5 Mindset Shifts to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Launch Your Big Idea

My Honest Battle With Imposter Syndrome

I've launched lots of new things into the world: a magazine, podcasts, events, online courses, businesses, a book. Even with all this experience, I still deal with imposter syndrome. 

The Inner Dialogue Before Launching

The fears swirled:

• What if people hate it?

• Am I really qualified to do this?

• Is it good enough—am I doing enough?

It’s exhausting and paralyzing. So how do you tell imposter syndrome to get lost?

5 Thoughts That Helped Me Push Through Self-Doubt

1. If it helps one person, it was worth it.

Impact isn’t measured by mass appeal. Even helping one person can be a win.

2. You will definitely fail if you don’t try.

The bigger risk is staying stuck. Launching, even imperfectly, moves you forward.

3. Failure is just learning in disguise.

If it doesn’t go as planned, you’ll gain valuable experience for the next thing.

4. Following your heart has never led you astray.

Ignoring your inner voice feels like betrayal. Trust yourself to take the next step.

5. Life is short. Go for it.

We’re not here forever. Love hard, fail fast, and use your gifts for a cause you believe in.

I call this my "koala-bearing" strategy—I hold on to these thoughts tightly and let them carry me through the fear.

My Final Advice: Go for It Anyway

If you’re holding back because of fear or imposter syndrome, know that you’re not alone. The discomfort is real, but you can do hard things.

Take action despite the fear. That’s where growth happens.

Key Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome is common, especially for women leaders and entrepreneurs.

• Fear of failure often prevents people from launching their dreams.

• Mindset shifts and inner trust can help you push through self-doubt.

• Launching imperfectly is better than staying stuck.