Imposter Syndrome vs. Becoming

You’re not faking it. You’re forming into it.

There’s a quiet war that too many women are fighting. It doesn’t always show up in what we say—but it lingers in how we second-guess ourselves. It whispers: Who do you think you are? You’re not qualified. Someone’s going to find out you don’t belong here. We call it imposter syndrome, and while the world has given it a name, the Kingdom offers clarity.

As a woman who’s led in boardrooms, church subcommittees, conference stages, and carpool lanes, I’ve walked this tension. I’ve stepped into spaces God called me to—shaking, unsure, and waiting for someone to tell me I could take up space.

And yet, I’ve learned something sacred:

There’s a difference between feeling like an imposter and the process of becoming. One is rooted in shame. The other is rooted in growth.

Imposter Syndrome says: “You don’t belong here.”

Becoming says: “You’re growing into the woman who does.”

Imposter Syndrome is built on fear.

It’s a byproduct of performance culture, comparison, and the pressure to arrive polished and perfect. But God never asked us to perform. He called us to follow.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

If it’s a good work, that means it’s still in progress. You’re not behind—you’re becoming.

Becoming looks like…

• Stepping into rooms you prayed for and still feeling nervous—but showing up anyway

• Learning in real time, not waiting until you “arrive”

• Leading even when you’re still healing

• Speaking even when your voice shakes

The enemy wants you to feel like a fraud. But God sees you as faithful. You’re not an imposter—you’re in process.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” – Zechariah 4:10

This is why we need better language.

Too often, women mistake divine stretching for self-deception. We call ourselves imposters when we’re really just stepping into the unfamiliar weight of calling.

You don’t need to fake it until you make it. You need to walk it while God shapes it.

Becoming is awkward. Becoming is holy. Becoming is what every real leader goes through.

So how do you know the difference?

📍Imposter syndrome leaves you paralyzed.📍Becoming calls you forward, even if it’s messy.

When God is growing you, He will stretch your capacity—not your integrity. You won’t have to pretend—you’ll just have to press in.

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:4

Final Word

You don’t need more validation. You need a reminder that you are becoming exactly who He called you to be.

Don’t disqualify what God is developing. Don’t name yourself an imposter when heaven has named you appointed, anointed, and in progress.

You’re not faking it. You’re forming into it.