When Doubt Becomes the Loudest Voice in the Room
- Nicolette Visser
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
Managing Imposter Syndrome and Performance Anxiety
You finally achieve something meaningful, the project lands, the client’s happy, your manager is beaming but instead of feeling proud, you think, “I got lucky” or “They’re going to realise I don't know what I'm doing.”
If that’s you, you’re not the only one.
Imposter Syndrome: That “I Don’t Belong Here” Feeling
Imposter syndrome isn’t just a lack of confidence. It’s a quiet fear that you're faking it, no matter how much evidence suggests otherwise. From the outside, you seem capable. Inside, you're wondering when everyone’s going to realise you’re not as good as they think.
You might finish something big, and while others celebrate you, your thoughts become a rabbithole: “It wasn’t me. That was just timing or luck. They should ask someone else next time.”
So, you overwork, avoid new challenges, or constantly compare yourself, hoping you’ll finally feel like you deserve your spot. But the finish line keeps moving.
Performance Anxiety: Feeling Too Anxious To Perform
A bit of nervous energy is normal. But performance anxiety is something else. Your heart races, your stomach sinks, your mind blanks, and suddenly the smallest task feels like a mountain.
When Both Are Present
When both are present, it creates a difficult mental cycle that makes you believe you're not good enough and as a result makes it more difficult for you to perform due to the anxiety it causes. And when you're unable to perform, it "affirms" the belief that you're not good enough. You then try and try again to prove yourself but the more you try to prove yourself, the more pressure builds. And the more pressure, the more you doubt whether you can deliver.
So, What Can You Do About it?
Here are 3 simple tips to managing the imposter syndrome and performance anxiety.
1. Say It Out Loud
Sometimes the fear shrinks when you speak it out loud. Or sometimes just speaking about the task causing the fear makes it seem less daunting. Whether you speak to a friend, colleague, or therapist, a conversation can bring relief. Here are one of two ways you can tackle it:
Talk about what’s bothering you: the worries, the feelings, the pressure. Naming it helps you feel less alone. Talking about it with others will help release the emotions and negative energy pooling inside of you.
Talk through the task itself: use someone as a sounding board to unpack your thinking. Spitballing ideas gives the mind somewhere to go and can create momentum. Thus reducing the stress you may be experiencing about the task. Speaking to someone about it may also help with validating your concerns, as well as your solutions, for it. Which will help build confidence.
2. Name the Inner Critic
When those “you’re not good enough” thoughts show up, call them out.
“Ah, there’s that voice again - the one that says I don’t belong. That’s not fact, it’s fear. But I don’t [have to] operate out of fear.”
Giving that voice a name helps separate it from your identity. You’re not the voice. You’re the person hearing it and you can reclaim your inner dialogue.
3. Choose Connection Over Perfection
Perfection keeps you isolated. Connection reminds you you’re human. Spend time with people who see your value beyond your output. Safe, supportive relationships help your nervous system reset and remind you that you don’t need to earn your worth.
Our Final Thoughts
Remember, you’re allowed to show up messy, unsure, and still learning. That’s not failure - that’s how you grow. Don’t let the doubts drive your life.
And just in case no one’s said it lately: You’re doing a great job, and you do belong here. You really do.
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