How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Spiritual Entrepreneur
Let’s be honest: imposter syndrome is something that hits everyone at some point, especially when you’re building a business that’s deeply connected to your heart and purpose. That little voice in your head that says, “Who do you think you are?” or “You’re not good enough!” — it’s all too familiar.
But here’s the thing: those thoughts aren’t facts. They’re just stories your brain is telling you. And the best part? You can rewrite those stories. In this post, I’ll share practical ways to overcome imposter syndrome, including my own approach to dealing with those unhelpful “brain stories”.
1. Recognize Imposter Syndrome for What It Is
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is realizing that these thoughts are just thoughts — not reality. I’ve found that my brain likes to come up with all kinds of stories, and some are helpful, while others... not so much.
When those negative thoughts pop up, try this:
Call out the story your brain is telling: Literally say it out loud or in your head: “The story my brain is telling me is that I’m not qualified enough” or “My brain is being an asshole right now and saying I’m going to fail.” This separates you from the thought and reminds you that it’s just your brain doing what brains do — creating stories.
Recognize it’s not the truth: Once you’ve named the story, remind yourself that this thought isn’t fact. It’s just your brain trying to protect you from stepping out of your comfort zone.
By calling out your brain’s BS, you take away some of the power those imposter thoughts have.
Now, let’s move on to reframing them…
2. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Once you’ve recognized that your brain is just coming up with a story, the next step is to reframe it. Here’s where you take control and tell your brain a different, more empowering story.
Here’s how to reframe those thoughts:
From “I’m not qualified enough” to “I’m always learning and growing”: Your brain might try to convince you that you’re not good enough, but remind yourself that learning is what qualifies you. You don’t have to be perfect — you’re allowed to grow.
From “I’m not as good as others” to “My journey is unique and valuable”: Your brain loves to compare you to others, but the truth is, your path and perspective are exactly what makes you special.
From “I’m going to fail” to “I’m capable of figuring things out”: You’ve handled challenges before, and you’ll handle them again. Shift your brain’s focus from fear to the fact that you can and will find solutions.
By reframing these stories, you change the narrative from one that drags you down to one that lifts you up.
3. Celebrate Your Accomplishments — Big and Small
Imposter syndrome thrives on making you forget all the amazing things you’ve already done. To combat that, you’ve got to start celebrating your wins — no matter how small.
Here’s how to do this:
Create a win journal: Every time you accomplish something, write it down. It doesn’t matter if it’s a huge milestone or something small, like finishing a project or getting positive feedback from a client. When imposter syndrome kicks in, pull out this journal and remind yourself how far you’ve come.
Reflect on your impact: It’s easy to downplay your achievements, but think about the impact you’ve had on others. How has your work helped your clients? What have they gained from working with you?
Give yourself credit: Don’t wait for external validation — celebrate yourself! Whether it’s treating yourself to a nice meal or just taking a moment to acknowledge your hard work, giving yourself credit helps silence that inner critic.
When you celebrate your wins, you shift your brain’s focus from “not enough” to “look how much I’ve done!”
4. Lean Into Your Strengths
Instead of letting imposter syndrome convince you that you’re lacking, flip the script by focusing on what you do bring to the table. Your strengths are what make you unique, so lean into them.
Here’s how to embrace your strengths:
Identify what makes you, you: What are your unique qualities, skills, or experiences that set you apart? Your spiritual journey, your personal growth, the way you connect with others — these are strengths that no one else has in the same way.
Focus on your impact, not perfection: Instead of obsessing over whether you’re doing everything “right,” ask yourself, “How am I showing up for the people I serve?” Your ability to make a positive impact is what matters most.
Own your expertise: Even if you don’t feel like the most experienced person in your field, trust that your journey has given you the wisdom and skills you need to be here right now.
Leaning into your strengths helps you redirect your energy from doubt to confidence — and that’s where the magic happens.
5. Remember: You’re Not Alone
Here’s the thing: imposter syndrome isn’t going away overnight, and that’s OK. The goal isn’t to silence it completely, but to remind yourself that your brain isn’t the boss of you. You are.
Here’s how to deal with your brain when it’s acting up:
Talk to your brain like a separate entity: When you hear that self-doubt creeping in, remind yourself, “Oh, that’s just my brain telling stories again.” The more you separate yourself from those thoughts, the easier it becomes to manage them.
Reach out to your community: Connect with other entrepreneurs who get it. Chances are, they’ve dealt with imposter syndrome, too. When you realize you’re not alone in feeling this way, it takes the pressure off.
Share your journey: Sometimes, being vulnerable and sharing your struggles with imposter syndrome helps not only you, but others who are going through it. It’s okay to show up as your whole, imperfect self.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t get to run the show. You do. By recognizing when your brain is creating unhelpful stories, you take back control of your narrative.
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome may always pop up from time to time, but it doesn’t have to dictate how you run your business. The next time your brain tells you a negative story, pause, recognize it for what it is, and rewrite it with something more empowering. You are capable, you are qualified, and you are making a difference.
So, when those imposter thoughts sneak in, remind yourself: “That’s just my brain telling stories again,” and get back to writing your own narrative — one of success, growth, and authenticity.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions I didn’t cover here, or if you’re looking for advice specific to your business, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you grow your business in a way that feels aligned and sustainable!
