Even after years of coaching other women through their own growth, I still get imposter syndrome. It tends to show up right when I’m about to stretch myself.
Two days ago, right before a Zoom call, that familiar knot showed up in my stomach. I’d just joined a business program with other seasoned coaches to stay relevant, keep learning, and keep growing. Although I was excited, I also felt waves of doubt. Who am I to have a seat at the table with these successful, experienced women?
Does that feeling sound familiar to you?
If you’ve ever felt that way — starting a new job, having a hard conversation, trying something you’ve never done before — you know the voice I’m talking about. It shows up right when you’re about to grow, and tries to convince you that you don’t belong.
Most women call it imposter syndrome. But here’s something that changed how I hear that voice: what if it’s not a syndrome at all? What if it’s simply AGO — Another Growth Opportunity?
Why You Feel Like an Imposter
That knot in your stomach isn’t proof you’re unqualified. Most of the time, it’s proof you’re doing something new. Growth almost always feels uncomfortable before it feels natural.
I’ve watched this play out with so many of the women I work with. A client takes on a leadership role she’s more than capable of and immediately starts wondering if they picked the wrong person. Another client finally sets a boundary with a family member and feels guilty, like she’s done something wrong instead of something brave. The discomfort isn’t a sign to stop. It’s a sign that something in you is expanding.
How to Move Through Imposter Syndrome
Before that first call, I could have let the doubt talk me out of showing up fully. Instead, I named what was actually happening: this is new, and new things feel unfamiliar at first. I reminded myself that I said yes to this program because I’m still committed to growing — and feeling nervous didn’t mean I wasn’t ready.
I showed up, and within the first twenty minutes, that self-doubt had started to quiet down…and was replaced by something better: the simple satisfaction of learning again.
Turning AGO Into a Practice
The next time the feeling of imposter syndrome shows up for you, try shifting the question. Instead of asking, “Am I really meant to be here?” or “Is it too late for me to start this?“ ask, “What is this growth opportunity here to teach me?”
A few questions worth sitting with:
- How might I show up differently if I knew I belonged here?
- Where in my life have I felt this feeling before — and grown through it?
- What’s one small, brave step I can take today, doubt and all?
You don’t have to wait until the fear disappears to move forward. You just have to be willing to take the next step.
If self-doubt shows up for you often, I encourage you to read Why Do I Second-Guess Myself?.
You’re Allowed to Be New at Something
Whatever your AGO looks like this week — setting a boundary, changing careers, learning to put yourself first — you don’t have to have it all figured out before you begin. None of us do. Even those of us whose job is helping other people grow are still doing our own growing too.
If you’re facing your own AGO right now, let’s talk about it. I’d love to invite you to a free breakthrough coaching call and talk through what your next step could look like.
CLICK HERE to schedule your free breakthrough coaching call with me today.