The Little Devil That Whispers “You’re Not Good Enough”
5 ways I’ve overcome imposter syndrome over 25 years of writing
My Medium friends can read this over there as well.
I’ve been a writer for 25 years.
Paid work with big brands. British Airways, Harrods, B&Q, Arsenal FC. Plus Hundreds of SME’s, agencies and small business owners.
Yet…
There are still days I doubt myself completely as a writer.
Not because I don’t have something to say.
But because that little voice whispers:
“Who are you to publish this?”
“You’re not qualified.”
“Everyone will see through you.”
That voice is the little devil of imposter syndrome — and I’ve battled it for two and a half decades.
It’s worse when it’s personal. Client work? Yes it’s still there but can be handled.
Publishing my own stuff? That’s when it creeps in badly. That’s when perfectionism becomes a shield. That’s when fear disguises itself as “waiting for the right time.”
I’m not alone though, these feelings of being a charlatan are very common amongst us sensitive writing folk.🥺
Imposter syndrome is the #1 reason creators stop showing up.
And if you don’t hit publish, you don’t grow. Leaving you with no audience, business, or creative momentum.
So here’s how I’ve learned to quiet that little devil — and keep going, even when I’m scared.
🛠️ 5 Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
1. Talk back to the voice. Literally.
That whisper of doubt? Answer it out loud.
“Who am I to write this?”
“Someone with experience. Someone who cares. Someone who’s shown up for 25 years.”
Put the voice on trial — and win with evidence.
2. Remember: it gets loudest before growth.
Every time I’ve levelled up — launched something new, raised my rates, stepped into the spotlight — that voice screamed the loudest. That’s not a warning sign. It’s a signal you’re on the edge of something meaningful.
3. Anchor in past wins.
Keep a folder. Screenshots. Testimonials. Results.
Pull it out when the voice says, “You’re a fraud.”
No — this is proof that you’re not.
4. Imagine your reader.
Your target audience is a real person. They’re out there, struggling. They need what you’re about to say.
When I picture just one person who’ll benefit, I stop focusing on myself — and start focusing on serving.
5. Publish anyway.
The longer you hesitate, the more the fear grows.
Sometimes, the best cure for imposter syndrome is simply hitting publish. Your future confidence is built on today’s imperfect action.
What’s The Real Lesson?
You don’t ever really overcome imposter syndrome. At least I never have.
You learn to live with it — and move on anyway.
You learn that courage isn’t the absence of doubt — it’s the decision to keep going in spite of it.
And if I can still feel it after 25 years and keep publishing… so can you.
👉 Want a Daily Nudge to Keep Going?
That voice is the little devil of imposter syndrome — and I’ve battled it for two and a half decades.