In my last blog What Type of Imposter Are You I have identified five types of imposter syndrome—the five faces of the impostors: the Scrutinizer, the Champion, the Overqualified, the Whiz, and the Loner. Now, the key is recognizing when one of them starts talking to you in your head. That inner voice is your trigger. What do you do when it shows up? The answer: you create an incident response plan. In other words, when the imposter tries to speak, you already know how to respond.

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Let’s start with the Scrutinizer. The Scrutinizer is the perfectionist. When this imposter shows up, remind yourself that mistakes make you grow. For the Scrutinizer, it can feel unbearable if 99% of people loved something and one person didn’t. But remember: done is better than perfect. Once you think it’s perfect, you’ll always find one more thing anyway. Perfection could go on forever, and often, what you completed five revisions ago was already more than good enough. Your mantra could be: Your good enough is phenomenal for others.

Next, the Champion. This imposter takes on way too much. Why? Because they want to prove their worth and show they belong. But here’s the truth: you already belong. When you take everything on yourself, you’re actually stealing someone else’s chance to grow and shine. Your status doesn’t change if you step back—it allows others to contribute. Talk back to the Champion by saying: You already have enough on your plate.

The Overqualified is constantly chasing the next achievement. “When I get this diploma, when I earn this certificate, when I launch this project… then I won’t be an imposter anymore.” But the truth is: your experience and who you are matter right now. Others are already learning from you. Your best work comes when you trust what you already know and embrace who you already are. Your mantra for the Overqualified could be: You have already earned your value.

Now, let’s talk about the Whiz. The Whiz is expected to have all the answers—instantly. Parents, leaders, or experts often feel this way. But if you don’t have all the answers immediately, it doesn’t mean you’re an imposter. Remember the stages of learning. Every expert you admire has walked through them, and so have you. You’re not supposed to be great at something right away. Talk back to the Whiz by saying: Learning makes you even smarter.

Finally, the Loner. This imposter resists asking for help, because needing guidance feels like weakness. They’d rather figure it out alone, even if it takes longer. But here’s the reality: asking for help is not weakness—it’s a shortcut. It gets you unstuck faster and lets you move forward independently again. Real experts know when to lean on others. Your mantra could be: Asking for help is a shortcut.

When these imposters speak up in your mind, the most powerful strategy is to talk back to them with intention. Today’s focus was on communication—choosing words and mantras that help you silence the imposter voice and regain access to your best self. Recognize which imposter is talking, respond with clarity, and move forward with confidence.

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