Imposter Syndrome: When Confidence Feels Like a Costume
Ever feel like you're faking your way through success? Like you're not as qualified, talented, or worthy as people think? That’s imposter syndrome—and it's more common than you think. In this episode of Leilani’s Couch, Leilani breaks down why imposter syndrome shows up most when you're leveling up, and how to stop letting it control your confidence. It’s time to stop shrinking and start owning your brilliance. Because sometimes, all you need is ten minutes on the couch… to remember who you are.
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Chapter 1
Intro and episode
Leilani Anderson-Monroe
Welcome back to Laylonnie's couch! Today, we're talking about something that a lot of us wrestle with but don’t always name. Imposter syndrome. That feeling that you’re somehow faking it—like you don’t really belong in the room, even though you’ve worked just as hard, if not harder, to get there.
Leilani Anderson-Monroe
You know that voice in your head? The one that tells you you’re not good enough, not smart enough, not experienced enough? Yeah, that one. It’s like no matter what you accomplish, that pesky little critic whispers, "It’s just a matter of time before they figure out you’re a fraud."
Leilani Anderson-Monroe
I've been there too. I mean—I’ve walked into boardrooms, networking events, even classrooms, and felt like I had to pretend I belonged. Like "fake it till you make it" was the only way. But here’s what I had to learn the hard way: You don’t have to fake what’s already yours. You don’t have to shrink just to fit into spaces that were designed for people with half your talent and twice your confidence.
Leilani Anderson-Monroe
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Actually, it means exactly the opposite. It shows you care enough to challenge yourself, to push past the boundaries of your comfort zone. And that’s where growth happens, right? Outside the comfort zone.
Leilani Anderson-Monroe
So, let’s get practical for a second. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, I want you to remember this: Confidence isn’t a costume you wear. It’s a muscle you build. The more you show up as your authentic self—messy, evolving, perfectly imperfect—the stronger your confidence gets. It's like going to the gym, but, you know, for your courage.
Leilani Anderson-Monroe
And when that voice creeps in? When it tells you you’re not enough? Talk back. Literally. Say to yourself, "I am enough. I’ve done the work. I deserve to be here." Repeat it if you need to. Say it in the car, in the mirror, in your head. Over and over until your brain starts believing what your heart already knows.
Leilani Anderson-Monroe
At the end of the day, imposter syndrome doesn’t define you. In fact, it’s just a sign that you’re stepping into something bigger, something bolder. And guess what? You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to do it. One brave step at a time.
Leilani Anderson-Monroe
And that’s all for today. Remember, the world needs your light, not your shadow. So own your space, walk in your truth, and trust that you are more than enough. Until next time, take care of yourself.