Why Smart, Successful People Secretly Feel Like Frauds
- The Open Mind Institute
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Ever landed a great role, aced a presentation, or received a glowing review, only to feel like you didn’t deserve it?
You’re not alone.
More clients than ever are walking into our mindset and performance coaching sessions, whispering the same words:
“I just feel like a fraud.”
This feeling? It has a name. Imposter syndrome.
Despite external success, internally, you might feel like you’re just winging it and that, one day, people will “find out” you’re not as competent as you seem. Mhmm?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Imposter Syndrome (And Who Gets It)?
Imposter syndrome is that sneaky belief that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, timing, or charm—not actual skill. While it’s often associated with perfectionists or high achievers, the truth is anyone can feel this way—especially during transitions, promotions, or when entering a new environment.
And here’s the kicker: it tends to show up right after you grow. Just got promoted? Changed careers? Started your own business? Yep, that’s prime time for the imposter voice to creep in.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing Imposter Syndrome:
You downplay compliments or deflect praise
You attribute success to timing or external factors
You overwork to “make up” for feeling under-qualified
You procrastinate, fearing you won’t meet expectations
You feel like you're wearing a mask, especially in meetings or leadership roles
4 Uncommon but Powerful Ways to Tackle Imposter Syndrome
We all know the basics: talk to someone, challenge your thoughts, keep a “wins” journal. But let’s go a bit deeper. Here are some specific and lesser-shared strategies that have worked for our coaching clients:
1. Name and Externalise Your Inner Critic
Literally. Give it a name, a character, even a voice. One client calls hers “Doubtful Debby”, and imagining her as a cartoonish voice in the backseat helps reduce its power.
By turning your inner critic into a separate character, you gain psychological distance and control. You can challenge it, laugh at it, or kindly tell it to sit down.
2. Flip the Focus: From Self to Service
Imposter syndrome thrives on self-focus. Try flipping the narrative from “Am I good enough?” to “How can I be of value right now?”
Focusing on impact rather than identity reduces the pressure to be perfect and boosts confidence through contribution. (Bonus: it often leads to better performance, too.)
3. Use Micro-Evidence to Build Macro-Confidence
Forget waiting for big wins. Start collecting micro-evidence of your capability — things like positive feedback, successful conversations, or mini accomplishments throughout your week.
Keep them in a ‘confidence bank’—a folder, photo album, or voice memo you can revisit when doubt creeps in. Momentum is built from moments, not milestones.
4. Track Your Inner Language Like a Researcher
Instead of judging yourself for feeling like an imposter, get curious. Try tracking the patterns of when and why those feelings show up — is it during group calls? After praise? When working with certain colleagues?
Treat it like data. You’ll start to spot emotional triggers and outdated beliefs that coaching or mindset work can begin to shift.
You Don’t Have to “Fix” Yourself
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re broken. It often means you’re growing, stretching, and evolving.
But growth doesn’t have to be lonely.
That’s where coaching comes in.
At The Open Mind Institute, we help high-performing professionals rewire the mindset behind the imposter feelings—so they can lead, speak up, and perform with real confidence (not the fake-it-till-you-make-it kind).
Whether you’re based in Brisbane, Sydney, or somewhere in between, our life coaching and executive coaching programs are built to help you transform imposter feelings into genuine confidence, so your success finally feels like it fits.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
Xin Yi Ng (Michelle)
Research & Development Lead
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