Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence and Succeed as a New Entrepreneur

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence and Succeed as a New Entrepreneur

Imposter syndrome is something almost every entrepreneur has faced at some point. That nagging voice that whispers, “Who am I to do this?” or “I’m not good enough.” It can be paralyzing, making you doubt your abilities, hesitate on opportunities, and feel like a fraud—even when you have every reason to believe in yourself.

But here’s the truth: You are not alone. Studies show that nearly 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, and entrepreneurs are particularly vulnerable to it. Why? Because when you’re building something from the ground up, there’s no roadmap, no validation, and often no immediate results. It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong, especially when comparing yourself to more experienced business owners.

So, how do you push past it? How do you move from self-doubt to self-confidence? Let’s break down the three most important things you need to know to overcome imposter syndrome and step fully into your entrepreneurial journey.

1. Recognize That Feeling Like an Impostor is Normal

One of the first steps to overcoming imposter syndrome is realizing that it does not mean you are unqualified or incapable—it means you are growing.

Most people assume that successful entrepreneurs are always confident, but the reality is that many of the most accomplished business owners, CEOs, and industry leaders have felt the same way you do right now.

Think about this:

• Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, admitted in an interview that even after leading one of the most recognized global brands, he still felt like he wasn’t qualified for the job.

• Maya Angelou, the legendary poet and author, once said, “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’”

• Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, has openly discussed how he sometimes thinks, “I still think that at any moment, someone will find out I’m a fraud.”

If these incredibly successful individuals have battled imposter syndrome, doesn’t that tell you something?

Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you aren’t capable, talented, or worthy of success. It simply means you are stepping outside of your comfort zone—and that’s exactly where you need to be to grow.

What to Do About It

• Reframe the feeling. Instead of seeing imposter syndrome as a sign that you don’t belong, see it as proof that you are challenging yourself in new ways.

• Acknowledge your wins. Keep a journal of accomplishments, big and small, to remind yourself of how far you’ve come.

• Remind yourself that everyone starts somewhere. The people you look up to also had moments of doubt when they were starting.

2. Stop Comparing Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle

One of the biggest triggers of imposter syndrome is comparison. When you scroll through social media or read success stories, it’s easy to believe that everyone else has it all figured out—except you.

But here’s the truth: You are only seeing the highlight reel.

Every entrepreneur you admire once stood exactly where you are now—unsure, nervous, and filled with self-doubt. You don’t see their sleepless nights, failed ideas, or moments of fear. You only see their polished success, and that can be incredibly misleading.

For example:

• Jeff Bezos started Amazon in his garage. No fancy office, no massive investor backing—just a vision and a

Transcript

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: 

How to Build Confidence and Succeed as a New Entrepreneur

Introduction to The Startup Business 101 Podcast Episode: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – How to Build Confidence and Succeed as a New Entrepreneur

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in the business world? Like at any moment, someone is going to call you out and say, “You don’t really know what you’re doing”? Have you hesitated to launch your business because deep down, you’re not sure you’re good enough, experienced enough, or capable enough to pull it off?

If so, let me tell you something important: You are not alone.

Imposter syndrome is one of the most common struggles new entrepreneurs face. It’s that nagging voice in your head telling you that you’re not qualified, that you’re not as smart as other business owners, and that maybe—just maybe—you’re a fraud who doesn’t deserve success. And here’s the real kicker: Even some of the most successful people in the world have felt this exact same way.

Yes, you heard that right.

Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, once admitted that he sometimes felt like he wasn’t good enough for the job.

Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Facebook, has openly spoken about battling imposter syndrome despite being one of the most powerful women in business.

Even Albert Einstein—one of the greatest minds of all time—once confided that he felt like a fraud, that people gave him more credit than he actually deserved.

If these incredibly successful individuals have experienced self-doubt, what does that tell us? It tells us that imposter syndrome is not a reflection of your abilities—it’s a reflection of your growth. It means you’re stepping into something new, stretching beyond your comfort zone, and pushing yourself to become the person who can build and run a successful business.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today on The Startup Business 101 Podcast.

If imposter syndrome has ever made you hesitate, second-guess yourself, or even stop you from moving forward in your business, then this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth:

You don’t need to feel 100% ready to succeed—you just need to start.

So today, we’re going to break down three powerful strategies to help you overcome imposter syndrome, build unshakable confidence, and take action toward your business dreams.

Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why Failure is a Learning Experience, Not a Dead End – We’ll talk about why even the most successful entrepreneurs have failed and why failure is not a sign that you’re not good enough—it’s actually part of the process.

