By Carla Clarissa – Coach, author and founder of Journey to Wholeness®
You have a successful career. People see you as powerful, smart and competent. And yet…
A little voice whispers, “Am I good enough?”
“What if they find out I don’t actually know?”
“Who am I to take this stage?”
That little voice is your inner critic. And for many women – including me – she has a name. Mine is called Mrs. Perfect. She wants me to be just a little bit better prepared, to know just a little bit more, and above all, to be sure that I am worth it. Only then can I become visible.
Recognizable?
Then this blog is for you.
What exactly is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is that persistent feeling that you could fall through at any moment. As if your success is not really yours, but the result of luck, coincidence or good timing. As if you still have to prove everything, even if your resume tells a different story.
It is not an official diagnosis, but a well-known phenomenon – especially in women with high responsibilities and highly developed self-awareness. And no, it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you are growing.
Because doubt is not a sign of deficiency. It is a sign of commitment. Of wanting to contribute. But when that doubt becomes chronic, it undermines your leadership, your visibility and your impact.
The inner critic: saboteur or protector?
Your inner critic’s voice may sound stern or cynical, but her intent is rarely malicious. In fact, she thinks she is protecting you. From rejection. Against loss of face. Against disappointment.
She says, “Just try a little harder.”
“Wait a little longer before you share.”
“Stay in the background a little longer.”
Not because she wants you to fail. But because she thinks it’s safer to hold back than to emerge.
But here’s the truth: that voice doesn’t help you grow. It keeps you small, trapped in the narrative that you are valuable only when you meet an unachievable ideal.
The BRAVE method: five steps to courageous leadership
In the conversations I have with women, I always see the same pattern: we long for freedom, visibility and impact – but unconsciously hold ourselves back. That’s why I developed the BRAVE method. A practical, loving way to meet your inner critic and yet courageously take your place.
Breathe – Take a breath and be here
Your breath is your anchor. Before you react or correct yourself, breathe. Stand still. Notice what you are feeling. Often we tend to move away from discomfort, but it is in contacting that feeling that lies the opening to change.
Recognize – Recognize your inner critic
Give her a name, like Mrs. Perfect. See her as a part of you, not the truth. She is old behavior, born of adaptation. Her voice is not the voice of your potential – it is the echo of your past.
Accept – Embrace her with compassion
You don’t have to get into a fight. Say “thank you” to your inner critic. Acknowledge her intention. But then make a different choice. You decide whether to listen or lead.
Value – Remember your own value
Dwell on what is right. At who you are, not what you have to prove. Ask yourself: what is really needed here? What do I want to bring, say, do? You don’t have to wait for perfection. You already are enough.
Evolve – Take that step
Not perfect. Powerful, though. One email. One presentation. One conversation. Growth comes not from waiting, but from moving. Celebrate your steps – not because they are great, but because you have gone.
You’re not alone (and you don’t have to do it alone)
In all my years of coaching, I have never met a woman without an inner critic. Whether she is a CEO, entrepreneur, changemaker or just taking her first leadership step – doubt is everywhere.
But that does not mean we should continue to believe that doubt.
When you learn to recognize and guide your inner critic, you change your relationship with yourself. You stop fixing yourself, and start carrying yourself. And that is the basis for authentic, embodied leadership.
This is your invitation to take your place
You don’t have to wait until you no longer feel doubt.
You don’t have to “get it all” first.
You just have to say yes to yourself.
At The Women’s Leadership Program I guide women like you to tame their inner critic, embrace their true power and make an impact from confidence and authenticity.
Because when one woman takes her place, she opens the door for so many.
Do you feel it’s time? Then I would love to meet you. www.carlaclarissa.com
