Imposter Syndrome Is a Liar (But a Very Convincing One)
By Tania Davies, The Consciousness Change Agent™

You know that little inner voice that whispers, “Any minute now, they’re going to figure out you have no idea what you’re doing.”

Even though you’ve got the qualifications, the experience, and the receipts (literal and metaphorical), the voice still keeps creeping doubt into your thoughts... "you’re a fraud".

Welcome to the club that no one wants to join: Imposter Syndrome Anonymous. Membership: mostly high-achieving, capable women. Especially those of us over 40, navigating the mess and magic of midlife.

So… what is imposter syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is the internal experience of believing you’re not as competent as others think you are... despite ALL the objective evidence (that others can see) of your accomplishments.

It’s not modesty. It’s not humility. It’s chronic self-doubt laced with anxiety, perfectionism, and the belief that any success is a fluke or even an accident.

According to research from the International Journal of Behavioral Science, over 70% of people will experience imposter feelings at some point. And surprise... it disproportionately affects women, particularly in leadership, creative industries, and caring professions.

In other words, if you’re feeling this way, you’re not the only one. You’re also very human if you feel this way. But remember - it doesn’t have to be your baseline.

How does imposter syndrome show up?

It’s sneakier than you think. It can look like:

• Procrastinating on important projects (because they have to be perfect).

• Overworking to ‘prove’ your worth (and still feeling it’s not enough).

• Downplaying your skills.

• Comparing yourself to everyone, all the time.

• Avoiding opportunities that could elevate you.

You might even catch yourself thinking, “I should have figured this out by now.” This is all conscious mind processing, which from my experience will never get to the root cause of this issue.

And here’s the kicker, imposter syndrome often shows up more intensely as we age, not less. Hormonal changes, shifting identities (kids growing up, career pivots, health changes) can shake our foundations and reignite that internal critic. Imposter syndrome is also not just work related... every questioned your abilities as a parent?

Why does it happen?

Let’s pull back the curtain. Imposter syndrome is rarely about competence. It’s about conditioning.

• Perfectionism taught us that our worth is in how flawlessly we perform.

• People-pleasing trained us to value others’ opinions above our own.

• Patriarchal culture rewarded silence, self-sacrifice, and invisibility.

So even when we do the work, earn the accolades, study more and hold the wisdom, our nervous system is still wired for fear, not freedom.

This is not a just think more positive problem. It’s a subconscious survival strategy and left unchecked, it silently sabotages success.

Why it must be dealt with (if you want peace and personal power)

Imposter syndrome isn’t just annoying. It’s exhausting. And it quietly erodes confidence, wellbeing, and ambition over time.

If ignored, it can lead to:

• Burnout (from constantly over-proving yourself)

• Stagnation (because you won’t go after what you want)

• Disconnection (from your purpose and power)

It’s not just about feeling better, it’s about being free. Free to show up, speak up, and take up space unapologetically as you are. And that takes more than positive affirmations or a new journal (says the woman who has way too many pretty journals next to her bed).

It requires going to the source - your nervous system, the subconscious beliefs, and the tangled web of stories that have kept you small. This is something I want you to do with a professional who can guide you to overcome your very convincing old beliefs and call you out on your crap! It is not a requirement for 5 years of talk therapy. It can be fast solution focused therapy but needs a strategically slower pace from your subconscious mind.

Ready to shift it for good?

This is the deeper work we do inside The Homecoming Arc: a transformative 3-session journey designed to reset your nervous system, unravel imposter patterns, and reconnect you with the most powerful version of yourself.

You’ll feel calmer in your skin, clearer in your direction, and confident enough to stop second-guessing your own brilliance.

If imposter syndrome has been living rent-free in your mind… it’s time to evict it.

Feeling seen? Ready to come home to yourself?
Learn more about The Homecoming Arc and take your first real step toward grounded, unapologetic confidence. Explore the program →