2. Why Taking Action is the Antidote to Fear – If you’re waiting for the fear to go away before you start your business, you’ll be waiting forever. We’ll explore how small steps forward can build confidence and momentum.

3. How to Build a Resilient Mindset and a Strong Support System – Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We’ll discuss how to surround yourself with the right people and develop the mindset that keeps you moving forward, even when self-doubt creeps in.

And here’s the thing: by the end of this episode, I want you to feel empowered, inspired, and ready to take the next step—even if you still feel a little scared. Because let’s be honest—fear doesn’t go away, but you can learn to work through it.

So, if you’ve ever doubted yourself, if you’ve ever felt like you’re not cut out for this, or if you’ve been waiting for permission to finally start your business—this is your sign.

It’s time to let go of self-doubt, embrace your potential, and take action toward the business and life you’ve been dreaming of.

Let’s dive in.

Recognize That Feeling Like an Impostor is Normal

If you’ve ever had that sinking feeling that you’re not good enough, not experienced enough, or that you somehow don’t deserve the success you’re striving for, I want you to know something: You are not alone.

That voice in your head telling you that you don’t belong? The one whispering that at any moment, someone is going to realize you don’t actually know what you’re doing? That’s called imposter syndrome, and it affects even the most brilliant, accomplished people in the world.

In fact, studies show that nearly 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers—including some of the most successful entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders of our time.

Success Doesn’t Erase Self-Doubt

Most people assume that once you reach a certain level of success, confidence magically appears, and self-doubt vanishes. But the truth is, self-doubt never fully disappears—it just changes as you grow.

Let’s look at some incredibly successful people who have publicly admitted that they, too, have felt like impostors:

• Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, has shared that even after leading one of the most recognized brands in the world, he often felt unqualified. If the leader of a multi-billion-dollar company can feel this way, doesn’t it say something about how universal this struggle is?

• Maya Angelou, one of the most respected poets and authors of all time, once said, “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’” Imagine that—a woman whose words have shaped history, who inspired generations, still questioning her own abilities.

• Tom Hanks, an Academy Award-winning actor, has admitted that sometimes he still fears that people will suddenly realize he’s just been pretending all these years and that he’s actually a fraud.

If these legends—people at the absolute top of their industries—have struggled with imposter syndrome, what does that tell us?

It tells us that imposter syndrome is not a reflection of your abilities or intelligence—it’s a sign that you are pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Why Feeling Like an Impostor is a Good Thing

Yes, you heard that right. Feeling like an impostor can actually be a good thing.

It means that you’re challenging yourself, stretching beyond what’s familiar, and stepping into new opportunities. And that’s exactly what growth looks like.

Think about it—if you always felt completely comfortable, it would mean you weren’t taking risks, weren’t putting yourself in situations where you had to learn and adapt. The only people who never feel like impostors are the ones who never try something new.

So, instead of letting imposter syndrome make you feel like you’re not ready, reframe it as proof that you are growing.

How to Stop Letting Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back

Now that you know imposter syndrome is normal, let’s talk about how to move past it and keep it from slowing you down.

1. Reframe the Feeling

Instead of seeing imposter syndrome as a sign that you don’t belong, see it as a sign that you’re in exactly the right place. Every time you feel doubt creeping in, remind yourself: “This means I’m growing.”

You don’t feel like an impostor because you’re unqualified—you feel like an impostor because you care. You want to do great work. You want to succeed. And that desire is pushing you forward.

2. Keep a Journal of Wins

Imposter syndrome often makes us forget all the things we’ve already accomplished. The brain has a funny way of dismissing our own successes while magnifying our fears.

A powerful way to combat this is to keep a record of your wins—big and small.

• Did you land a client? Write it down.

• Did you get a great review from a customer? Save it.

• Did you push through a challenge you didn’t think you could handle? Reflect on it.

The next time imposter syndrome creeps in, look back at your journal of accomplishments. See the proof that you are, in fact, capable and worthy of success.

3. Remember That Everyone Starts Somewhere

It’s easy to compare ourselves to people who are ahead of us—the business owner with the thriving company, the entrepreneur with the huge following, the speaker who seems so confident on stage.

But here’s what you don’t see: They all started somewhere, too.

That successful business owner? They were once terrified of their first sale.

That entrepreneur with thousands of followers? They once had zero.

That confident speaker? They once stood in front of an audience, heart racing, unsure if they could do it.

You don’t have to be perfect to start—you just have to start.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Journey

Feeling like an impostor doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. And it definitely doesn’t mean you won’t succeed.

