Are You Asking: Am I Really Ready for This?

By Lynnecia S. Eley | The Confidence Doula™

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You’ve landed the opportunity. The seat at the table. The role you prayed, pushed, or pitched for. And yet, there it is. That quiet voice creeping in, asking the question you didn’t expect to hear after all that hard work: “Am I really ready for this?” or “Did they make a mistake?” Welcome to the limiting belief called impostor syndrome, where your confidence meets internal chaos. And here’s the kicker: it’s not always just you. Sometimes impostor syndrome doesn’t start in your head; it starts in the way the room shifts when you walk in. 

Is it you, or is it the room? (Spoiler Alert: It could be both.) Yes, impostor syndrome can come from within, your old beliefs, perfectionism, or self-doubt creeping up when the pressure is high. But for many women, especially Black women or other underestimated professionals, that feeling doesn’t come from nowhere.

Sometimes you feel like an impostor because:

- You’re the only one who looks like you at the table.

- You’re being watched more closely but supported less consistently.

- You’re leading in a system that wasn’t built with you in mind.

So while internal work is key, let’s not gaslight ourselves into thinking it’s all mindset. Some of that doubt was planted by systems, not softness.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait until the doubt disappears to lead confidently. You can lead while you’re working through the noise. You can trust your readiness even if you don’t always feel it. This is where the BIRTH Framework becomes more than theory; it becomes a confidence strategy -- Your Confidence Strategy.

B – Belief

Impostor syndrome thrives in silence. Break it by affirming your presence: “I’m not here by accident. I’m here on assignment.”

I – Inspiration

Look around. Who do you see leading in their lane, even when it’s hard? Let their journey remind you that leveling up doesn’t mean you won’t have to rumble. Borrow courage from others until yours kicks in.

R – Resilience

Impostor syndrome is persistent, but so are you! Resilience means showing up even when the voice in your head says you’re not ready. It means knowing that confidence often follows action, not the other way around.

T – Tenacity

“Even if I feel unsure today, I’m going to lead like I belong here. Because I do.” Stay focused on your mission. Keep moving forward. One decision at a time.

H – Habits

Create daily habits that affirm your leadership. That might be journaling your wins, reviewing positive feedback, or setting goals that build self-assurance. Confidence is a habit, not a feeling.

Limiting beliefs like impostor syndrome don’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human and you're growing. So let’s stop pretending it’s an internal flaw. It’s also the byproduct of being underestimated, overlooked, or having to navigate spaces where you weren’t always expected to thrive. So if you’ve recently stepped into a new role and doubt has followed you, hear me clearly:

You didn’t trick your way here. You prepared your way here.

You’re not an impostor; you’re the answer.

5 Quick Checks to Quiet Impostor Syndrome

Use this strategy when self-doubt tries to interrupt your assignment.

1. Pause & Name It

Is the result an actual lack of ability, or just newness and nerves?

→ Naming impostor syndrome disarms its power.

2. List 3 Receipts

What have you already accomplished that prepared you for this moment?

→ Facts will always quiet insecure feelings.

3. Reframe the Fear

“I’m not faking it. I’m “faithing it” and growing into it”.

→ Growth often feels unfamiliar, but it’s not fraudulent.

4. Call a Friend or Accountability Partner

Who reminds you who you are? Text or call someone who affirms your greatness.

→ You don’t need external validation, but trusted and strategic encouragement is a secret weapon.

5. Just Lead Anyway

Do the next thing — speak up, send the email, take the first step.

→ Action restores confidence faster than overthinking ever will.