Have you ever had one of those days where just existing feels like a full-time job? The kind where even answering an email or putting away the laundry feels like climbing Mount Everest? Overcoming imposter syndrome can feel extra tough on days like this, when the smallest tasks seem like mountains.

Life gets full—sometimes overwhelmingly so—and even the simplest things start to feel like too much. But here’s the thing: those small, everyday actions matter more than you think.

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It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of imposter syndrome, feeling like you’re not doing enough or that you’re not enough, but overcoming imposter syndrome starts with acknowledging the small wins. Each task, no matter how trivial it seems, is a step forward. Those little victories are the foundation for bigger achievements, and they count more than we often give them credit for

Today, I’m sitting down with Katie Nickerson, a business coach who helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs simplify their workload and create sustainable success. Katie has a heart for helping people get unstuck and move forward, even when everything feels like a mess. She knows firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the cycle of self-doubt and perfectionism, and today, we’re tackling it head-on.

The Power of Just Showing Up

So often, we convince ourselves that if we can’t do something perfectly, we shouldn’t do it at all. We wait until we feel ready—until the schedule clears, the house stays clean, the kids are quiet, or we magically wake up with more confidence.

We tell ourselves that then we’ll start. But friend, can I let you in on a little secret? Life isn’t going to slow down. The perfect moment isn’t coming. You’re never going to wake up one day and suddenly feel 100% prepared for every single thing you want to do. And that’s okay.

The key isn’t waiting — it’s showing up anyway. It’s choosing to take that next small step, even if it’s messy, even if it’s uncomfortable. That’s where real growth happens. That’s how we move forward.

Why Small Steps Matter

Katie and I talked a lot about this idea of progress over perfection, because let’s be real, perfection is a moving target none of us are ever going to hit. And honestly? It’s not the point.

What truly moves the needle in your life, your home, and your business are the small, everyday efforts that build up over time. It’s not about waking up tomorrow and making drastic changes in one big moment or having a flawless five-year plan down to the minute. Instead, it’s about asking yourself, “What’s the next right step I can take today?” and simply taking it.

When you start showing up for yourself in those tiny, faithful ways — even when no one’s watching — everything begins to shift. Your confidence grows because you’re proving to yourself that you can be consistent. Your momentum builds because action fuels motivation, not the other way around.

Little by little, as you focus on overcoming imposter syndrome, those things that once felt impossible start to feel a whole lot more doable. It won’t happen overnight—but it will happen. And that is what creates real, lasting change. Trust me, the progress is there, even if it’s subtle at first.

Ditching the “All or Nothing” Mindset to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

One of the biggest roadblocks Katie sees with her clients — and honestly, something I see with so many of the women in this community too — is this sneaky little lie we tell ourselves that if we can’t do something 100% perfectly, then we shouldn’t bother doing it at all. And friend, I get it! I have been there. More times than I care to admit.

It sounds like… “If I can’t work out for an hour and do the full routine, what’s the point in even lacing up my shoes?” or “If I don’t have time to deep clean every room in the house today, why bother making the bed or doing the dishes?” Or maybe it’s “If I can’t get my whole week planned out down to every detail, I might as well not even open my planner.”

We tell ourselves these things like it’s no big deal—like we’re just being honest or realistic. But the truth is, this kind of all-or-nothing thinking is a big hurdle when it comes to overcoming imposter syndrome. It keeps us stuck, stealing our progress before we even get started. It has us spinning our wheels, overwhelmed by the big picture, and totally missing the power of small, consistent action. That’s where the real growth happens.

Katie and I talked about how important it is to break free from this mindset, because when you believe that small steps don’t matter, you’ll never take them. And those tiny steps? Those are everything. They are the very thing that moves you forward, little by little, day by day.

Progress Over Perfection

Here’s the truth, friend — perfection isn’t the goal. It never was. Progress is.

What we’re really after is a life that feels sustainable, joyful, and peaceful. It’s not about perfectly executed routines, flawless homes, or businesses that run without a hiccup. It’s about progress and growth—little by little, through ordinary moments that add up to something truly beautiful.

When you shift your mindset from “all or nothing” to “every small step counts,” everything starts to change. I’ve seen it over and over again — in my life, in my students’ lives, and in this community. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it definitely doesn’t happen perfectly. But it does happen when you stay faithful in the small things.

Instead of feeling stuck and overwhelmed by everything you can’t do or haven’t figured out yet, you start to see forward movement. Tiny wins. Little pockets of peace. You realize that even unloading the dishwasher or sending that one email or spending five minutes reading your Bible — that’s effort. That’s progress. And it matters more than you think.

It’s never been about doing it all. It’s about doing the next right thing with what you have, right where you are. And that’s where real change begins.

“Perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is. When you shift your mindset from ‘all or nothing’ to ‘small steps count,’ everything changes.”

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Oh, imposter syndrome. We all know her — and let’s just call it like it is — she’s the absolute worst. She shows up uninvited, whispering those sneaky little lies in your ear when you’re trying to do something new or brave or just plain hard.

That voice in your head? It’s the one that says, “Who do you think you are?” “You’re not qualified.” “You don’t belong here.” It’s the one that whispers, “Someone else could do this better.” But here’s the truth: that voice is not the truth. It’s just fear trying to keep you small.

And listen — I’ve heard her too. More times than I can count. She loves to creep in when you’re stepping out in faith, trying to lead your home well, or building that business that’s been on your heart. She wants to keep you small, stuck, and second-guessing everything.

But here’s what I need you to remember: just because she shows up doesn’t mean you have to listen. That voice of doubt? That is not the voice of truth. And it’s certainly not the voice of the calling God has placed on your life.