What it means is that you’re stepping into something new, and that’s exactly where growth happens.

So, the next time that voice in your head tells you that you don’t belong, remind yourself: “This is proof that I’m doing something big.”

The only real impostor is the one who never tries.

You? You’re right where you’re supposed to be. Keep going.

Stop Comparing Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle

Comparison is one of the biggest killers of confidence, and for new entrepreneurs, it can be paralyzing. You start your business, full of excitement, but then you hop on social media, read an article, or listen to a podcast about a wildly successful entrepreneur who seems to have it all figured out.

Suddenly, doubt creeps in. You start questioning if you’re even in the right game.

• “They’ve got thousands of followers. I barely have ten.”

• “They just hit six figures in sales. I haven’t even landed my first customer.”

• “Their brand looks so professional. I’m still figuring out my logo.”

Before you know it, you’re convincing yourself that you’re not cut out for this. That you’re falling behind. That you’ll never catch up.

But here’s what you need to remember: You are comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle.

Everyone Starts Somewhere—Even the Greats

We love to admire successful entrepreneurs, but what we often forget is that they all started from zero. No business. No customers. No influence.

• Jeff Bezos didn’t launch Amazon with a massive team and billions in revenue. He started in his garage, personally packing and shipping books by hand.

• Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, had no experience in fashion, no connections in the industry, and no investors. She worked her day job selling fax machines door-to-door while building her business on the side.

• Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential figures in media, was once fired from her job as a news anchor and told she wasn’t “fit for television.” Imagine if she had believed that.

You are seeing these people at the peak of their success—but you’re not seeing the years of struggle, the late nights, the failures, and the doubts they had along the way.

Social Media is a Highlight Reel—Not Reality

One of the biggest traps of comparison comes from social media.

You see another entrepreneur posting about their new office space, their massive revenue growth, or their sold-out product launch, and suddenly you feel inadequate.

But here’s the truth: Social media only shows the wins.

It doesn’t show the moments of panic when their sales dipped. It doesn’t show the time they cried over a deal falling through. It doesn’t show the self-doubt they battled behind the scenes.

It’s a highlight reel. And comparing your real-life journey to someone else’s curated success story is not just unfair—it’s harmful.

Focus on Your Own Path

Instead of looking at how far ahead others seem to be, shift your focus inward.

Ask yourself:

• What progress have I made in the past month?

• What is one small step I can take today to move forward?

• What can I learn from other entrepreneurs, rather than feeling intimidated by them?

The reality is, your journey is yours alone. Someone else’s success does not take away from your potential. In fact, their success is proof that it’s possible for you too.

How to Stop the Comparison Trap

1. Limit Your Exposure to Comparison Triggers

If scrolling through Instagram leaves you feeling behind, unfollow accounts that make you doubt yourself. Instead, fill your feed with content that motivates and encourages you.

2. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection

Success isn’t about overnight wins—it’s about showing up consistently. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Got your first sale? That’s huge. Designed your website? Amazing. Every step forward is progress.

3. Find Inspiration Instead of Intimidation

Instead of seeing other entrepreneurs as competition, see them as proof of what’s possible. Use their stories as fuel, not fear.

Final Thought: Your Time Will Come

The people you admire were once in your shoes. They had moments where they questioned everything. The only difference? They kept going.

So stop worrying about how fast someone else is moving. Your time will come—but only if you focus on your own journey, take action, and refuse to quit.

You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.

Take Action Before You Feel Ready

One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that we need to feel ready before we start. We wait for the fear to go away, for the perfect moment to arrive, for everything to be in place. But the reality is, if you wait until you feel completely ready, you will be waiting forever.

Readiness is a myth. Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action.

Think about anything you have ever learned in life. When you learned to ride a bike, you didn’t sit on the sidelines watching videos about balance, waiting for the day you magically knew how to pedal without falling. You got on the bike, wobbled, maybe even crashed a few times, and figured it out along the way.

Starting a business works the same way. You won’t feel fully prepared, but you have to start anyway.

Why Do We Wait?

Most of the time, we don’t take action because of one thing: fear.

• Fear of failing. What if it doesn’t work? What if I waste time and money?

• Fear of what people will think. What if people judge me? What if they laugh at my idea?

• Fear of the unknown. I don’t know everything yet. What if I make mistakes?

And the biggest fear of all: What if I’m not good enough?

Imposter syndrome tells us that we’re not qualified, that we need more experience, more education, or more time before we can start. It whispers that everyone else knows what they’re doing, and you’re the only one faking it.

But here’s the truth: No one actually knows what they’re doing in the beginning.

