Running a business is hard. Running a business while your inner voice whispers, “Who do you think you are?” every 15 minutes? That’s a whole new level of challenge. Imposter syndrome can make you feel like a fraud even when you’re crushing it—but hey, at least you’re not alone! If you’re a business owner who’s constantly waiting for someone to burst in and yell, “We’ve caught you! Hand over the stapler!”, this post is for you.

1. You’re the CEO… of Second-Guessing

Your business card says “Founder,” but your brain says, “LOL, sure, Jan.” Whether it’s pricing your services or introducing yourself as an expert, imposter syndrome loves to show up and ask, “Are you really qualified, though?”

• Reality Check: You’ve got receipts—happy customers, successful projects, or at least a website that looks semi-professional. That’s proof enough.

2. Every Compliment Feels Like a Setup

A client says, “You did an amazing job!” and instead of celebrating, your brain goes, “They’re probably just being polite. Or maybe they’ve never seen good work before?”

• Pro Tip: Say, “Thank you!” and resist the urge to add, “It was nothing!” It wasn’t nothing. It was YOU being awesome.

3. The LinkedIn Spiral of Doom

You scroll through LinkedIn and see Karen from college announcing her third startup acquisition, while you’re debating whether to post about your small (but mighty!) milestone.

• Solution: Remember, Karen probably cries in the shower, too. Post your wins and let the algorithm shower you with likes.

4. Google Is Your Silent Partner

No one needs to know that half of your expertise comes from Googling phrases like, “How to sound confident in a meeting” or “What does ROI actually mean?”

• Fun Fact: The best entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who know everything; they’re the ones who know where to find answers.

5. The “One Day They’ll Find Out” Mentality

Ah, yes. The classic fear that someone will discover you’ve been “faking it.” But here’s the twist: everyone else feels like that too!

• Truth Bomb: No one actually has it all figured out. The difference? They’re just better at pretending they do.

6. Your To-Do List is a Confidence Rollercoaster

• Task: “Send proposal to client.”
  • Mood: “Who am I to charge this much?”
• Task: “Get feedback on last project.”
  • Mood: “They’ll probably say it’s terrible.”
• Task: “Check bank account.”
  • Mood: “Well, maybe I’m not completely incompetent…”

7. Comparing Yourself to Billionaires

You read articles like, “How Elon Musk Works 120 Hours a Week” and think, “Should I be doing that?” Spoiler: No, you shouldn’t.

• Reality: Comparing yourself to billionaires is like comparing your spaghetti to a Michelin-star chef’s dish. It’s unnecessary and bad for your mental health.

8. You’re Your Harshest Critic (But Also Your Funniest Cheerleader)

Some days, you’re a mess of self-doubt. Other days, you’re hyping yourself up in the mirror like, “Who runs the world? Me, with mild panic attacks!”

• Tip: Embrace both sides. Laugh at your insecurities—they’re not going anywhere, so you might as well make them entertaining.

9. Success Doesn’t Cure Imposter Syndrome

Hit a milestone? Land a big client? Awesome! But then your brain says, “Okay, but what about the next thing?”

• The Truth: Success doesn’t eliminate imposter syndrome; it just gives it new material. Learn to celebrate anyway.

10. The Secret Weapon: Fake It (Because Everyone Else Is, Too)

Here’s the ultimate life hack: No one knows what they’re doing. Seriously. Everyone is just figuring it out as they go.

• If you act like you belong, eventually your brain will catch up.
• And if it doesn’t? Keep faking it until you’re too successful to care.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome might always be lurking, but it doesn’t have to run the show. Remember: you’re not alone, you’re capable, and even if you feel like a fraud, the people paying you clearly don’t think so. Now go out there, crush it, and when your brain starts whispering, “Who do you think you are?” just respond: “I’m the boss. Deal with it.”

What’s your funniest imposter syndrome moment? Share it (and let’s all laugh at our overthinking brains together).