What to do when your inner critic gets too loud and you feel like an imposter
Let’s talk about that exact moment when your confidence takes a nosedive. You know the one, when you're mid-filming, mid-performance, or mid-scroll through social media, and suddenly, self-doubt creeps in and slowly starts to destroy your sense of self.
Confidence isn't a constant, it's a practice, even for experienced professionals in the spotlight. It's okay to have moments of uncertainty and it’s only human, but what's important is how you respond to them before they start to have a much deeper impact on your mental health.
Could you be dealing with Imposter Syndrome?
Confidence isn't about never feeling insecure; it's about managing those feelings when they arise. Even the most successful individuals experience self-doubt. The key is not to let it derail you. I've worked with clients who, despite their achievements, feel like impostors, It's a common experience, and acknowledging Imposter Syndrome is the first step towards overcoming it.
Imposter syndrome is that sneaky inner voice whispering, "You're not good enough," even when your achievements say otherwise. It's the persistent feeling of being a fraud, attributing success to luck rather than skill. This phenomenon affects many celebrities, performers and high-achievers, leading to bouts of crippling anxiety and high self-doubt.
Yet, imposter syndrome isn't a sign of inadequacy; it's a sign you're pushing boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone. Understand that experiencing self-doubt doesn't make you an imposter. It's a natural response to new challenges, situations or even people you are working with, all of which can make you start to overthink your own life and abilities. So, when the feeling comes into your mind, you need to ask yourself, are these feelings I’m having based on facts or fear?
Give yourself a break and tap into some self-compassion
When that inner critic starts yapping away, pause and ask yourself: “Would I say this to someone I care about?” If the answer is no, then why are you saying it to yourself?
Negative self-talk can be a sneaky saboteur, undermining your confidence and well-being.
Recognizing and challenging these thoughts is a crucial step toward fostering self-compassion and resilience. Remember, being kind to yourself isn't a luxury, t's a necessity in today’s world where everything feels a bit competitive and overwhelming at times. We always thing somebody else is living their best life, especially when we’re going through a difficult time, Any comparison is one of the trickiest things to deal with when you don’t think in the moment that you are also living your best life!
Social media is the platform to show and compare and we’re all guilty of an occasional bit of comparison-scrolling, even though sense tells us it’s a fake world and not a real one. But our brains love to convince us otherwise and before you know it you’re suddenly questioning your own life and making false judgements skewed by you inner ‘imposter’. This is the time to shift your mindset, be kind to yourself and get a reality check!
Try asking yourself, “Am I holding myself to a ridiculous standard I’d never expect from anyone else?” If you’re aiming for perfection, no wonder you feel like you’re falling short. You’re human, not a hologram. “Who gave me the idea I wasn’t allowed to be this successful and why am I still listening to them?” Time to evict those old voices taking up your mental space. “If I believed I did deserve this... how would I show up for myself today?” Try it on. Confidence isn’t about being certain—it’s about acting like you’re allowed to show up as your authentic self.
Five Tips for softening the Imposter Syndrome blow when it strikes
We’ve all had those moments where we’re smiling on the outside but silently screaming “I have no idea what I’m doing.” That’s imposter syndrome doing its thing. Showing up uninvited just when you’re about to do something brave. The good news? You don’t have to let it run the show. Here’s how to soften the blow, steady your mind, and get back in the driver’s seat.
1. I always tell my clients: keep a ‘proof of awesome’ folder. Whether it’s a glowing email from a colleague, a kind comment from a fan, or just a moment where you nailed it -save it. When your inner critic gets loud, pull out that folder and remind yourself of the facts. You’ve done great things. You’re not a fraud; you’re a human doing your best. Let your own history remind you of your worth.
2. Replace negative thoughts with affirming ones. Instead of thinking, "I don't deserve this success, tell yourself, "I have earned my achievements through hard work and dedication." Consistent positive self-talk can gradually shift your mindset when you shift the conversation in your head.
3. Stop comparing yourself to others who will be doing the same
It’s not a fair fight when you’re comparing your unfiltered chaos to someone else’s perfectly curated feed. You’re not behind or boring or less successful, you’re just seeing their highlight reel, airbrushed with PR and filters. This is a negativity black hole. “If scrolling leaves you feeling like crap, it’s not ‘inspiration’ it’s self-sabotage with a pretty caption.
Unfollow, mute, or mentally log out of anyone who makes you question your worth. Your energy is too valuable to waste on illusions. Stay in your lane, your pace and your damn own story.
4. Visualise what success looks like for you in any challenging situation
One of the fastest ways to shut imposter syndrome up, at least temporarily, is to show your brain what success looks like before you even walk in a room, hit the stage or start filming.
Visualisation isn’t just woo-woo nonsense; it’s neuroscience. When you picture yourself handling that production company meeting, nailing that stage performance, or speaking on a podcast with calm confidence, your brain starts to believe it’s possible.
It’s like giving your nervous system a dress rehearsal, so when the moment comes, you’re not flooded with fear, you’re grounded in familiarity.
The truth is, most people battling imposter syndrome are already visualising something, just in the wrong direction. You imagine fumbling, freezing, forgetting your words… and surprise, your body follows suit. If your mind’s going to make up stories, at least make them useful. Start rehearsing success instead of failure. It’s not arrogance, it’s mental preparation. Give your confidence something solid to stand on.
5. If you’ve got imposter syndrome on speed dial, chances are you’re terrible at taking compliments.
Someone says, “You were brilliant,” and you’re already batting it away with, “Oh, it was nothing,” or “I just got lucky.” Sound familiar? Stop. That knee-jerk deflection is feeding the exact belief that you don’t belong. If someone hands you a gift, you wouldn’t throw it back in their face—so why do it with praise? Just say “thank you.” Full stop. No disclaimers, no awkward self-deprecation. Nothing else needed.
The truth is, accepting compliments doesn’t make you arrogant - it makes you honest and grateful. Your brain needs evidence to challenge those “I’m not good enough” thoughts, and praise is part of that evidence. Every time you allow a compliment to land, you reinforce the reality that you’re not an imposter. You’re just a human who’s been doing the work and finally getting seen for it. So next time someone reflects your greatness back to you? Let it in. You earned it!
By implementing these simple strategies, you can shift your perspective, diminish self-doubt, and build a more confident self-image that you start to believe.
If you're struggling with Imposter Syndrome or confidence issues and need support, consider reaching out to a professional who can guide you through the process and who understands your world. Claire Evans offers one-on-one sessions to help you build resilience and regain your self-assurance, as well as a six week programme - RISE - to help you build more resilience and confidence. Check out the RISE Programme, or contact Claire today by completing the short form below, for a confidential informal chat.
Do it right now, if you are struggling today - I’m here to help you feel better.
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