The Antidote to Imposter Syndrome

By April Adams Pertuis, Founding Member of The Prosper Network

If you’ve ever heard that nagging voice in your head whispering:
“You’re not ready.”
“You don’t know enough.”
“Other people are further along than you.”

You’re not alone.

Imposter Syndrome is one of the most common struggles I see among entrepreneurial women. And the truth is—it doesn’t only show up when things are hard. It often sneaks in when we’re doing well too, convincing us to stay put, to play small, and to avoid the next level.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck. You can disarm imposter syndrome and take action anyway.

From my own experience building a business around storytelling and visibility, and from years of coaching women leaders and entrepreneurs, I’ve discovered five powerful steps to shift out of self-doubt and into action.

This is your action-taking prescription for the antidote to imposter syndrome: 

1. Name It

The first step is awareness. Imposter Syndrome disguises itself as busyness, distraction, excuses, or fear. It might sound like:

• “I don’t have time.”

• “I need more training.”

• “I’m too new.”

• “I don’t know the right people.”

These are stories your mind tells to keep you safe (and invisible). Your first step is to stop and name what your particular imposter syndrome sounds like.
What is the narrative running through your head?
When you name it for what it is—Imposter Syndrome—you take back power.

2. Reframe It

Instead of letting those thoughts hold you in place, reframe them into growth. For example:

• “I can’t do this alone” → “I’ll start with what I can do today, while building towards more support.”

• “I’m too messy right now” → “I can share honestly from where I am, and that vulnerability will connect me with others.”

Reframing shifts the energy from stagnation into possibility. How will you reframe the narrative you named above? 

3. Collect Evidence

Feelings aren’t facts. Keep a “receipts folder” of client testimonials, messages, milestones, and wins. The next time imposter thoughts creep in, go back and remind yourself: I’ve done meaningful work. I have evidence.

When you collect evidence – you start to hold your imposter syndrome more accountable to the truth. The next time you hear a nasty narrative in your head, ask yourself: “What evidence do I have that this is true?”

4. Focus on Service, Not Perfection

Perfectionism is just procrastination in disguise. Instead of obsessing about how perfect your work should look, ask: Who could this help today?
When you shift from performance to service, you take the focus off yourself and put it on the people who need you. That’s when visibility becomes purpose-driven. Suddenly, showing up feels less performative and more about impact and service.
Who are you trying to help? Do they need you be perfect or present? 

5. Act Anyway

Confidence doesn’t arrive before you act. It’s built through action.
Even if it feels messy. Even if you’re afraid. Even if your inner critic tags along for the ride.
Action is the only antidote to imposter syndrome.
Let this be a reminder that you are one step away from pushing your imposter syndrome to the side. Take action on something today and move yourself forward. 

Final Word

As women in business, we can’t afford to keep our brilliance hidden. Your story, your offers, your voice—they are not just for you. They are a light for others.
So the next time imposter syndrome pipes up, walk yourself through these five steps. Then take one small action anyway.
Because staying invisible serves no one.

👉 For more stories and strategies to help you grow your visibility, join me over at lightbeamers.com/podcast

April Adams Pertuis is a Visibility + Storytelling Coach, Speaker, and Founder of LIGHTbeamers, where she helps women unlock the stories they’re not telling and turn them into tools for impact, connection, and income.

Learn more about April’s work at www.lightbeamers.com
Connect with April on LinkedIn.