Why Imposter Syndrome Is Actually a Good Thing (But Here’s Why You Can’t Let It Hold You Back)

Imposter syndrome can be a sign of humility—it shows that you’re still open to learning and that you recognize the greatness in others. But it can also hold you back by undermining your confidence and keeping you from fully achieving your potential.

While staying humble is important, you can’t let fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome prevent your success.

I recently started a Masters Degree at #NYU. I am honored to be the inaugural member of NYU SPS's groundbreaking Professional Pathways program! This initiative opens doors for executive professionals who have gained significant leadership experience but lack a completed bachelor's degree, allowing these professionals to leapfrog directly into the MS in Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting program. Spearheaded and piloted by the Human Capital Management (HCM) Department. I was accepted into the program based on my professional experience rather than my educational experience, as I do not hold a graduate degree.?

It’s a big honor and one I do not take for granted. Our semester started with a week-long immersion class, during which I met my peers and completed our first group assignment. It was incredible!

Two weeks in, I’ve realized that I have had difficulty shaking my imposter syndrome. It started on day one when I met my colleagues (who are exceptional individuals and leaders, some of them holding two to three master's degrees and incredible backgrounds) and continued as I worked my way through class discussions and interactions with teachers.?

It then hit me that I had not been allowing myself to enjoy this experience fully, and my self-imposed expectations and self-doubt were getting in the way of being fully present.?

It took some time to become self-aware of what was coming up for me, and it prevented me from feeling like I belonged. The negative mental chatter about not being educated enough or not being capable of doing academic work kept replaying in my head.

By the way, coaches are humans, too! And we, too, need coaching. Thankfully, all it takes is to become aware of your thoughts and feelings and realize you must pull yourself out of the negative and into the positive, more empowering thoughts.

One tool that helps me overcome these types of challenges personally is telling my story and sharing my own struggles with you.

Today, I am embracing the fact that I’m a student on this journey and a lifelong learner. I am committed to showing up fully and enjoying this incredible journey.

I also realize there is a reason I’m here; I belong.

Why am I telling you this story??

Because my story might resonate with you, you might experience imposter syndrome at some point, too!

And I’m here to tell you that imposter syndrome does not serve you. You are more powerful than you think you are, and you belong!?

And just in case you need some tools to shake it off, here are five key steps to help you overcome it:

1. Acknowledge Your Wins: Reflect on your accomplishments and recognize how far you’ve come. Celebrate your successes, big or small, to remind yourself of your capabilities.

2. Reframe Your Thinking: Shift your mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “I’m learning and growing.” Embrace that nobody has all the answers, and focus on progress, not perfection.

3. Own Your Expertise: Your unique talents and experiences add value to every situation. Trust in your abilities and recognize that your perspective is valuable, even if it’s different from others.

4. Surround Yourself with Support: Lean on your network of mentors, coaches, friends, and colleagues who can remind you of your strengths and help you build confidence. Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation, and the community can help you combat it.

5. Take Action: Confidence comes from doing. The more you step into new challenges, the more you’ll prove to yourself that you can handle them. Start small, and build your confidence one step at a time.

Remember, imposter syndrome can remind you of humility—but don’t let it hold you back from embracing your gifts and creating the success you deserve. You are ready for this!

#executivecoach #personaldevelopment #highachievers #executivecoaching

Gina Martin is an Executive Leadership Coach, Entrepreneur, Mother, and Breast Cancer survivor. Gina's Self-Leadership journey started when she became a single mother and immigrated to the US before turning 18.

As an entrepreneur, she built two direct sales businesses where she drove record personal and team sales and received national recognition and multiple awards.

Her passion for sales, love for people, and personal development led her to start her Retail Leadership career, where she trained, promoted, and impacted hundreds of individuals over a twenty-year career. She has led cross-functional teams of up to 600 people for prestigious brands such as Victoria's Secret, GUESS, Inc., and Gap. She is the founder of Gina Martin Coaching.

Her mission as an Executive Coach is to help her clients unleash their leadership potential, unlock what's keeping them from achieving the success they desire, and inspire them to take massive action toward creating the lifestyle they've always dreamed of and deserve.