Why Imposter Syndrome strikes at the start of a new project - even when you’re perfectly capable

For a while in my career, I was a project and then programme manager.

Project managers live from gig to gig. The moment one is landing, you’re on to the next. As time went on, the projects offered to me were more complex, bigger teams, higher risk.

I should have felt this to be a compliment. But for every new project I’d have this period of self-doubt as if I’d never even organised a team day out.

This is the thing with Imposter Syndrome. It strikes at an inconvenient time.

For me it was start of new projects. For you it’s likely holding you back from even applying for that job or promotion you deserve.

So let’s dig in and find out why this is and how to stop it.

Why starting something new triggers Imposter Syndrome

There are three big reasons why that period of starting something new or being offered a new opportunity is that time when you develop the wobbles.

1. The pressure of fresh expectations

We like what we know. It’s comfortable and non-threatening. New projects force us to consider high stakes and unknowns. To reach new heights we need to feel brave enough to head into uncharted territory.

We have a track record of past achievements but somehow the unknowns and the pressure to deliver makes us question whether we are truly equipped to handle the expectations placed on us.

2. Perfectionism kicks in

Surrounding you are high achieving leaders. They have high standards. You may even see them as perfectionists. That can magnify every decision. It makes every step, even the very first step of choosing the right team feel like a make-or-break decision.

When every decision is framed as a point of critical project success of failure, Imposter Syndrome thrives. It makes you doubt yourself. It teases you into spending more time inventing more options to avoid or put off making a decision that could be wrong.

Or as your Imposter Syndrome would put it, WILL be wrong.

3. Fear of being exposed

Every new project I undertook meant working with new people and new stakeholders. And some of these would come with strengths I didn’t have. The sensible thing to do is acknowledge we cannot be awesome at everything and harness the strengths of others.

But Imposter Syndrome isn’t sensible. It teases you to focus on others’ strengths. And how you’re weak by comparison. Weak and undeserving. Weak, undeserving and a charlatan that will inevitably be found out.

Until you conclude it’s best not to put yourself in the fray – because that’s the place of safety.

Three ways to overcome Imposter Syndrome at the start of a new job or a project

1. Revisit your wins

No-one’s going to do this for you. You must do this yourself. Remember that CV or application form you made to get the interview. Remember those interview notes you made, working hard to remember all those stories from the past?

That’s your antidote. Before you start the project or in the first few days of new roles, read through those notes. Recall those past moments where you made a difference. It’ll help counter that nagging voice of doubt.

2. Focus on the first step

What’s the very next step I need to take here? It’s easy for Imposter Syndrome to overwhelm you with the what ifs until you’re paralysed in decision making.

Clear your head – if you’re using the Positive Intelligence model I teach, do some PQ reps – break everything into small, manageable actions to reduce overwhelm.

And when others come to you and their panic is inducing panic in you too, make them do the same. Breathe, what’s the next step we need to take. Build the yellow brick road one brick at a time.

3. Self-doubt is you, growing.

When Imposter Syndrome strikes, it’s a good time to remind yourself that feeling unsure is an act of growth. Working through what you don’t know is leaning into the challenge. When others hid under a blanket, you’re out there and learning.

This will help you build elusive resilience and confidence over time.

You’ve Got This (even if it doesn’t feel like it YET)

Imposter Syndrome is a feeling, not a FACT.

It shows up most when you’re tackling something meaningful, a new project, a new role that’s stretching, a bigger challenge. It can only show up when you care deeply about something going well.

The next time Imposter thinking creeps in for you remember this.

You’re here because you’ve earned it. Your ability is stronger than your doubt.

Overcome Imposter Syndrome and be a Braver leader.

If this resonates with you, let’s talk. I help rising leaders like you navigate imposter syndrome so you can focus on doing what you do best—leading with confidence, courage, and impact.

Becoming a Brave Leader means facing into the parts you hide, mask and confronting them.

These are the things that make you dodge the punches, the difficult decisions and hold back your leadership potential.

Your judge.

Your controller, avoider, hyper-achiever, stickler, people pleaser, restless, hyper rational, hyper vigilant and victim tendencies you’ve grown up with, it all starts with you.

Click here for a 30-minute diagnostic session with me. Understand your Imposter Syndrome

I’ll take you through an assessment that’ll help you understand the specific mindsets driving your Imposter Syndrome and what you can do to resolve it.

All free, no obligation. But in my opinion the fastest, most effective way to overcome Imposter Syndrome for good.

In the meantime you can check out my other resources here.

www.ianbrowne.com