That nagging feeling that you’re not good enough, not qualified enough, or that any success you’ve had is just luck? You’re not alone. ADHD and imposter syndrome create a perfect storm of self-doubt, but understanding why this happens is the first step to breaking free.
Research shows that up to 70% of people experience imposter syndrome, and for ADHD adults, those rates may be even higher. In this episode, we explore why ADHD brains are especially vulnerable to imposter thoughts and what you can actually do to build genuine confidence.
Key Topics Covered
Why ADHD Makes Imposter Syndrome Worse:
- ADHD brains are wired to notice what’s missing, not what’s working
- Memory challenges mean we don’t recall our past wins
- Rejection sensitivity dysphoria amplifies feelings of “not belonging”
- Perfectionism and comparison compound the problem
- Masking exhaustion from trying to appear neurotypical
The 5 Types of Imposter Syndrome (Dr. Valerie Young):
- The Perfectionist – anything less than flawless feels like failure
- The Expert – must know everything before feeling qualified
- The Soloist – asking for help means weakness
- The Natural Genius – expects immediate success or feels like a fraud
- The Superhuman – ties worth to being the hardest worker
Real Client Success Stories:
- The woman in male-dominated industry who learned to say “I’ll find out and get back to you”
- The entrepreneur who stopped dismissing his wins by writing them down
- The brilliant professional who cut prep time in half with frameworks
Practical Tools You Can Use Today:
- Name it to tame it – calling out imposter syndrome separates it from your identity
- Win tracking systems – keeping proof your brain can’t gaslight you later
- Framework building – simple checklists that guarantee competence without overworking
- Confidence borrowing – leaning on routines and trusted people until confidence grows
- Power phrases for different situations
- Body-based resets for nervous system regulation
Key Takeaways
- Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re a fraud – it means you’re growing
- You don’t have to know everything to be qualified – being resourceful matters more
- Confidence grows through action, not waiting to feel ready
- Your perspective matters and you belong in the room
- Small shifts in self-talk create lasting change
Action Steps
- Download your free “Spot Your Imposter Voice and Reframe It” worksheet
- Identify which of the 5 imposter types resonates most with you
- Start tracking daily wins, no matter how small
- Practice one power phrase this week
- Name imposter syndrome when it shows up
Resources Mentioned
- Free Download: “Spot Your Imposter Voice and Reframe It” Worksheet – www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/imposter
- Dr. Valerie Young’s research on the 5 types of imposter syndrome
- Studies on imposter syndrome prevalence rates
- Body-based nervous system regulation techniques
Send Your Questions Have an ADHD question or challenge you’d like addressed in a future episode? Send a voice message at: https://www.speakpipe.com/learntothrivewithadhd
Free Resources:
- Strategic Action Session: www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/services
- Learn more about private coaching: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/
- Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/
- LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/