Years ago, when I first stepped into the world of entrepreneurship in personal training and coaching in my mid 20’s, I had all of the qualifications I needed. I’d earned a four-year degree in exercise science with an emphasis in corporate fitness and wellness, I had a nationally recognized personal training certification and nearly a decade of experience in the fitness and wellness field… yet, despite all of that, I still felt like an imposter.
It wasn’t that I doubted my knowledge. I knew how to create effective workout plans and help others achieve their wellness goals and had been doing it for years. But when I chose to step out on my own and work for myself, a negative voice inside my head kept saying….
“Who do you think you are?”
I felt like I was pretending to be someone I wasn’t, and that at any moment, someone would figure it out. This is a feeling many women experience, whether they’re stepping into a new career, a leadership role, or even a new phase of life.
For me, imposter syndrome wasn’t about having occasional doubts; it was a frequent feeling that influenced how I approached my work and my professional decisions. I found myself over preparing, second-guessing my advice, and hesitating to share my thoughts. I avoided putting myself in certain situations and I sought validation from my colleagues to reassure me that I was worthy of being an entrepreneur.
Sound familiar?
Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of age, career stage, or background. You may have the degrees, certifications, and experience, yet still feel like you’re not qualified. It’s something that so many women struggle with—whether you’re just starting out, transitioning to something new, or even when you’re well-established in your field. That inner critic can be incredibly loud, causing you to question your abilities and feel like you’re one step away from being exposed as a fraud.
So, how did I work through it?
The first step I took was to acknowledge how I was feeling. Once I was honest with myself about my feelings, I realized I wasn’t alone. I talked to other trainers and coaches, even those who had been in the industry for much longer than I had, and to my surprise, many of them admitted they’d felt the same way at some point in their careers.
Knowing that I wasn’t the only one who struggled with these feelings was a huge relief.
I also made a conscious effort to separate my feelings from the facts. Yes, I felt like an imposter, but the fact was that I had the credentials and the knowledge. I had done the work to get to where I was, and my clients were seeing results. I kept reminding myself that just because I felt inadequate didn’t mean I actually was.
Over time, I developed strategies to help manage my imposter syndrome.
What helped me the most was keeping a record of my accomplishments, no matter how small they seemed at the time. Each time I received positive feedback, helped a client reach their goal or learned something new, I wrote it down. Looking back on these wins helped me to quiet that inner critic. I also learned to be kind to myself, reminding myself that I didn’t need to be perfect to be successful.
Even now, imposter syndrome can pop up, especially when I’m trying something new.
Whether it’s launching a new coaching program or stepping into a role that challenges me, I sometimes still hear that little voice questioning if I’m really “good enough”. But the difference now is that I recognize those thoughts for what they are: just thoughts. I’m now able to identify the early signs of imposter syndrome, and I have the tools necessary to help calm my nerves and move forward with confidence.
If you have ever struggled with imposter syndrome, please know that it’s normal and that you’re not alone. It doesn’t mean you’re incapable—it’s simply part of the growth process and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.
While it might not completely disappear, you can learn how to acknowledge when it is happening and manage your thoughts without letting them control you. Oftentimes, it’s simply about giving yourself permission to believe in your own abilities.
If you are struggling with imposter syndrome and need some help CLICK HERE and schedule your FREE Breakthrough Coaching Call with Lori today!
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