For many women founders, confidence is part of the job description. You lead meetings, pitch ideas, and speak with authority. From the outside, you appear strong, capable, and in control. But internally, imposter syndrome can still creep in, whispering that you’re not good enough, not experienced enough, or simply don’t belong in the room. If that sounds familiar, you’re far from alone.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you lack ability. Often, it means you care deeply about doing your best. Still, those inner doubts can chip away at your confidence if left unaddressed. So how can you begin to build a more grounded sense of self-trust that isn’t so easily shaken? Here are five ways to cultivate inner confidence, especially when imposter syndrome threatens to take over.
Reconnect with the Body Through Breathwork
When self-doubt takes over, our minds can spin stories that aren’t rooted in the present. One way to shift out of this mental loop is by reconnecting with your body through breathwork. Conscious breathing helps regulate the nervous system, calm anxiety, and anchor you in the here and now.
Try this gentle breathing technique: Inhale through your nose for a count of four, then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Let the out-breath be longer than the in-breath. Repeat this for a few minutes. Extending the exhale signals safety to the nervous system and helps create a sense of calm and clarity. Breathwork reminds you that you are safe, grounded, and capable in this moment.
Notice Your Inner Critic and Respond with Compassion
Many high-achieving women are their own harshest critics. That internal voice often speaks with fear disguised as logic. It tells you not to speak up, not to take the risk, not to aim too high.
Instead of trying to silence the inner critic, try meeting it with self-compassion. Acknowledge the voice, then respond gently: “I hear you, but I’m choosing to trust myself today.” Research by Dr. Kristin Neff has shown that self-compassion is linked to greater resilience, emotional wellbeing, and motivation. It’s not about letting yourself off the hook. It’s about offering kindness to yourself in the same way you would to a close friend.
Create a Confidence Anchor
When doubt hits, it helps to have a reminder of your strengths that feels tangible. This could be a folder of positive feedback, a short voice note to yourself, or a physical object like a bracelet you wear during big meetings.
Confidence anchors work because they interrupt the habit of focusing on what’s missing and redirect your attention to what’s already true: You have done hard things before. You have shown up and succeeded. You are not starting from scratch.
The next time you notice imposter feelings rise, pause and turn to your anchor. Let it remind you of your growth and capability.
Practice Embodied Presence
Confidence isn’t just a mindset. It’s also a physical state. The way we sit, stand, and move affects how we feel. Embodied practices such as mindful walking, yoga, or simply standing tall with relaxed shoulders can shift your internal state almost immediately.
Spend a few moments each day tuning in to your body. Where are you holding tension? What happens when you soften your jaw, relax your belly, and feel your feet on the floor? These small shifts bring you back into your body and reduce the mental noise that fuels imposter syndrome.
For a deeper exploration of embodied confidence, the work of Dr. Amy Cuddy offers useful insights into how posture and presence can influence self-perception and how others perceive us. You can read more about her research on body language in this Harvard Business Review article:Â https://hbr.org/2015/05/your-body-language-shapes-who-you-are
Choose Progress Over Perfection
Perfectionism is often a close cousin of imposter syndrome. It convinces you that if something isn’t flawless, it’s not good enough. But chasing perfection is exhausting and unrealistic.
Instead, shift your focus to progress. Ask yourself: What small step can I take today to move forward? Celebrate that step, even if it feels minor. Building inner confidence doesn’t come from one grand achievement. It comes from consistent, imperfect action that aligns with your values.
As you continue to grow as a founder, remember that confidence is not a fixed trait. It’s a practice. And like any practice, it deepens over time with attention and care.
Imposter syndrome may still show up from time to time, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. By using tools like breathwork, self-compassion, embodied presence, and mindful action, you can return to a place of trust in yourself. That trust is your inner confidence. It’s steady, quiet, and powerful.
And most importantly, it’s already within you.
