“At some point, we’ll be found out”

Ever wake up from a dream where you suddenly realize you never passed that crucial exam—where your entire career turns out to be built on an illusion?

That unsettling feeling still catches me from time to time. And I’ve come to recognize it as a classic sign of imposter syndrome—that internal voice that whispers we’re not good enough, even in the face of our own accomplishments.

Many professionals, myself included, experience thoughts like:

• “Despite my promotions and achievements, I feel like a fraud.”

• “My success is probably just luck.”

• “One day they’ll find out I’m not really qualified.”

• “Praise feels strange—I tend to dismiss it.”

When this self-doubt creeps in, grounding myself in facts helps. I sometimes pull out old exam certificates—tangible proof that yes, I did pass, and yes, I do belong.

In my coaching work, we explore how to reframe these self-limiting narratives:

• What inner strength can help you shift from “I don’t belong” to “I’ve worked hard to be here”?

• What holds you back from accepting compliments at face value?

• How could conversations with mentors, peers, or coaches help normalize these feelings?

• Would it help to document achievements, feedback, and milestones to reflect on during low moments?

Imposter syndrome happens, but it doesn’t define our worth. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, remember: evidence speaks louder than fear. Be mindful of your value, own your story, and trust that who you are is enough.

How do you deal with moments of self-doubt?

Munch Museum Oslo visited 2018