Recently I’ve had several clients dealing with imposter syndrome. Simply put, these amazing, high-performing individuals feel fraudulent and doubt they deserve their accomplishments. Or they are at the precipice of a new opportunity and fear they will be uncovered as unworthy and incompetent.

It’s hard enough to find the courage to step up to a high-achieving career. It’s even harder if you are working against yourself. In my experience, it’s not a conscious choice. The fraudulent feelings creep in, almost before you can catch yourself.

One of my distinctive memories of imposter syndrome was in the first few days of opening my career coaching business in 1997. I had left my reliable, secure job at the university and was going it alone. I plugged in my princess phone ready for business.

As I unpacked my boxes, the phone rang. I stared at it, frozen. I no longer had the safety net of being an employee. If I picked up that phone, it was just me. Fortunately, I grabbed the phone before it stopped ringing and I ushered in my first client.

It’s confusing to admit you have doubts and to embrace your amazing capabilities at the same juncture. Here are a few tips to help you beat back your uncertainty:

Know You Are Not Alone

According to the Harvard Business Review “ Around one-third of young people suffer from it, and 70% of everyone else is likely to experience it at some point in their lives.” Recognizing the prevalence of imposter syndrome helps you feel less alone.

Distinguish Humility and Fear

Perhaps you have been told it’s not polite to brag or think highly of yourself. This equates to humility, and it’s an honorable trait. Fear is the real culprit when you are facing imposter syndrome. Sorting these two feelings out can help you select the most helpful course of action.

Be Gentle with Yourself

It’s likely your aspiration for excellence is feeding your lack of satisfaction with yourself. Give yourself a break. You are not perfect, and you are probably your own worst enemy.

If you are reading this today and know imposter syndrome is getting in your way, tackle it head-on. The negative consequences of fearing you will be uncovered as a fraud will be diminished as you regularly and relentlessly acknowledge your gifts.