Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Simple Coaching Technique to Boost Confidence

Imposter syndrome is something many of us face, often quietly. That voice in your head that says, “I’m not good enough,” or “I don’t deserve this success” can be difficult to silence.

Interestingly, even people who’ve reached high levels of success find themselves doubting their worth. But here’s something I’ve discovered through coaching: imposter syndrome, while powerful, can be tackled with the right approach. I’ve worked with many clients who have successfully quieted their inner critic and embraced a more confident mindset through a simple technique – Cognitive Restructuring.

It’s not the flashiest name, but the impact can be transformative.

Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and challenging those negative, self-defeating thoughts that fuel imposter syndrome. The beauty of this method is its practicality – it gives you tools to stop those thoughts in their tracks and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones. You can do this on your own, between coaching sessions, or anytime those feelings of inadequacy start to creep in.

Step 1: Recognise the Thought

The first thing to do is recognise when an unhelpful negative thought enters your mind. It might sound something like, “I’m not as skilled as everyone else in this room,” or “Soon they’ll find out I’m not really qualified.” The key here is to ‘name’ the thought – because once you label it, you start to gain control over it.

Step 2: Challenge the Thought

Now comes the important part: challenge that thought. Ask yourself, “Is this thought based on fact or just fear?” Take a step back and look for evidence. Did you not get hired for this role based on your skills? Have people not complimented your work before? Usually, imposter syndrome is built on emotions rather than facts, so taking a moment to ground yourself in reality can be a game-changer.

Step 3: Replace the Thought

Finally, replace that negative thought with a more balanced one. You don’t need to go overboard and tell yourself you’re perfect (we’re aiming for realism!), but you could say something like, “I was hired for a reason, and I bring value in ways that others might not.” Or, “I may not know everything, but I’m capable of learning and growing.” This reframing doesn’t erase the fear, but it helps you see things from a more truthful, empowering perspective.

When clients first begin practicing this, they sometimes tell me it feels a bit forced or unnatural – and that’s perfectly normal. Cognitive restructuring isn’t about convincing yourself of a lie; it’s about aligning your thoughts with reality, not your fears. Just like building a muscle, it gets easier and more intuitive over time.

What I find so powerful about this technique is that it allows you to create distance from your inner critic. Instead of being at the mercy of self-doubt, you begin to develop an internal dialogue that’s more compassionate and encouraging. It’s not about eliminating all insecurities, but about learning to manage them in a healthy way that supports your growth and confidence.

For many of my clients, taking this small yet consistent step has been a turning point in their journey toward greater self-assurance. And here’s the truth: imposter syndrome is not an uncommon experience, especially for high achievers. But when you have a tool like this in your back pocket, you’re much better equipped to overcome it and move forward with confidence.

Try this the next time those “not good enough” thoughts start whispering in your ear. You’ll be surprised at how much power there is in simply pausing, questioning, and reframing. Confidence, after all, is not about being without doubt – it’s about knowing how to handle it.

If you are impacted by imposter syndrome, you might be interested in our new online programme, Beyond Doubt: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome