You’re More Ready Than You Think: Conquering Imposter Syndrome as a Health Pro

Have you ever heard that little voice whisper, “Who am I to do this?” If so, you’re not alone. In fact, imposter syndrome is one of the biggest things holding back talented professionals in our field — even more than time, money, or experience.

It’s time we talked about it.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that nagging inner critic that tells you you're not good enough — that your achievements are just luck, timing, or someone else’s help. It’s the fear that if people really knew you, they’d realise you’re not as capable as they think.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the twist: imposter syndrome doesn’t hit the underperformers. It hits the high achievers — those who deeply care, who want to do things right, and who are constantly comparing themselves to influencers or academics with bigger platforms or more qualifications.

But here’s the truth: feeling like an imposter is a sign that you care. It means you’re stretching yourself, growing, and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Even the Greats Feel It

You’re in good company. Michelle Obama has spoken about her imposter syndrome. Albert Einstein admitted to feeling like a fraud. Maya Angelou, after writing 11 books, still thought the next one might be the one where people “find out.”

What made them different? They did it anyway.

Why Nutrition Professionals Are Especially Vulnerable

As nutritionists, dietitians, naturopaths, and health coaches, we’re in a helping profession — and that often comes with perfectionism and a fear of getting it wrong. We want to serve others well. But that same desire can leave us feeling paralysed, doubting our readiness, and constantly fearing being “called out” online.

But here’s the truth bomb you need to hear:

❝ Someone out there needs to hear the message — from you. In your voice. With your tone and personality. ❞

There may be others with bigger followings or flashier websites, but they’re not you. And there are people out there who won’t resonate with them… but they will with you.

How to Break Free from Imposter Syndrome

Here are the tools and mindset shifts that helped me — and might just help you too.

1. Counsel Yourself Like You Would a Client

If your client came to you saying they weren’t good enough, you wouldn’t agree. You’d highlight their wins, reflect on their strengths, and help them reframe the story. Do the same for yourself.

2. Shift from Perception to Service

Stop obsessing over what people might think. Instead, focus on who you’re helping and how. Make your goal about impact, not impression.

3. Stop Waiting for Permission

No one’s coming to tap you on the shoulder and say, “You’re ready now.” You don’t need permission to start. The best time to launch your idea was yesterday. The second-best time is today.

4. Embrace the Cringe

You will cringe when you look back at your first posts, offers, or videos — and that’s a good thing. It means you’ve grown. Cringe is part of the process. Do it anyway.

5. Realise No One’s Actually Thinking About You

A powerful exercise from a conference once reminded me that people are mostly thinking about themselves. We worry what others are thinking of us, but they’re probably just wondering what we’re thinking of them.

6. Let Them

Mel Robbins’ book Let Them delivers a powerful message: let people think what they want. You can’t control it — and it’s not your responsibility to try.

The Final Word

Let me leave you with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt:

❝ It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena… who errs, who comes short again and again… but who does actually strive to do the deeds. ❞

So get in the arena. Post the content. Launch the offer. Start the podcast. Write the blog.

Because while you’re stuck in your own head, someone out there is going without the help they desperately need — and they need it from you.

If this message hit home for you, pass it on. Share it with a friend or colleague. And remember, you don’t have to feel “ready” — you just have to begin.