Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough, no matter how much you accomplished? Like any moment, someone would see through you and expose you as a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome—a persistent feeling of self-doubt despite evidence of success—affects countless people, even those who appear confident and accomplished on the outside. I know this feeling all too well.
For years, I struggled with the nagging voice in my head that whispered, Who do you think you are? When I first started working as a healer, I questioned whether I truly had the ability to help others. Even though clients found comfort and transformation through my work, I secretly wondered if I was just lucky.
When I worked at the California Health & Longevity Institute at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake, I was surrounded by top experts in the field of health and wellness. Instead of celebrating the fact that I was part of this incredible team, I worried that I didn’t belong. What if they found out I wasn’t as knowledgeable as they were?
The same fear crept in when I worked with Dr. Sharon Norling. Here I was, collaborating with a respected doctor, yet my inner critic kept telling me that I wasn’t “qualified enough.” Even after years of training and experience, I still felt like I had to prove myself constantly.
And then there was my work with 9/11 first responders. This was deeply personal and close to my heart, but I questioned whether I was truly making a difference. The thought that someone else might be better suited for the role haunted me.
Even as I began writing books and appearing on podcasts, imposter syndrome found a way to sneak in. Every time I hit "publish" or spoke into a microphone, I feared someone would challenge me, say I wasn’t good enough, or call me out as an imposter.
Recognizing the Pattern
It wasn’t until I started talking openly about my doubts that I realized how many others felt the same way. From business leaders to healers, from bestselling authors to spiritual teachers—everyone, at some point, had questioned their worth. Imposter syndrome thrives in secrecy, making us believe we’re the only ones struggling with it.
But here’s the truth: The very fact that we care so deeply about what we do is proof that we belong in the spaces we’ve worked hard to be in.
How I Learned to Overcome It
If imposter syndrome has been holding you back, here are the strategies that helped me break free:
Acknowledge It and Call It Out. The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing it for what it is: a false belief, not reality. I started noticing when my inner critic would surface and would gently remind myself, This is just fear talking, not the truth.
Keep a Success Journal. I began writing down positive feedback from clients, podcast listeners, and readers. Whenever doubt crept in, I revisited those words as a reminder that my work was making an impact.
Re-frame Negative Thoughts. Instead of thinking, I’m not good enough, I started saying, I am always growing, and my journey is valuable. Shifting the language I used with myself made a huge difference.
Trust Your Experience. No one else has walked my path. No one else has my exact experiences, insights, and lessons. When I embraced the uniqueness of my journey, I realized that my voice deserved to be heard.
Lean into Your Purpose. At the end of the day, I reminded myself why I do this work. I don’t share my knowledge to be “the best” or to prove something—I do it to help others heal, grow, and reclaim their power. That’s what truly matters.
You Are More Than Enough
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, I want you to know: You are not alone, and you are more than enough. The fact that you feel this way means you care deeply about your work. Instead of letting doubt silence you, let it be a sign that you are pushing beyond your comfort zone—growing, expanding, and stepping into your power.
Trust your journey. The world needs what only you can offer.
Wishing you strength, love, and light, Barbara
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