How Imposter Syndrome Can Block You From Landing Your Dream Clients (And How to Overcome It)

Let’s be real, if you’re reading this, there’s a high chance you’ve felt it too.

That gnawing doubt when you send a proposal.
That whisper of “Who do you think you are?” before a sales call.
That quiet fear that one day, your customers (and the whole world) will figure out you’re not as capable as they thought.

Drum roll please….Welcome to imposter syndrome, and trust us, you’re not alone.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

First coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, imposter syndrome describes the internal experience of believing that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be. Despite achievements, education, or accolades, people with imposter syndrome live in a constant fear of being "found out" as a fraud.

It’s not a diagnosis. It’s a deeply human experience, especially common among high-achievers, founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

The Stats: You’re (Really) Not Alone

• Around 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives (source: American Psychological Association).
  

• Studies suggest women are more likely to experience imposter syndrome, especially in male-dominated industries.
  

• Yet interestingly, men often internalize it differently, leading to silent self-doubt masked by overcompensation.
  

Entrepreneurs, in particular, are prime candidates. When you are your brand, your service, your product, every rejection, every failed launch, every "no" can feel like a reflection of your self-worth, not just your work.

How Imposter Syndrome Blocks Your Ideal Customer

Here’s the hard truth: when you doubt yourself, it shows.

• You underprice your offers.
  

• You hesitate to pitch to your dream clients.
  

• You overexplain and apologize instead of confidently standing by your value.
  

• You attract customers who undervalue you because you’re unintentionally signaling that you undervalue yourself.
  

In short? Imposter syndrome is not just an emotional struggle. It’s a business liability.

If you don’t fully believe in the transformation or service you’re offering, how can you expect your dream clients to?

Tools to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

The Good news: Imposter syndrome isn’t a life sentence. It can be overcome, and you can be bailed out of jail.

Here’s how you start shifting it:

1. Name It to Tame It
Awareness is the first step. Notice when that critical inner voice shows up. We like to call this the inner critic, and boy oh boy, do we hate it. It helps to personify this voice, give it a name, describe what it looks like (draw it out), and label it.

Label it: "This is imposter syndrome speaking and my inner critic." By labeling the voice, you create a degree of separation between your power and your thoughts.

2. Reframe the Fear
What if feeling doubt doesn’t mean you’re unqualified? What if it just means you’re growing? Every time you stretch into new territory, your brain sounds alarms. Growth feels like fear sometimes; that’s why it is called growing pains.

3. Affirmations That Actually Work

• "I am allowed to occupy this space."
  

• “I deserve a seat at the table”.
  

• “I am worthy of success."
  

• "My work brings value, even if I don’t feel 100% ready."
  

• "I can lead with curiosity instead of perfection."
  

4. Therapy and Founder-Focused Support
Working with a therapist (especially one trained in AEDP, like our team at Our Kind) helps dismantle the deeper emotional roots of imposter syndrome. Therapy helps you build self-trust from the inside out so you can sell, lead, and grow with unshakable confidence.

TLDR: You Belong Here

Every founder, coach, creative, and entrepreneur you admire has wrestled with imposter syndrome. It’s not a sign you’re failing. It’s a sign you’re daring to dream bigger than your fear, high-five! 

You don’t need to "feel ready" to land your ideal customer or your dream job.
All you need to do is dream it, believe it (that means embodying the feeling states of that futuristic version of yourself) and achieve it. And if you feel your imposter syndrome creeping in, use a somatic release like clapping, shaking or chef’s kisses to say out loud “Thank you for sharing, but I have greater visions to focus on.” The universe will thank you by keeping you on the right path and, by living in your energetic field, you will attract the right clients your way.

If you are looking to overcome imposter syndrome in deep connection with another human, work with one of our therapists at Our Kind.

Written by Alysha Malik.