Show Up Scared: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Put Yourself Out There

Launching a business. Starting a podcast. Sharing a vulnerable Instagram post.
All of these can feel like standing on a stage under a blinding spotlight—especially when that inner voice whispers, “Who am I to do this?”

Welcome to the club, friend.

In a recent Caffeinated Chaos episode, I opened up about one of the biggest blocks entrepreneurs and creatives face: imposter syndrome. Whether you’re a parentpreneur, a side-hustler, or a multi-hyphenate creative, that “not enough” feeling can sneak in when you least expect it. Listen to the podcast here --> https://www.buzzsprout.com/2424597/episodes/17069272

Many of us (especially parents and perfectionists) were taught to keep it small.

• Don’t be too confident.

• Don’t make anyone uncomfortable with your ambition.

• Don’t take up too much space.

So when it’s time to share our work, fear flares up: What if people judge me? What if I’m not qualified? Even after publishing dozens of podcast episodes, I still feel a pang of “who do I think I am?” every time I hit upload.

Practical Ways to Push Through

Here are the small but powerful shifts I’ve used—and that I shared on the podcast—to keep showing up:

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent
   Done is better than perfect. Post a behind-the-scenes photo, a quick story, or a single tip you learned this week. Confidence grows with action, not before it.

2. Talk to One Person, Not the Internet
   Imagine you’re speaking to your best friend, not a faceless crowd. When you create for someone specific, your message feels natural instead of salesy.

3. Create Before You Scroll
   Make your content before diving into Instagram or TikTok. Avoid the comparison spiral and save your creative energy for your own work.

4. Reconnect With Your Why
   Write down the reason you started—a note on your desk, a sticky on your laptop. When fear shows up, read it. Let it ground you.

5. Accept That Fear Comes Along for the Ride
   Even the most seasoned pros feel it. The difference is they keep showing up anyway.

You don’t need the loudest voice or a picture-perfect brand. You need your voice. If you’re introverted, share thoughtful captions. If you’re funny, let that shine. If you’re raw and real—embrace it.

So here’s your permission slip: post the draft, launch the offer, share the messy story. Someone out there is waiting to think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.”

Listen to the podcast here --> https://www.buzzsprout.com/2424597/episodes/17069272