5 Imposter Syndrome Journal Prompts & Exercises to Lead with Confidence
1. Acknowledge that impostor syndrome is a sign that you are stepping out of your comfort zone.
Impostor syndrome is a sign that you are taking risks. It's a sign that you are doing something that is new or different. It's a sign that you are doing something that will likely lead you to grow. It's a sign that you are moving forward and stepping out of your comfort zone.
A part of you might be worried or afraid, and that's ok. Sometimes that shows up as a fear that you'll fail or a fear that others will find out that you didn't know what you were doing. That tender part of you just wants to put on the brakes and make sure it's really ok to go ahead and take this risk.
When we are moving forward boldly and courageously—when there's something meaningful at stake, we can actually expect and welcome that part of ourselves that is afraid.
We can say, “Oh, hello fear. I see you. I was expecting you. It must mean I'm onto something here. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone, and it's ok to be afraid.”
Prompts for journaling and reflection
In what ways am I taking a risk right now? How am I stepping out of my comfort zone? What feels new and unfamiliar about this situation?
What am I really afraid of?
If my fears came true, how would I handle those scenarios?
What would help me feel safe enough to go ahead and take this risk?
What resources do I have to support me along the way?
This part of the process is all about directly facing your fears and remembering that you are strong enough to handle them. We generally can't anticipate everything that might go wrong. So yes, the unknown can be scary. But your resilience and creativity will kick in to support you through whatever challenges arise. Perhaps you have a support system you can lean on too.
You've got this.
2. Return to your purpose. (Or identify your purpose, if you haven't already.)
Imposter syndrome can actually be the catalyst that helps us make sure that the risks we are taking are purposeful and aligned with our values. Yes, you are doing something so scary that it's causing your confidence to waver. So let's make sure the thing you're doing is truly worthwhile for you.
Prompts for journaling and reflection
What is important to me about doing this?
Who can benefit from me taking this risk?
What do I stand to gain by taking this risk?
Which of my values am I highlighting as I step out of my comfort zone?
Let your purpose and passion take center stage. They can coexist powerfully—right alongside your fear—to help you muster your courage.
3. Recall your past experiences with overcoming challenges.
Maybe you are doing something or considering doing something that you've absolutely never done before. But I bet you've faced a challenge before. I bet you have taken a risk before. I bet you've tried something new before. So scroll back in your memory to those times. Try to tap into how you felt beforehand and what you were afraid of.
Prompts for journaling and reflection
When have I taken a risk before, taken on a new challenge or stepped out of my comfort zone?
When have I surprised myself?
How did I get through that experience?
What did I learn?
What am I proud of?
What were the benefits and positive outcomes?
You can also ask a trusted friend, when have you seen me step out of my comfort zone before? What are the characteristics, strengths, and skills that you see in me that help me do hard things?
4. Imagine the advice you'd give to a friend in a similar situation.
Start by really visualizing that friend or loved one. Connect with how much you love them and believe in them.
Prompts for journaling and reflection
How would you encourage a friend in your shoes?
What advice would you give them?
What would you want them to remember if they do face challenges along the way?
5. Remember that you don't have to overcome imposter syndrome alone.
This exercise is about gathering inspiration—a menu of resources that you can tap into anytime you're experiencing a bout of imposter syndrome.
Prompts for journaling and reflection
Who inspires you? How can you connect with their perspective?
What voices or stories remind you of what really matters to you? (Think of favorite podcasts, books, movies, etc)
Is there someone in your life who always believes in you? If so, how can you connect with them when you need a boost of confidence?
If your own biggest fan is someone who has passed on (a grandparent, for example), how might you connect with their essence and their positive perspective of you? What advice might they have for you?
Some of us may have the support systems we need through friends and/or family, but many of us need to supplement or build that support system from scratch. Seek out the mentors, coaches, therapists, healers, or community you need to feel supported.