What do invigilating college exams and overcoming imposter syndrome have in common? Turns out… a lot. After spending a week watching students navigate pressure, fear, and performance, I realised how often those same patterns show up in business too, especially when imposter syndrome kicks in.
So I wanted to gather my thoughts to share with you in the hope that you might glean a piece of information to support your journey to overcome imposter syndrome. And if you’ve done an exam or two, I hope you can see the parallels.
Here are 8 things I noticed in the exam room that also reveal how imposter syndrome really works.
1. Age and hope are not related when it comes to imposter syndrome
There were students, clearly straight out of school, and there were parents clearly in their 40s – both struggled with imposter syndrome. Likewise, some walked in full of doubt and dread, and others lost their nerve when faced with the task at hand – age didn’t come into it.
2. Imposter syndrome flourishes in disbelief
Belief in your abilities is an inside job. This means that you’re in control and are the keeper of your self-belief. Sometimes, though, especially when you need to perform, one kind word or gesture makes the world of difference.
A former business coach said to me, “Borrow my belief in you until you can believe in yourself.” These students, mostly international, were faced with an exam not in their native language, some, it was their first exam at a tertiary level. I knew that if I said that I had observed them working hard, which I had, that this would put their minds at ease about their ability to produce the answers. It helped. Many started writing again after having been frozen in fear.
3. Imposter Syndrome feeds off inaction
Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that you’re not good/smart enough and you can’t do what is expected of you. I understand how daunting staring down a blank page is, so I encouraged the students to write out the question they were stuck on onto the scrap paper.
More often than not, the question contains the key words for the answer. So writing those key words can trigger the connections in your brain. And yes, a number of students were able to start answering after writing out the question.
Sometimes, we just need a nudge to get us moving. Just like that rolling stone that doesn’t gather moss, when we start an action, it can be the catalyst we need.
4. Panicked action is still action against imposter syndrome
While a panicked attempt may not get you what you want, it might just get you what you need.
Taking a few deep breaths and reminding yourself that you’re backing yourself, you’re in this for the long game, you have gotten this far, and you’ve been successful in the past, so you will be successful again are all great ways to remind yourself of what you can do.
I’ve mentioned earlier that imposter syndrome flourishes in disbelief, so reminding yourself of what you’re capable of and have achieved counters the negativity imposter syndrome can bring.
5. Overcoming imposter syndrome is an inside job
While you may look to those around you for support or encouragement, the best supporter you have is you – trust yourself.
You know what you know & the work you’ve done. Trust that.
And while we’re on those around you… choose who you turn to wisely. Some people are only in it for themselves. Other people provide advice based on their own fears and imposter syndrome.
6. Life/business/study is a long game
When you pour so much of yourself into something, it can be tiring. It can also break your heart if it doesn’t turn out like you hoped or expected.
Remember – this is one moment in a long game.
7. Being in flow with your purpose protects you from imposter syndrome
I actually invigilated for two of my former marketing students; one now studying ICT and the other community service. While they were good students, I could see that moving to ICT and community service is more in line with their purpose. Their answers just poured from their pens.
Sometimes things flow because you’re on the right path, sometimes it’s because it’s a good day. If it’s not flowing, that’s ok – it could be the day or it could be the path.
If you know you’re on the right path, don’t stress and definitely don’t look at others. Remember that this is a long game, you’ve come a long way to get here, and you will get there.
8. Imposter Syndrome does get easier
With time, the situations that trigger our imposter syndrome get easier; they become familiar. The other thing is that with time and a willingness to learn, we gain tools to help us navigate when imposter syndrome kicks in.
It may always be uncomfortable, but this is where growth lies. Remember the long game, focus on what you can do and remember the long game.
🧠 Frozen in fear? Here’s what it looks like—and what you can do:
| What’s Happening | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Blank page staring back at you. Your brain’s gone quiet. You’re convinced you don’t know anything. | ✏️ Write out the question on a scrap page or doc. It helps your brain find key words and context. |
| You’re stuck in overthinking. Nothing feels “good enough” to start. | 🧠 Lower the stakes. Tell yourself this is just a first draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be useful. |
| You’re spiraling. Doubt’s getting louder. | 💬 Borrow belief. Ask: What would I say to a friend in this moment? Say it to yourself. |
| You’ve started… but now you’re second-guessing every word. | 🕒 Set a timer. Give yourself 10 mins to write without stopping, then edit later. Action kills doubt. |
| You’ve frozen again. The fear’s back. | 💡 Remember: Imposter syndrome thrives in inaction. Any action interrupts the cycle. Start small. |
Prefer a visual? Here’s the same info as a shareable graphic.
I hope these insights were helpful or a reminder to you that imposter syndrome is multifaceted but can be negotiated, even when stress and the need to perform is high. I hope you also remember that overcoming imposter syndrome is an inside job, but I encourage you to lean on the right people to get you through.
You don’t have to be in a classroom to feel like you’re being tested. But remember—imposter syndrome isn’t a final exam. It’s just a feeling. And like those students, you can move through it, one page (or step) at a time.
