Ever feel like you don’t deserve the success you’ve achieved like you’re just pretending to be good at what you do? That’s called imposter syndrome, and it happens to a lot of people—even to top leaders and successful people. No matter how much they’ve done or how good they are, they sometimes feel like they aren’t "good enough." But what’s interesting is that this feeling can actually help people grow and become stronger, even though it’s hard to go through. And while not many talk about it, lots of people have felt this way!

When I started Elixr Labs, a healthcare project to help connect the city and village health services, I felt both excited and nervous. I loved the idea of doing something meaningful, but soon, I began to doubt myself. Could I really lead a team and make a big difference? Would I be able to keep up with all the changes in health technology? The “imposter” in me was loud, always pointing out mistakes and making me question if I was good enough.

But here’s the surprise: those feelings of not being good enough didn’t stop me. They actually pushed me to work harder. Instead of letting self-doubt freeze me, I used it to give me strength. I turned that “imposter” feeling from something that held me back into something that helped me move forward. Here’s what I did—and you can try it too!

Acknowledge and Normalize Your Doubts

Sometimes you might feel like you don’t belong here or that you are not good enough to be here. In my opinion, self-doubt isn’t a bad thing at all–it means you’re ready to challenge yourself and eager to grow. This feeling often comes when you step out of your comfort zone. Keep going—growth always feels hard at first. Trust the process and believe in your ability to improve!

Even famous leaders—the ones we admire—have felt imposter syndrome too. Big CEOs, smart thinkers, and inventors also had moments when they doubted themselves and weren’t sure of their path. Knowing this can help you see that imposter syndrome is something many people go through, not just you.

Turn Your Self Doubt into a Learning Opportunity

What my experience has taught me is that every challenge is a chance to grow and be a better version of yourself. When something comes my way, I consider it as a sign to learn and improve, instead of considering it as an obstacle. There will be times when I too feel unsure, so I take it as an opportunity to learn more, ask for advice, and understand the health tech industry better. Every setback helped me improve, and every success reminded me that I was strong.

Using imposter syndrome to motivate yourself to learn can be very powerful. When we face our fears with curiosity instead of fear, we open the door to learning. Gaining new knowledge, improving our skills, and asking experts for help can turn self-doubt into something positive.

Focus on Your Unique Perspective

When you feel like you don’t fit in, it can be tempting to copy what others do to succeed. But remember, your own ideas are valuable! When I felt unsure, I reminded myself that my vision for Elixr Labs came from my own experiences. Embracing what makes you unique can turn imposter syndrome into a reminder that your ideas are worth sharing.

Each of us has our own special experiences, strengths, and ideas. Instead of comparing yourself to others or copying their journey, focus on what makes your path unique. The projects and ideas you share reflect your own perspective, which can bring something valuable that no one else can.

Reframe Setbacks as Growth Opportunities

In any job, setbacks happen. Imposter syndrome makes us question ourselves during challenges. I flipped the narrative and saw setbacks as lessons. Every tough moment taught me leadership, sharper thinking, and resilience in hard times.

Think of your self-doubt as something that pushes you forward. It’s a sign that you’re learning and getting better, showing that you’re challenging yourself. Sometimes, feeling uncomfortable means you’re making progress and growing.

Lean on Your Support Network

One best way to tackle the imposter syndrome is by sharing your problems with a supportive network. I chose to talk about this with my mentors and friends at first, and their support made a real difference. They made me understand that they were once in my shoes and reminded me that nobody knows everything in this world.

Whether it’s family, friends, mentors, or coworkers, your support system is always ready to offer encouragement and advice. Sometimes, we just need a reminder of how much we’ve achieved and to see how strong and amazing we truly are.

Imposter syndrome often means you’re pushing yourself to learn new things and grow in your career. Remember, every leader and innovator you look up to starts as a beginner. They had doubts, made mistakes, and kept going. Over time, you’ll look back at your self-doubt and realize it was a key part of your story, proving how strong and persistent you are.

Feeling like an imposter can be tough, but it’s really an opportunity to grow. Use this moment to learn, improve, and move toward success. You’re here because of your passion and determination. Take on the challenges, push forward, and know each step matters in your journey.

Feeling like an imposter? Don’t let it hold you back. Take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come and the growth you’ve gained from every challenge. When doubt strikes, understand it’s a sign you’re moving toward something bigger.

Trust your journey—you’ve earned your place! Now, take the next step with confidence!