Remember that scene in "The Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy realizes she had the power to go home all along? That’s kind of how overcoming impostor syndrome feels. There you are, doubting your every move, feeling like a fraud in ruby slippers, when all along, you’ve had the tools to step into your role with confidence. But let’s be real—this is easier said than done. Impostor syndrome can make you feel like the scarecrow, the lion, and the tin man all rolled into one: no brain, no courage, no heart (and definitely no chill).

Still, learning to quiet that inner naysayer isn’t just a dream sequence from an old movie—it’s a process. And one that’s made me reflect deeply on my own path from self-doubt to self-assurance. Let me share how I got there while sprinkling in a few practical tips I picked up along the way.

The Boulder Blues: Where It All Began

Let’s kick things off with me, a scrappy kid from Boulder growing up in a house where identity felt as natural as the pine-scented air. My parents were environmental warriors—hosting community forums, advocating for sustainable living, and inspiring a 7-year-old me to believe I’d one day weave the threads of policy and poetry into a meaningful tapestry.

Enter adulthood, when reality didn’t live up to that picturesque dream. Despite immersing myself in environmental conservation work, I felt more like a tumbleweed aimlessly rolling through life than the sturdy oak I was supposed to become. I questioned whether I deserved to be in the room when conversations veered toward climate change solutions that felt too big to grasp. Impostor syndrome? I was drowning in it, headfirst.

Breaking the Cycle of “Not Enough”

Maybe you’ve been there—walking into a room where everyone seems smarter, better-prepared, and light-years ahead of you. Now multiply that by every presentation, email, or even informal brainstorming session. Yup, that was me for years. It’s kind of like being on a first date and convincing yourself they’re only humoring you because the appetizers haven’t arrived yet.

My tipping point? I realized my self-doubt wasn’t noble humility—it was a distraction. Every minute spent second-guessing myself was a minute I wasn’t showing up fully. Here’s what helped me push through:

  1. Recognize the Inner Critic
    First, you have to identify that voice in your head for what it really is: an unreliable narrator. I started asking myself, “What evidence do I have that I’m actually unqualified?” Nine times out of ten, my answer was “None.” (The other one time? I needed more coffee.)

  2. Gather Your Wins
    You might not have saved the rainforests singlehandedly or written the next Great American Novel (yet), but surely you’ve made meaningful contributions. Build an inventory of your accomplishments—big, small, solo, or team—and revisit it when self-doubt creeps in. Think of it as an antidote to the highlight reels you’re comparing yourself to.

  3. Adopt the Beginner’s Mindset
    Instead of pretending to know everything (which, spoiler alert, is impossible), I embraced the idea that being a beginner can actually be a superpower. There’s freedom in saying, “I don’t know, but I’m eager to learn.” Kind of like dating: nobody shows up to the first dinner having memorized the other person’s entire life story. It’s okay to ask questions.

Lessons From the Flatirons: Why Nature Knows Best

Here’s a little secret straight from the Rocky Mountains: no one hikes a 14er expecting it to be easy, and no one gets to the summit without a little struggle (or, in my case, pausing to catch my breath every 10 minutes). But there’s something about nature that teaches us humility and resilience. That winding trail? It’s a metaphor for the journey you’re on.

When you’re battling impostor syndrome, embrace these lessons from the great outdoors: - Start Small: Just like nobody begins with the hardest trail on day one, don’t put impossible expectations on yourself to master everything at once. Growth is incremental. - Lean on Your Team: Hiking buddies ensure you don’t get lost or discouraged; seek out mentors, peers, or even friends to support your learning curve. - Celebrate Milestones: Maybe you haven’t reached the peak yet, but every switchback you cross deserves a moment of acknowledgment.

Impostor Syndrome VS Relationships: The Parallel No One Talks About

Here’s where things get really interesting: the same mindset that fueled my self-doubt at work used to follow me into relationships. It’s that little gremlin whispering, “You’re just the right-now person. They’ll eventually figure out you’re not all that great.” Sound familiar?

Over time, I learned that relationships—like careers—are places where you grow, not places where you arrive fully formed. Nobody has it all figured out (unless “figured out” includes burning oatmeal while trying to impress someone). Here's what I took away:

  • Be Authentic: Pretending to be something you’re not only exhausts you. The right connections, in or out of the workplace, want the real you—not the polished résumé version.
  • Normalize Feedback: Constructive criticism isn’t a personal attack; it’s a chance to improve. Accepting feedback at work taught me how to listen better in relationships—or, at least, how to say, “Okay, fair point” without rolling my eyes.
  • Trust The Process: You’re not perfect, and that’s okay. Neither is anyone else. Whether you're growing into your dream job or a long-term relationship, it’s about progress, not perfection.

So…How Do You Become the Expert?

Here’s where we flip the script—just like Dorothy, you already have everything you need. Becoming the “expert” in your field (or confident in your role, or self-assured in your relationship) doesn’t come from waiting to feel ready. It’s about showing up while you’re still figuring it out. Spoiler alert: we’re all figuring it out.

To bridge the gap between how you see yourself and how others see you: - Commit to learning. Read, ask questions, show curiosity.
- Share what you know gracefully, without apology or overcompensation. - Remember that expertise doesn’t mean knowing it all—it means caring enough to keep improving.

Case in point: my memoir. When I started writing about my dad’s conservation work, I felt grossly unqualified. Who was I to capture the complexities of land stewardship or my dad’s legacy? To my surprise, the writing process wasn’t about flaunting my expertise, but about exploring it. And by the time readers responded to my essays, I realized we all crave the same thing: vulnerability, not perfection.

Conclusion: Your Role, Redefined

Overcoming impostor syndrome doesn’t mean waking up one day with all the answers. Instead, it’s about accepting that nobody else does either. Whether it’s your first real job, a major life relationship, or something smaller but meaningful (like making soufflé without collapsing it), remember: you’re enough, flaws and all.

The next time that inner critic pipes up, channel your inner Dorothy. There’s no yellow brick road, no wizard behind the curtain—just you, walking it out, one step at a time.