Clear Definition and What To Do Next
Many high-achieving women know the feeling well. You are capable, the evidence is there, yet a small voice insists you are about to be found out. Understanding a precise imposter syndrome definition is the first step to taming it.
In this video, Karen Brinkley from Women Leading Women Australia shares a practical definition, why these feelings are so common, and what to try when they show up.
What is imposter syndrome?
A helpful definition: persistent self-doubt about your abilities or achievements, paired with a fear of being exposed as a fraud, even when there is clear evidence of success. If that resonates, you are not alone.
Why it appears, especially for women
Imposter feelings often increase during times of change or visibility, such as a new role, a promotion, or a high-stakes project. Social conditioning can add pressure to be modest, to over-deliver, or to avoid risk, which quietly trains the brain to expect perfection and to distrust normal learning curves.
Five common patterns to recognise
- The Perfectionist: one small flaw feels like failure.
- The Expert: believes she must know everything before she speaks or leads.
- The Soloist: thinks needing help means she is not competent.
- The Natural Genius: expects progress to be easy and fast, doubts herself when it is not.
- The Superwoman: tries to excel in every role at once, and feels inadequate if any plate wobbles.
How to start taming it
Begin by naming what is happening. Ask, what rule am I holding myself to right now? Then rewrite the rule in realistic language. For example, replace “I must know everything before I present” with “I will prepare well, share what I know, and note what needs follow-up”. Ask a trusted colleague or coach to reality-check your thinking and accept their feedback at face value.
Try this simple reset
Next time the voice pipes up, pause and ask, am I sure? Separate facts from feelings. List two pieces of evidence for your capability today, then choose one next action. Small steps rebuild trust in yourself.
You do not need to silence self-doubt forever. You just need a way to meet it when it arrives. The video above walks you through the definition and the first moves to take back your confidence.
