Imagine sitting across from your first potential investor with all the right things to say and show. But the only problem?
Your hands are trembling. Not from fear, but from the feeling that you aren’t a real entrepreneur.
We’ve all heard that voice. Even me.
It’s called imposter syndrome. It doesn’t mean you’re failing; it indicates you’re flying beyond your comfort zone.
When that happens, just remember your first solo flight and the turbulence you felt. Look at where you are now. You made it through that, and you’ll make it through this, too.
Keep reading, because in this guide, you’ll learn how to recognize the signs of imposter syndrome and, more importantly, how to overcome it successfully.
Key Takeaways
- What It Is: Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that you don’t deserve your success or that you’ve “fooled” others into overestimating your ability.
- Why Pilots Feel It More: The lack of checklists, constant change, and the need to take risks can make even experienced aviators feel like they’re “flying blind.”
- How It Shows Up: It hides behind habits that look responsible. It includes over-preparing, downplaying wins, comparing yourself to others, or replaying mistakes.
- Ways to Beat it: Use your pilot mindset to your advantage. Keep a log of wins, rely on your crew (mentors and peers), simulate before executing, and build confidence through repetition.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is that nagging feeling that you don’t truly deserve your success. It’s the belief that you’ve somehow “fooled” others into thinking that you’re more capable than you are. Even when you achieve something, your mind says it’s just luck or timing.
For pilots stepping into the business world, it often sounds like, “I’m not a real entrepreneur,” or “I don’t know enough about finance or marketing to lead a company.”
In simple terms, imposter syndrome happens when your achievements grow faster than your confidence. It creates a mental gap between what you’ve done and what you believe you deserve credit for.
You might be surprised to learn that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome. And you and I are just one of them.
Why Pilots Are Especially Prone to It
For most pilots, the cockpit is a world of structure and precision. Every checklist, procedure, and decision follows a system built on safety and certainty.
When you move from that environment into the unpredictable world of business, it can feel like flying without instruments. There are no clear rules, no flight plan that guarantees success, and no tower permitting you to take off.
In aviation, you’re trained to avoid mistakes. However, in business, you have to make them to learn. This is where imposter syndrome creeps in. You start questioning your instincts because there’s no simulator for real-world entrepreneurship.
As I like to say, “In the cockpit, I could predict almost everything. In business, I had to learn to trust what I couldn’t see.”
Common Signs You’re Facing Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome doesn’t always show up as panic or fear. Often, it hides behind habits that appear responsible or humble, but actually stem from self-doubt. Here are some of the most common signs pilots experience when stepping into entrepreneurship.
1. Over-Preparing for Every Meeting
You spend hours perfecting your slides, checking your numbers, and rehearsing every sentence before a client calls. It feels like you’re just being professional, but deep down, it’s fear disguised as preparation.
In aviation, you double-check because lives depend on it, but in business, that same instinct can turn into paralysis. Sometimes, you have to trust your flight plan and take off.
2. Downplaying Your Achievements
If you keep telling yourself that anyone could have done that, you’re just downplaying your achievements. It’s like landing smoothly after a tough crosswind and thinking it was nothing special.
Pilots are trained to stay humble. I get that. However, in business, these small wins can help you see your true potential. Don’t confuse confidence with arrogance, and stop overthinking. It’s simply acknowledging the work you’ve put in and the skill you’ve built.
3. Constantly Comparing Yourself to Others
You scroll through LinkedIn or watch other founders’ success stories, and think, “They’re way ahead of me.” It’s the same feeling as hearing another pilot’s total hours and wondering if you’ll ever catch up.
One truth that aviation teaches is that every pilot flies different routes, in different weather, and with various aircraft. Business is the same. You can’t measure your altitude using someone else’s altimeter.
4. Replaying Mistakes Long After They’ve Passed
In business, it’s essential to learn from your mistakes and then move forward. But being new to this, you just can’t stop thinking about it. That’s the same mindset as going over a rough landing in your mind for days.
Reflection helps; however, too much of it keeps you grounded. Pilots learn to debrief, identify, and correct what went wrong, and move on. Entrepreneurs need that same mindset. Remember, mistakes are just turbulence, not the end of the flight.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
To be honest, you already have all the right skill sets to overcome imposter syndrome. So, let’s discuss how you can put those skills in the right direction.
1. Keep a Log of Business Wins
Pilot logs their flight hours, milestones, and lessons learned because it’s proof of progress.
Why not do the same in your business life? Keep a simple record of deals closed, feedback received, and challenges overcome. On days when self-doubt hits, look back at how far you’ve come.
2. Don’t Fly Solo
Even the best pilots rely on co-pilots, ATC, and ground support. In business, you need that same kind of crew.
For that, join communities of founders and talk to pilot entrepreneurs or mentors who understand your journey. Most of the time, you’ll realize others are fighting the same internal battles you are.
3. Practice Before Real-World Action
Pilots, like you and me, don’t face turbulence for the first time in the air. We practice in simulators first. You can do the same in business.
Run mock sales calls, rehearse investor pitches, or test your product ideas with a small group. This helps you refine your skills in a low-risk setting before going all-in. Simulation builds readiness, and readiness builds confidence.
4. Confidence Grows Through Repetition
Think back to your flight training days. You didn’t start with perfect landings or smooth radio calls.
Repetition builds your skill and confidence. Business works the same way. Every pitch, sale, and setback is a rep in your entrepreneurial logbook. The more you do it, the less intimidating it feels when you actually do it.
“The only way to stop feeling like an imposter is to stop thinking like one.” ~ Dr. Valerie Young, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women
Invitation to Join Our FREE Strategy Session
Most pilots are one honest conversation away from clarity. This is that conversation.
Complete our “Life After the Sky” checklist, then join me for a FREE 15-minute “Strategy Session” via Zoom.
This session has been created for pilots who want to take ownership of what comes next.
Those who want action, not just to talk about it.
In just 15 minutes, we’ll:
- Review your checklist results
- Identify the one obstacle holding back your reinvention
- Translate your checklist results into a clear starting point
Start your pre-flight assessment for the next chapter of your journey by Booking your free strategy session here!
