Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a High-Achieving Clinic Owner

Good Morning Readers

Thanks for joining me, this week I’m going to jump straight in.

Building a successful clinic is no easy task! I know firsthand how challenging the journey can be, particularly with that inner critic we all seem to carry along for the ride. One of the biggest hurdles I see clinic owners face—and yes, one that I face myself—is imposter syndrome. You know, that little voice that whispers (or sometimes shouts), “You’re not good enough.”

For high achievers like us, imposter syndrome is common. As a physiotherapist by trade—and a self-confessed recovering people-pleaser—I know all too well how hard it can be to shake off that sense of self-doubt. I can still recall a big setback from my younger years. I narrowly missed the grades needed to enter university by just two points. As an 18-year-old, it felt like the end of the world. But, with resilience instilled by my parents, I took that experience, turned it into motivation, and eventually found my way back to my goal.

As a clinic owner, the battle with imposter syndrome hasn’t completely disappeared. When I opened my clinic, it came roaring back, casting doubts on my ability to lead. When I launched Thrive, my coaching business, it was like starting from scratch again. That persistent voice asked, “Who are you to call yourself a business coach?” But, with time, I learned that even the most successful people face imposter syndrome. The key isn’t about eliminating it—it’s about managing it effectively.

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where we doubt our accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud. We might have a stack of evidence that we’re brilliant at what we do, yet somehow, that nagging doubt lingers. I remember those early days of being a physio—feeling completely out of my depth and wondering why anyone would listen to me. Imposter syndrome often shows up when we’re stepping into something new, pushing us to question our worth.

It doesn’t matter if you’re fresh out of school or a seasoned business owner—imposter syndrome creeps in whenever you’re on the brink of growth. And if you let it dominate, it can stop you from achieving your potential. But when you learn to manage it, it no longer holds you back.

I commonly see imposter syndrome manifest for clinic owners in various ways.

Perfectionism, setting impossibly high standards and feeling crushed if we don’t meet them. This often leads to overworking, burnout, and never quite feeling satisfied. Overachievement, the need to work harder than everyone else to “prove” your worth. This may bring success but can also create a very unhealthy work-life balance. Discounting success, attributing achievements to luck or timing rather than to your hard work. How often have you caught yourself saying, “Oh, I’ve just been lucky”?

Fear of Failure, paralysed by the fear of making mistakes, we hesitate to take necessary risks, which can stagnate our growth. Rejecting praise, brushing off compliments with a “They’re just being nice.” Accepting and celebrating your successes isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

So now you ask, how do we conquer this self-doubt? One of the strategies that I use and recommend are the 7/10 rule. When you’re striving for excellence, the pursuit of perfection can be paralysing. Try aiming for a 7/10 instead of a perfect 10. Chances are, your 7 is someone else’s 10, so give yourself permission to get things done instead of getting stuck in endless revisions. Avoid comparison, Theodore Roosevelt said it best—“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Don’t waste time measuring your success against others’. Focus on your unique strengths and the value you bring to your clients. I recommend an “audit” of your social media following every so often. If you find yourself slipping into a comparison trap, take a break.

#FridayCheers, every Friday, take a moment to celebrate your wins, big or small. At Thrive, we end each week with #FridayCheers, a little ritual that shifts focus to the week’s accomplishments. Take a photo of your Friday moment—a cup of tea, a walk, a glass of wine—and post it with the hashtag #FridayCheers. It’s a great way to acknowledge your progress and end the week on a high note. Finally, build your support network, surround yourself with positive, supportive people who challenge you to grow. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose wisely. Seek out colleagues, friends, or mentors who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to work with a coach if you’re serious about overcoming self-doubt and achieving your full potential.

When self-doubt surfaces, flip the script from fear to abundance. Next time you’re making a decision—whether it’s hiring a new team member or launching a new service—ask yourself, “What if this goes brilliantly well?” Don’t dwell on what could go wrong. Focus on what you could achieve and how it will help you and your clinic thrive.

So, if you’ve had that self doubt creeping in I encourage you to start with these tactics. If you need some support and direction I invite you to book a discovery call, we’ll get together to talk about what’s going on in your business, the challenges, the obstacles, and what you want to change.

Remember, you have earned every success. Imposter syndrome may be part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to dictate your story. With a little awareness, the right strategies, and a supportive community, you can keep moving forward, confident in the knowledge that you belong exactly where you are. Cheers to that!

Katie X