Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: 3 Steps to Build Confidence and Step Into Your Purpose

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in the position you’re in—as if you’re only one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud? That’s imposter syndrome, and it’s more common than we realize. At its core, imposter syndrome makes us believe that no matter what we accomplish, we aren’t truly worthy of recognition or success. It’s a deceptive feeling that often masquerades as humility but ultimately limits our ability to achieve our purpose. Overcoming imposter syndrome is critical to achieving success and living purposeful lives.

Imposter syndrome is rejection. Even Jesus, despite His divine character, faced rejection in His hometown:

The people who knew Him best were the very ones who denied His power and purpose—not because He lacked skill, proof, purpose, or authority, but because they couldn’t see past their own limited perspectives. In the same way, imposter syndrome tricks us into rejecting our own calling. But if Jesus didn’t let their doubt stop Him, why should we allow our own self-doubt to hold us back?

I’m a chief offender

I’ve had several bouts with imposter syndrome in recent years as if it’s a chronic disease. Like most creators, entrepreneurs, career professionals, and other purpose-driven people, I’ve doubted myself and my skills even after seeing success. Ryan Holiday says we are “never bored, never quiet, and never satisfied” in Stillness is the Key, which causes us to live unfulfilling lives. The “never quiet” and “never satisfied” portions of that philosophy cause us to chase people’s ever-changing expectations and fleeting desires instead of focusing on meeting their most profound needs. Our lack of focus and our respectable but misguided attempt to be humble lead to a recurring imposter syndrome whenever someone asks us to do something slightly outside our comfort zone.

For example, I’ve been blessed as a Marine, mentor, and writer. I’ve been blessed to serve in unique jobs, work with phenomenal people, sell thousands of books, win writing awards, publish in several magazines, and establish key partnerships extending my Parent-Child-Connect platform globally. Even still, every emerging offer or pitch for a significant partnership brings about a feeling of inadequacy. It feels like skinny dipping in shallow water, fearing the tide will roll back any second! That’s my tongue-in-cheek analogy, but I know I’m not the only one.

It’s time to commit to overcoming imposter syndrome and pursuing our purpose! We’ll do so by recognizing imposter syndrome and its impact, turning away from self-doubt, rejecting the lie that you’re unqualified, trusting that you have a purpose, and boldly pursuing it.

1. Acknowledge the Feeling and Identify the Root Cause

The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing when and why it happens.

It usually stems from:

• Comparison – Measuring ourselves against others and feeling like we don’t measure up.
• Past rejection – Internalizing negative words or experiences that make us feel unworthy.
• Fear of failure – Worrying that success is temporary and we’ll eventually be “found out”… Or that folks will catch us “skinny dipping.”
• Unrealistic expectations – Feeling like we must be perfect to be legitimate.

Even though Jesus encountered doubt from those around Him, He didn’t let their perception define Him. Instead, He kept moving forward, knowing His purpose.

Reflection Question:

• When do you feel like an imposter? What situations or people trigger those feelings?

Action Step:

• Write down a moment when you felt undeserving of your success. Then, challenge that thought with truth: What evidence do you have that proves you are capable? What are your past accomplishments?

2. Record the Acknowledgment and Develop an Action Plan

Once you’ve identified the root cause, the next step is to reject the lie of imposter syndrome and build a plan to move forward.

In my book Crow From the Shadow, I intentionally chose a crow as the main character. Why? Because crows aren’t typically seen as heroes—they’re ordinary, overlooked, and even misunderstood. But they are also brilliant, resourceful, and adaptable.

Like the crow, we don’t need outside validation to fulfill our purpose. We need to embrace who we are and take action.

Your Personal Action Plan:

1. Write an affirmation: Instead of saying, “I don’t belong here,” affirm, “I am here for a reason, and I am fully prepared to accomplish the mission.”
2. Identify one area where imposter syndrome holds you back and commit to taking one bold action.
3. Find a daily reminder—a Bible verse, a symbol (like a crow!), or a personal mantra that reinforces your confidence.

3. Execute the Plan and Prepare for the Marathon

Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process. Even after taking action, doubt will try to creep back in. But like Jesus, we keep moving forward.

Mark 6:5 says, “Because of their unbelief, He couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place His hands on a few sick people and heal them.” Their doubt limited what Jesus could do in their lives—just as imposter syndrome restricts us from achieving our purpose.

The good news is that Jesus kept teaching, healing, and living out His purpose despite their doubt.

So should we!

Long-Term Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome:

1. Track Your Wins: Keep a “confidence journal” to document daily victories—big or small. Remember the “mini-goals” I talked about in You CAN Make It Through These Dark Times! (PART 2)?
2. Surround Yourself with the Right People: Find a mentor, accountability partner, or supportive community.
3. Expect Resistance: Self-doubt will return, but refuse to retreat each time! Stick to your plan, affirm your worth, and keep pushing forward!

Final Thoughts: You Are Qualified to Overcome

I’ll never forget when an interviewer asked me, “What qualifies you?”

At that point, I had already published children’s books, spoken on numerous platforms, and received heartfelt messages from parents and educators about how my work had impacted their families. But in that instant, I hesitated.

What qualified me—a Marine, not a literary scholar—to write children’s books and advocate for literacy? Indeed, there were more experienced authors, educators, and speakers who could do this work better than I could.

That pause was imposter syndrome setting in.

But then I remembered the stories—the parents using my books to have difficult conversations, the children proudly showing my books to their teachers, and the young man who stood up in a Q&A session, asking me to help him write his own book. That’s when it hit me: I didn’t need credentials to make a difference. I was already making one.

And the same is true for you.

You may have read this and thought, “I’ll never truly shake imposter syndrome. I’ll never be confident enough to step into my purpose.” But don’t believe that lie.

You are qualified. Not because of a title, a degree, or an external validation—but because of your experiences, passion, and unique ability to reach people in ways no one else can.

Yes, others may have more knowledge, more accolades, or more technical expertise. But nobody has your story. Nobody else can inspire and lead the people waiting for you to show up.

Imposter syndrome is real, but it doesn’t have to define you. You’ve acknowledged it, developed a plan, and prepared for the long road ahead.

Now, it’s time to execute.

You’ve spent enough time questioning whether you belong. You do. You’ve studied, grown, and prepared. You’re ready! It’s time to step boldly into your purpose and lead well.

You’ve studied, grown, and prepared. You’re ready! It’s time to step boldly into your purpose and lead well. Why? Because the world is waiting for you.