This past weekend, I was at the Oceans Calling music festival listening to some incredible throwback bands — think Green Day, En Vogue, Lenny Kravitz, O.A.R., Michelle Branch and many others.
As Michelle Branch took the stage – literally sandwiched between two other stages with competing performances – she looked out over a sea of people stretching as far as the eye could see and said:
“I’m just gonna tell myself you’re all here to see me.”
The crowd cheered, but I caught something underneath her words.
It was imposter syndrome, loud and clear.
Even with platinum records, millions of fans, and a literal ocean of people standing in front of her, she still had that moment of “Do I really belong here? Are they actually here for me?”
Sound familiar?
You don’t need to be a rock star to know that feeling.
No doubt, you’ve experienced it, too.
Maybe you’re running a high stakes meeting at work or navigating tricky conversations at home, and despite years of experience, you still think:
“If they only knew the truth… I’m just figuring this out as I go.”
Here’s the thing: Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It means you’re pushing yourself into new territory — and that’s a good thing.
Michelle Branch belonged on that stage, just like you belong in the rooms you’re in, whether that’s a boardroom, a classroom, or your own kitchen table.
If imposter syndrome has been cranking up the volume in your head lately, grab my free guide, or send it to someone who needs it:
5 Ways to Cure Your Imposter Syndrome
Because no matter how loud that inner critic gets, you deserve to take the stage with confidence.