Overcoming imposter syndrome can be a daunting task, especially when we’re faced with significant events or opportunities to speak on stage or make an impact.

That nagging voice in our head telling us we don’t belong can hinder our confidence and hold us back from reaching our true potential.

But fear not! In this post, we’ll explore three mindset strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and show up as the confident, authentic leader you truly are.

Imposter Syndrome is normal, here’s why

You’re scheduled to speak at a big event and a voice in your head says, “What if I go blank? What if I look like a fool in front of everyone? I don’t know why they invited me, I shouldn’t be here.”

You have approximately 70,000 thoughts a day, 90% are which are repeats, according to UCLA researchers. Imagine repeating, “I shouldn’t be here,” 63,000 times. It’s no wonder you’re feeling like an imposter.

This event is a big deal, but you’re a big deal, too. The organizers invited you because you are the bee’s knees, an expert with incredible insights to share—despite your inner voice telling you otherwise.

That voice in your head has many names in the leadership world: it’s your inner critic, gremlin or lizard brain. I call my inner critic “Timid Lady Gaga.” By simply calling her an ironic, unrealistic name, I’m able to tame the self-limiting claims Timid Lady Gaga makes in an effort to make me small.

As a transformational leadership coach, I’ve had client conversations about this exact thing. I’ve heard:

“My mindset and lack of confidence are affecting my work in so many ways.” 

“I’m just feeling stuck and unsure. I want to move forward with direction and purpose, but I can’t decide what to do—how to put one foot in front of the other.”

These are high-achieving, creative leaders at the top of their game. They appear to have it all together.

I’ve had my own coach talk me off the ledge of self-doubt and I want to share my go-to approaches to get out of a self-wallowing, nerve-racked funk before your big event.

But first, a personal story

One day before I was set to host a personal branding workshop in Chicago, I finally admitted to myself that I could not power through a sore throat and massive headache. I was supposed to host 15 creative marketing professionals who were ready to light up the world with their voices, but I was barely able to speak. I needed a quick fix; instead, I received a bronchitis diagnosis and a bag of antibiotics from the immediate care unit.

Have you ever come down with a cold, gotten a horrible night’s sleep or had an unbearable stomach cramp right before a big event or a tough conversation with your boss? Mindset self-sabotage in full effect.

Regardless of my circumstances, I was going to show up. Leadership is showing up as your best self against all odds. This may sound trite in the face of the current trend to be authentic in leadership. But to be a successful, relatable leader and create a strong personal brand, you need to practice intention in how you show up.

If being authentic were easy, then why would anyone need a creative leadership coach? We’d all be pure reflections of our highest and best authentic selves—and that’s not the case, at least not all the time.

But there are ways to generate authenticity, to shift your mindset so the voice in your head stops screaming, “Get out before they discover the real me!”