Who Gave Me Permission to Be Here?” a real talk on imposter syndrome and that voice that says “you’re not enough

 

Who Gave Me Permission to Be Here?

(aka: why imposter syndrome is so freaking loud sometimes)

Ever been in a room, on a call, or working on something, and suddenly thought:

“I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“Everyone here is smarter/more talented/more together than me.”
“They’re going to figure me out any minute.”

Yeah. Same.

That little voice? That’s imposter syndrome.
And it’s LOUD when you’re already running on empty.

Because burnout doesn’t just drain your energy—it drains your confidence, too.
You’re too tired to fake it. Too overwhelmed to feel proud of anything. And everything starts to feel like luck, not skill.

Mindfulness doesn’t shut that voice up.

But it helps you hear it differently.

Instead of taking it as truth, you start to notice it for what it is:

A fear response. Not a fact.

Your brain’s just trying to protect you from failure, rejection, embarrassment—whatever it thinks is dangerous.
The “you’re not enough” voice is just your nervous system on high alert.

Here’s what I’ve been practicing:

💭 “Oh hey, self-doubt. Didn’t expect you today, but I see you.”
💭 “This feels scary. That doesn’t mean I don’t belong here.”
💭 “I can be nervous and capable at the same time.”

It’s not about pretending to be confident.
It’s about staying present with the discomfort without letting it run the show.

A few mindfulness moves when imposter syndrome hits:

  • Ground yourself physically. Feel your feet. Breathe into your body. Remind yourself: “I am here. I’m allowed to be here.”

  • Name the voice. Literally say: “This is self-doubt talking.” Naming it gives you space from it.

  • Pause before spiraling. Even 5 deep breaths before answering that email or speaking up in a meeting can shift everything.

You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.

You’re already enough—even when you feel unsure, even when you’re still figuring it out.

Keep showing up.
That’s all you have to do.

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