Imposter Syndrome & Integrity

Let's talk about imposter syndrome.

Every week when I lead the YogaRenew teacher training Q&A, I hear one question again and again: How do I handle imposter syndrome? While these conversations focus on yoga, imposter syndrome is a deeply human experience—one we often face when stepping into new roles or beginnings, where uncertainty feels most alive.

First, what is it? Imposter syndrome is a feeling that you’re not fit for what you’re doing or that you’re a “fraud." It's essentially self-doubt. 

Our brains crave familiarity. When stepping into something new, subconscious fears and beliefs rise to the surface simply because our brain and nervous system lacks a blueprint for this new territory. It’s like your mind is scrambling because it doesn’t have a map for this new version of you yet. Again, imposter syndrome is so human. 

However—and this may be a confronting thought—I believe there’s a connection between integrity and imposter syndrome. And this connection creates two potential paths:

Path 1: You're simply growing into this new role.

Here, you’re right where you need to be, but your confidence hasn’t yet caught up to your reality. The discomfort you feel isn’t an indication that you’re unfit or that you’re a failure; it’s a natural part of growth. A combination of time, experience, and trust is the medicine.

Of course, spiritual counseling will also be supportive ;) since imposter syndrome brings subconscious beliefs and fears to the surface (more on this below!)

One simple exercise I love when I’m feeling this way is to create a list of every single piece of evidence that shows me I’m right where I belong—training, past experiences, even small wins that remind me I’m capable. Keep that list close and lean on it when self-doubt creeps in.

Path 2: You may be on the right path, but a bit out of integrity. 

I want to start by saying that this is nuanced, but it's a worthy conversation.

Here, this new role is shining a light on areas where you need more study, mentorship, or practice. This is not about judgment or shame but about humility—the courage to acknowledge what requires deeper attention and care.

This path also invites you to reflect on your inner moral compass. Integrity isn’t just about skill or execution—it’s about whether what you’re creating emerges from within or if it’s merely a replication of something external.

For instance, have you ever heard someone say, “I could have done that,” when looking at someone else’s work? Maybe that’s true from a technical standpoint, but would it have come from a place of alignment? While none of us create in isolation—we’re all influenced by what has come before—integrity invites us to honor how we weave those threads into something that feels true to us, rather than simply replicating what’s already been done.

When imposter syndrome shows up here, it may be asking you to recalibrate—to ensure your offerings are not only skillful but also aligned with your unique voice and lived experience. Integrity is not about perfection; it’s about presence and a willingness to root your work in authenticity.

Lastly, this path illuminates a confrontation with the cultural myth of instant gratification. We’ve grown accustomed to believing that competence and confidence should arrive without the messy process of (un)becoming. But true learning is cyclical, slow, and deeply human. It requires patience, practice, and a willingness to honor the rhythm of growth.

So, what’s the path forward?

This conversation asks us to approach imposter syndrome not just as an obstacle, but as a teacher. Sitting at the feet of this teacher can help us grow and become truly embodied in our craft.

The beautiful news is that both paths can lead you to a deeper understanding of yourself. From a depth psychology lens, imposter syndrome can be seen as an encounter with the shadow. When we feel like an imposter, it may reveal aspects of ourselves we’ve suppressed or disowned—fear of inadequacy, a feeling of not being enough, not being worthy, perfectionism, or even our hunger for recognition. Shadow work invites us to integrate these parts, not by denying or rejecting them, but by meeting them with curiosity. What unmet need or hidden belief is your imposter syndrome pointing to?

Lastly, a loving reminder that Integrity doesn’t demand perfection; it asks you to become present with the resonance of your heart so you can hear it more clearly, rather than filtering or distorting its guidance through the lens of wounding. The key is listening with compassion. The answer to which path you're walking can really only come from this place, within yourself. 

Whichever it is, I pray that you’re able to hold yourself softly with grace. Each time you do the inner work necessary to navigate the nuance and complexity of being human, you embody a more authentic, whole expression of yourself and thus, allow others to do the same. What a beautiful world we can create together when we walk with integrity. I feel so blessed to be walking alongside you.