How Imposter Syndrome Is a Sign You’re on the Right Track
Written by Joshua Owen Green, Narrative Disruptor
Josh Green is an international speaker, TEDx storyteller, and mindset strategist known for his work on imposter syndrome, inner critics, psychological safety, and authentic leadership. He blends emotional insight with business acumen to spark real change.
What if I told you that imposter syndrome isn’t a red flag, it’s a green light? That the moment you start doubting yourself might actually be the moment you’re finally doing something brave. In this article, I’ll show you how that voice in your head trying to hold you back might be the best sign that you’re on the right track, and how to move forward anyway.
What is imposter syndrome really about?
Imposter syndrome is the sneaky internal narrative that downplays your wins and exaggerates your losses. The inner voice that says, “You aren’t good enough.” Even in the face of qualifications, experience, or praise, it whispers that you’ve somehow fooled everyone. And that it’s only a matter of time before they find out.
But imposter syndrome isn’t always the enemy. Sometimes it’s just a nervous bodyguard, overreacting to your growth. It’s a protection mechanism built into our nervous systems to keep us safe. If we’re doing something new, risky, or bold, it shows up. Because if you were playing small, you wouldn’t need protection.
My audition and dropping the ball
Here’s a story.
When I was younger, I was invited to audition for a big role. It was the kind of opportunity that made my heart beat faster. The catch? I needed to know how to juggle. I had 12 hours and I didn’t know how.
Cue the imposter voice: "You’re not a juggler. They’re going to laugh. Who do you think you are?"
I nearly bailed. But instead, I walked to my friend Adam’s house. He knew how to juggle. For 4 hours, he showed me how to keep the balls in the air. And more importantly, how to keep going when I dropped them.
I practiced. I messed up. I kept practicing. And I showed up to that audition. Was it perfect? No.
Did I get the part? Yes.
Not because I was the best juggler. But because I had the courage to try. Or more importantly, I looked like an idiot and that’s what they were looking for. But I had to show up and be just that in order to get the part.
That’s the secret: worthiness doesn’t come before action. It’s built through action.
Why imposter syndrome means you’re growing
When you feel imposter syndrome, it means you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone. You’re playing a new level. You’re trying something your past self didn’t know how to do.
In other words: you’re growing. That inner critic isn’t a warning sign to stop. It’s a sign that you’re stretching, and that’s a good thing.
Here’s how to keep moving forward when the inner critic shows up:
5 steps to flip the script on imposter syndrome
1. Start small (then start smaller)
Think about what you’re trying to do. Then find the smallest, easiest version of it. Want to speak on stages? Practice telling a story at a dinner party. Want to launch a business? Send one email.
The smaller the step, the less resistance from the inner critic.
2. Show up before you’re ready
Most of us wait to feel ready before we act. But that’s not how confidence works. Confidence doesn’t come before. We earn it by showing up. The more you show up, the quieter the imposter voice becomes.
3. Practice: It’s not just for athletes
Practice transforms fear into familiarity. When I was preparing for that juggling audition, I didn’t need to be perfect. I just needed to practice enough that my hands remembered what my brain doubted.
Practicing the thing you fear makes it ordinary. And ordinary things don’t scare us.
4. Don’t go alone
The inner critic loves isolation. It thrives when no one else can challenge its narrative. Share what you’re working on. Ask for help. Let someone see the messy middle of your process.
5. Track your wins
Keep a record of the moments you showed up despite the fear. Reread them when the voice gets loud. Evidence quiets anxiety. You’re not starting from scratch, you’re building from experience.
Final thought: You are the hero
The voice in your head that says, "You’re not good enough," isn’t proof that you’re a fraud. It’s proof you’re daring to grow.
If you’re hearing it now, good. That means you’re on the path. The real work is continuing to show up anyway, no matter how many times you drop the ball.
You’re not an imposter. You’re becoming yourself.
Start your journey today
Ready to challenge your inner critic and step into the role that’s calling you? Explore Joshua’s keynote talks and workshops here. Because the moment you feel like a fraud might be the moment you’re finally showing up as yourself.
Read more from Joshua Owen Green
Joshua Owen Green, Narrative Disruptor
Josh Green is a Narrative Disruptor, TEDx storyteller, and international speaker who helps people silence their inner critics and lead with unapologetic authenticity. With a background in business, performance, and personal growth, he’s known for blending humor, vulnerability, and strategy to challenge limiting beliefs and rewire self-doubt. Josh works with cities, companies, and communities across the world, empowering audiences to shift their internal dialogue, reclaim their voice, and step into leadership with clarity and confidence.
