“What If I’m Not Good Enough?” – The Inner Voice Holding You Back

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The other day, I was on a coaching call with a successful business owner. Their company is thriving, they appear confident, their team looks up to them and from the outside, they have it all figured out.

But then they said something. (I knew it was going to be serious because they used my Sunday name.) “Christine, I feel like I’m making it up as I go along. One day, someone’s going to realise I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.”

I get it. Because I’ve been there too .......and still am there in all honesty.

And I hear this all the time from senior leaders and business owners. They’re driven, accomplished, and outwardly confident, and on the inside, they’re questioning what people think of them, how they got there and whether they truly belong at "the table".

Does this sound familiar to you?

Meet Your Inner Critic – The Voice That Won’t Let You Rest

That little voice in your head that whispers: ?? “You’re not good enough.” ?? “You’re not experienced enough.” ?? “One day, they’ll find out you’re not as good as they think.”

That’s your inner critic and it’s the mastermind behind imposter syndrome.

What if I told you that your inner critic doesn't have to be the enemy?

Why Your Inner Critic Exists (And Why It’s Not All Bad)

Your inner critic isn’t just there to make life difficult, it actually has a purpose. It’s trying to keep you safe. It is a learned behaviour which developed as you were growing up to serve a particular function in your life.

• It’s a survival mechanism – constantly scanning for threats and triggering old emotions when something feels similar to past struggles.
• It helps spot potential risks – making sure you’re aware of challenges in your environment.
• It pushes you to grow – highlighting areas for improvement and driving you to succeed.
• It can also hold you back – when it becomes too critical, it chips away at confidence and emotional well-being.

So, in lots of ways, it has probably helped you. It’s driven you to prepare, to improve, to stay humble and supported your journey to where you are now.

But here’s where it becomes harmful: When it stops you from stepping forward.

• When it convinces you that you’re only where you are because of luck.
• When it makes you overwork to prove your worth.
• When it keeps you small, quiet when you should be speaking up or not taking action when you could be stepping forward.

That’s when it stops being helpful and starts holding you back.

The key is knowing when to listen to it and when to push past it.

The Link Between Imposter Syndrome and Confidence

Many people think confidence is the opposite of imposter syndrome. That confident people never doubt themselves. That they don’t hear the inner critic at all.

But here’s the truth: Confident people still hear that voice. They just don’t let it control them.

Confidence isn’t about never feeling doubt. It’s about knowing that doubt is just a thought, not a fact. It’s about trusting yourself to figure it out, even when you don’t have all the answers.

So, how do you stop your inner critic from running your "show"?

5 Ways to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Build Real Confidence

1?? Name It for What It Is

Your inner critic thrives in secrecy. The more you listen without questioning it, the stronger it gets.

Next time it tells you, “You’re not good enough,” pause and ask:

?? How objective am I being here? ?? Is this an actual fact or just a feeling? ?? Would I say this to someone I coach or mentor? ?? What would I say to a friend who felt this way?

??How does it sound when I say that thought out loud? (say it out loud)

When we challenge those thoughts, we start to see them for what they are, just thoughts, not truths. Not Reality.

Saying things out loud also takes their power away and we can then hear how cruel, untruthful or downright ridiculous they sound.

2?? Reframe the Narrative

Instead of: ?? “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Try: ? “I am learning and figuring things out, just like everyone else.”

Instead of: ?? “I don’t deserve to be here.” Try: ? “I am here because of my skills, experience, and the value I bring.”

This shift changes everything.

3?? Balance Self-Doubt with Self-Trust

Your inner critic will always look for what’s missing. Will always be judging. What you don’t know. What you’re not.

To counter that, start keeping a ‘Proof Folder.’

?? Save positive feedback from clients or colleagues. ?? Write down moments when you stepped up. ?? Remind yourself of what you have accomplished. ??Reread testimonials.

Confidence isn’t built in a day, it’s built by recognising your progress.

4?? Change How You Respond to That Voice

You don’t have to fight your inner critic. You just have to stop letting it take control.

Next time it says: “You’re not ready,” you could respond with: ?? “Thank you. I hear you. But I’m doing it anyway.”

Instead of waiting for that voice to disappear, take action despite it.

5?? Act with Courage (Not Confidence)

Confidence doesn’t come before action, it comes after it.

That means waiting until you “feel ready” will keep you stuck.

Instead, focus on acting with courage: ?? Speak up in that meeting, even if your voice shakes. ?? Say yes to the opportunity, even if you’re unsure. ?? Share your perspective, even if you doubt it’s ‘perfect.’

Because the more you act with courage, the more your brain learns: I CAN do this.

6?? Give Your Inner Critic a Name (Like ‘Debbie Downer’)

This might sound silly, but it really works.

By naming your inner critic, you separate it from you. You stop letting it define you and start recognising it as just an annoying, overprotective backseat driver.

For example: ?? “Oh great, Debbie Downer is back, telling me I’m not ready.” ?? “Thanks, Negative Nigel, I’ve actually got this.” ?? “Appreciate the input, Cautious Chris, but I’m moving forward anyway.”

This little trick makes it easier to laugh at the voice instead of believing it.

And over time? That voice gets quieter. Because you stop giving it power.

Coaching Questions for your Self-Reflection

Here are four powerful self-reflection questions to help you challenge imposter syndrome and build confidence:

1. How is my inner critic impacting me? What am I saying to myself that is not helpful?
2. What evidence do I have that I am capable and deserving of my success? (List specific achievements, feedback, or experiences that prove your abilities.)
3. If my best friend or a colleague had these same doubts, what would I say to them? (How can you apply that same kindness and perspective to yourself?)
4. What would I do differently if I fully trusted my abilities and stopped waiting to feel "ready"? (What actions can you take now, even in the presence of self-doubt?)

These questions will help you reframe your thinking and take action with confidence!

If this resonates, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment or send me a DM because this is a conversation worth having.

And if you’re looking for a space to grow alongside other leaders who get it, let’s talk. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

?? You are good enough. You always were. ??

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I'm Chrissie and I talk about Leadership Coaching and Development and Organisational Behavioural Analytics. I empower high achieving results driven business owners and leaders to create great employee experiences, realise their potential and grow their business?results

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