Breaking Free from Imposter Syndrome: Brain Hacks to Boost Confidence

Have you ever felt like you’re just waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, you don’t have what it takes to be in this role!” ?

Despite everything you’ve accomplished, that little voice between your ears might still whisper, “You’re not good enough,” or “Sooner or later, everyone’s going to figure out you don’t really know what you’re doing.”

I’m waving my hand wildly in the air right now.

Welcome to imposter syndrome — a feeling many of us know all too well. But here’s the thing: those thoughts are just stories your brain is telling you, and with a little insight and a few brain hacks, you can start to rewrite them.

Why Imposter Syndrome Happens: Blame It on the Brain

Imposter syndrome isn’t about lacking skills or qualifications; it’s all in how your brain reacts to stepping outside of your comfort zone. Your brain is hardwired to protect you, and sometimes that means sounding an alarm when you try something new or take on a challenge like a new leadership position or starting a new business.

This is where your amygdala — what I like to call the brain’s alarm — comes into play. It senses uncertainty and says, “Hey, are you sure you can do…