Imposter Syndrome and Starting Your Own Practice

I know “imposter syndrome” has become a bit of a buzzword—but I want to say this clearly: it’s real, and it’s a major roadblock for so many nurse practitioners, especially when you’re stepping into entrepreneurship. Starting your own integrative practice isn’t just about charting or credentialing or picking your EHR—it’s about claiming your space as a leader, a healer, a business owner. And that brings up a lot.

Let’s define it clearly. Imposter syndrome is that internal experience of feeling like a fraud, like you don’t really belong in the position you’re in—even when all evidence says otherwise. Research shows that up to 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point (Sakulku & Alexander, 2011), and it tends to hit high-achieving, highly competent professionals the hardest. Sound familiar?

Here’s how I often see it show up for NPs launching their own practices:

• You second-guess your decisions constantly—even after doing all the research.

• You find yourself waiting for the “real expert” to show up.

• You downplay your accomplishments or think, “I’m not really a business person.”

• You avoid marketing yourself or charge too little because deep down, you’re afraid you’re not good enough.

What makes it worse is that we’re often trained to follow protocols, stay in line, and work within systems. When we decide to leave that system and build our own, it can feel like jumping without a parachute. Of course it stirs up fear. Of course it brings up doubt.

But here’s what I want you to know:
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong—it means you’re doing something brave.

And there are tools to work with it:

1. Name it out loud. When you recognize imposter thoughts, call them what they are: thoughts, not facts.

2. Keep a confidence file. Save emails, notes, or moments where you made a difference. When you feel shaky, go back to those.

3. Get support. Mentorship, peer groups, and coaching are essential—not because you aren’t capable, but because building a practice is vulnerable work.

4. Shift your focus. It’s not about being the smartest in the room. It’s about being of service. Let that be your grounding.

5. Practice “both/and.” You can feel like an imposter and still be a great provider. Both can be true.

I’ve been in that place—standing in a newly rented office, wondering if anyone would ever call. I’ve felt the pit in my stomach when I hit “publish” on my first website. And I’ve coached so many incredible NPs through the exact same terrain.

If imposter syndrome is showing up for you, it doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means you’re human—and that you care deeply about doing this well. That’s not a flaw. It’s your superpower.

If you want support working through the doubt and owning your vision with more confidence, that’s exactly what I’m here for. Let’s get you grounded and clear—because the world needs more practices like yours.