When That Inner Critic Gets Loud: How to Reclaim Your Confidence

Ever been in a room full of smart, accomplished people and suddenly felt like you didn’t belong?

I have. Plenty of times, actually. Especially in this industry, where what was “right” yesterday can feel completely irrelevant today. You sit there, second-guessing yourself. Caught in your head. Wondering if you’re the only one secretly hoping no one finds out you don’t have it all figured out.

That inner critic starts shouting:

What if they realize I don’t know enough?”  “Why would anyone listen to me?”

“I’m not as good as they think I am.”

That voice? It’s LOUD.

Louder than your experience. Louder than your track record. Louder than the reality that you earned your spot at the table.

Here’s what I’ve learned (and re-learned, over and over):

Your inner critic doesn’t care how good you are. It will still show up uninvited, whispering doubt in your ear. But confidence? It’s not a magical feeling reserved for the lucky few. Confidence is a skill. You build it by showing up even when you doubt yourself. Even when the voice says you shouldn’t speak up, apply, ask, or try. Especially then.

You don’t need to be the most qualified person in the room to add value. Your perspective, your experience, your insight; they matter.

The people you admire? They’ve felt imposter syndrome too. The difference? They didn’t let it stop them.

5 Ways to Shut Down Your Inner Critic

and Reclaim Your Confidence

1. Name the Voice

   Give your inner critic a name—seriously. It creates distance between you and the voice. “Oh, there’s Negative Nancy again.” The moment you treat it as separate from your truth, it loses power.

2. Keep a “Wins” File

   Start a running list of your accomplishments, praise, and moments you pushed through fear. When your confidence dips, open the file. Facts beat feelings.

3. Say It Out Loud.

   Imposter thoughts thrive in silence. Say them out loud to a coach, mentor, or friend. Nine times out of ten, just hearing them spoken shrinks their power.

4. Shift from “Proving” to “Providing”

   Instead of trying to prove you belong, focus on providing value. Ask: What do I know that could help here? That mindset shift is a game-changer.

5. Take Small Actions

   Confidence doesn’t come before action; it follows it. Raise your hand. Share the idea. Ask the question. Every time you act in spite of doubt, you build real confidence.

So next time that voice creeps in, say this to yourself:

I’m not in the room by accident.

I’m not achieving by luck—I create my own luck.

I belong here.