We all deal with imposter syndrome—whether you’re a mom, a business owner, or just a woman trying to do the next right thing. That doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It means you’re human, you’re growing, and you’re stepping into new territory. And let’s be honest, new territory is always going to feel a little uncomfortable. That discomfort is actually a sign that you’re moving forward.

But discomfort doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

Katie and I dove deep into this one because, let’s be real, overcoming imposter syndrome is something we all face. And honestly? It doesn’t just magically disappear when you hit a certain level of success or check all the boxes on your to-do list. It’s a journey we’re all on, no matter where we are in our careers or lives.

Even the most accomplished women, the ones you look up to, the ones who seem like they have it all together, deal with it. The difference? They don’t let it stop them from showing up.

That’s the real secret. The best way to overcome imposter syndrome isn’t waiting around until you feel ready or qualified or confident — because that day may never come. Confidence doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It’s built, little by little, every time you take action, even when you feel unsure.

Katie and I talked about how powerful it is to reframe those doubts when they start to creep in. Instead of letting them shut you down or spiral you into overthinking, use them as a sign that you’re doing something brave. That stretching feeling? That nervous energy? It’s proof that you’re growing. It’s proof that you’re stepping into new territory — and that’s exactly where transformation happens.

So when that little voice tells you, “Who do you think you are?” — I want you to answer it. I want you to remind yourself that you are capable. You are called. And you are doing the work that matters — imperfectly, maybe — but wholeheartedly. And that’s what counts every single time.

Practical Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Now that we’ve tackled the mindset side of things — the thoughts that can so easily trip us up and keep us playing small — let’s get super practical. Because you know I am all about real-life tools and simple action steps you can actually use in your day-to-day.

Mindset work is important (so important), but at the end of the day, we’ve got homes to manage, kids to raise, and businesses or dreams we’re trying to build. We need to know what to do when we’re sitting in the overwhelm or feeling stuck in that cycle of overthinking.

Alright, let’s break this down together—here are some simple, actionable steps you can start taking today to move forward. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t have to be big, and it’s totally fine if you don’t feel 100% ready. Overcoming imposter syndrome doesn’t mean waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect feeling. It’s about taking that next step, no matter how small. Because here’s the truth: forward is forward, my friend—and that’s exactly what we’re after.

Step 1: Set Small, Realistic Goals

Big goals are amazing, but let’s be real—they can also feel totally overwhelming at times. Instead of obsessing over the massive end result, try breaking things down into smaller, more manageable steps. Ask yourself, “What’s the next right step I can take today?” It doesn’t have to be huge, just something that moves you forward. Taking those little steps will make your goals feel a lot more achievable.

Step 2: Surround Yourself with Encouraging People

The people you surround yourself with matter more than you might realize. If you’re constantly around negative energy or doubt, it becomes even harder to overcome imposter syndrome and truly believe in yourself. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, challenge you to be better, and remind you of your potential when you forget it. Those positive vibes aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential in overcoming imposter syndrome, helping you stay focused, grounded, and confident, especially when self-doubt starts to creep in

Step 3: Stop Overthinking and Just Start

It’s so easy to get stuck in a cycle of overthinking—wondering if you’re doing the “right” thing, waiting for the perfect moment. But here’s the thing: perfection doesn’t exist. Katie and I have talked a lot about the power of taking messy action—starting before you feel ready and figuring things out as you go. The key is to start, even if it’s not perfect. Action creates momentum, and momentum builds your confidence.

Let’s Overcome Imposter Syndrome Together

At the end of the day, moving forward isn’t about having everything figured out or waiting until you feel “ready.” It’s about taking that next small step, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary. It’s about showing up for yourself in those little moments, even when imposter syndrome whispers that you’re not enough. Overcoming imposter syndrome starts with those small acts of courage, and trust me, over time, they are what really move the needle. They add up, more than you realize.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re not “enough,” hear me loud and clear: You are. You don’t need to have everything figured out or do it all perfectly. All you need to do is start.

If you loved this conversation and want to continue learning from Katie, you can connect with her at abodehealingco.com or follow her on Instagram @abodehealingco.

She shares wisdom about mindset, healing, and practical tools to help you retrain your brain and move forward in your life and business. Be sure to check out her brand new podcast, Retrain Your Brain, which launched this March, wherever you love to listen.

Creating Lasting Change, One Step at a Time

Remember, one small step, one little action, one moment of showing up for yourself — it all adds up. This is exactly what we’re doing inside Systemize to Scale — building sustainable businesses one simple system at a time. If you’re ready to create more time, structure, and peace in your work and home life, go check it out.

And don’t forget to join us over in the free Systemize Your Life Facebook group — it’s the best place to connect with other women who are walking this out right alongside you. Pin this post for later, send it to a friend who needs a little boost, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. We’re in this together — and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is imposter syndrome and how can I overcome it?

Imposter syndrome is that nagging self-doubt that makes you feel like you’re not good enough, even when you are. The best way to overcome it is to take action—stop waiting to feel ready and start proving to yourself that you are capable. Surround yourself with encouraging people, set small goals, and remind yourself that growth comes with discomfort.

Why do small steps matter when trying to make progress?

Small steps build momentum. When you take consistent, manageable actions, they add up over time and create big results. Progress over perfection is the key to moving forward without feeling overwhelmed.

How can I stop overthinking and just start?

Overthinking will keep you stuck every time. The way out? Take messy action. Don’t wait around for the perfect plan or the perfect moment — just take the next right step. That’s it. Because action builds confidence, and confidence is what keeps you moving forward. One small step at a time.