Every entrepreneur you admire started from zero. They had the same doubts, the same fears, and the same lack of experience. The only difference is that they took action before they felt ready.

The Secret to Confidence: Action Comes First

People assume that confidence comes first, then action follows. But in reality, it’s the other way around. You build confidence by doing.

• You don’t become confident in sales by studying sales techniques—you become confident by selling.

• You don’t become confident in public speaking by reading about it—you become confident by speaking.

• You don’t become confident in running a business by waiting—you become confident by starting.

Taking action creates experience. Experience creates results. And results create confidence.

It’s a loop: Action → Experience → Confidence → More Action.

If you never take the first step, you never get the confidence you’re waiting for.

Start Messy, Start Imperfect, Just Start

One of the biggest breakthroughs in business is realizing that it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to start.

• Your first product won’t be perfect.

• Your first website won’t be perfect.

• Your first pitch won’t be perfect.

But none of that matters. What matters is that you get in the game.

Too many entrepreneurs waste months—or even years—trying to perfect their idea before launching. They tweak their website endlessly, obsess over the perfect logo, or hold off on announcing their business because they want everything to be just right.

Meanwhile, someone else with half their talent, but twice their courage, is out there actually making money.

Take One Small Step Today

If the idea of starting feels overwhelming, shrink it down to just one small step.

What’s one tiny thing you can do today that moves you closer to launching your business?

• Register your business name. Even if you’re not sure about every detail yet, securing your name is a step forward.

• Talk to one potential customer. Have a conversation, get feedback, and start understanding your audience.

• Build a simple landing page. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just something to make your business feel real.

• Post about your business idea. Share what you’re working on with your network. The first time you put yourself out there is scary, but it gets easier.

Say Yes Before You Feel Ready

Want to grow faster than you ever thought possible? Start saying yes before you think you’re ready.

Most successful entrepreneurs didn’t know what they were doing when they started. They took on opportunities they weren’t 100% prepared for, then figured it out as they went.

• Someone asks if you can do a big project? Say yes, then learn how to do it.

• A customer wants a service you don’t fully offer yet? Say yes, then build it.

• An investor wants a pitch deck? Say yes, then create one.

Saying yes before you feel ready forces you to grow. It puts you in situations where you must level up, and that’s where transformation happens.

Final Thought: The Only Way to Know is to Start

There’s no magic moment where all fear disappears. No moment where you suddenly feel 100% confident. No moment where you know with certainty that you’ll succeed.

But you don’t need any of that to start.

Every entrepreneur who has ever built something amazing started with uncertainty, fear, and doubt. The only reason they succeeded is because they moved forward anyway.

If you’re waiting to feel ready, you’ll never start. If you start now, you’ll become ready along the way.

So take that step today. Start messy. Start imperfect. Just start. Your future self will thank you.

Conclusion: Stepping into Your Power and Moving Past Imposter Syndrome

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this episode, it’s this: You are more capable than you think.

Feeling like an imposter, doubting your abilities, or wondering if you’re “good enough” to be an entrepreneur—these are all signs that you are pushing yourself into new and uncharted territory. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s exactly what you should be doing. Growth is uncomfortable. Progress feels uncertain. But everything you want—everything you’re working toward—is on the other side of that fear.

The most successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and visionaries didn’t wait until they felt ready. They didn’t wake up one morning suddenly filled with confidence, certainty, and a roadmap for success. They moved forward despite their doubts. They took action even when they were unsure. And they built their confidence by doing, not by waiting.

You don’t have to know everything before you start. You just have to start.

You don’t have to be the best to make an impact. You just have to show up.

You don’t have to be fearless to succeed. You just have to move forward despite the fear.

Your Next Steps: From Doubt to Action

So here’s my challenge to you. Right now, today, take one small step.

• If you’ve been waiting to launch your business, start researching your market or setting up your website.

• If you’ve been holding back because you feel like you don’t know enough, sign up for a class, read a book, or talk to someone who’s done it before.

• If you’ve been battling imposter syndrome, write down your wins—big or small—and remind yourself that you’re already further along than you think.

The worst thing you can do is stay stuck in hesitation. The best thing you can do is start before you feel ready.

And remember this: The world needs what you have to offer. Your ideas, your skills, your perspective—they matter. There are people out there who will benefit from what you create. But they will never get that chance if you let fear win.

Final Words from John Reyes

I believe in you. And I know that if you take that first step, then another, then another, you will look back and wonder why you ever doubted yourself in the first place.

This has been Startup Business 101, and I’m John Reyes.

Go take that next step. Your future success is waiting.

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