Tame Your Inner Imposter: Escape the Interior Design Comparison Trap

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram or browsing someone else’s website and suddenly questioning your own talent, worth, or success, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Every designer I’ve coached has been there.

That voice that creeps in and says, “You’re not good enough” or “They’ve got it more together than you do.” That’s imposter syndrome, and it feeds on comparison.

This isn’t just a mindset issue. It’s a momentum killer. That’s why I created a system to silence my own inner imposter and reclaim confidence, and I use these tools daily. This blog is your permission slip to stop the spiral and start standing in your power.

First, Call Out That Inner Critic

The voice that says you’re not enough? That’s not you. That’s not your heart. And it certainly isn’t your truth.

Awareness is your first escape hatch. You’ve got to notice when the inner imposter starts whispering, and then call it out. I even gave mine a name, something ridiculous and silly to disarm it. My mother used to call hers Mrs. McGillicuddy, and I picked that up too. It makes me laugh and reminds me that voice doesn’t belong in my business or my life. What is your inner critic’s name?

Comparison Is a Liar

Social media is filled with beautifully filtered highlight reels. What you’re not seeing is the struggle, the setbacks, the hard days. Icons like Amber Lewis, Barbara Barry, and Martin Lawrence Bullard? They have imposter moments too, trust me.

I’ve worked with top-tier designers behind the scenes. The truth is, we all have doubts. What matters is not letting them stop you.

Create Your Confidence Kit

This is one of my favorite tools and something that I share at every retreat and live intensive. Take a small notebook (something that fits in your purse) and handwrite kind remarks from clients, colleagues, friends, or even your team.

Why handwritten? Because when you write by hand, you activate more of your nervous system. It embeds the praise deeper into your psyche. You start to internalize your value. And when you hit a moment of self-doubt, you’ve got a physical reminder of your greatness right there.

Ask yourself every week: What did I add to my confidence kit?

Don’t Let Perfection Stop You

Perfection is the enemy of completion. And completion is what builds confidence. I’ve been paralyzed by perfection before. It’s not pretty. It’s costly. And it’s absolutely avoidable.

Confidence comes from action, not from flawless execution.

When the imposter on your shoulder starts demanding perfection, slap some imaginary duct tape over her mouth. You’re perfect in the moment you’re in because you’re showing up, you’re growing, and you’re contributing.

Rewrite the Script in Your Head

Self-doubt is normal. Even my mother, one of the most dazzling women I’ve ever known, carried a well-dressed imposter on her shoulder. I’ve had to rewrite my own inner dialogue countless times.

Replace “I don’t belong” with “I’m learning and growing.” Swap out “I’m not worthy” for “I have something to offer.”

No one else on this planet has your unique combination of experience, education, talent, and perspective. You are the only one who can bring what you bring. Don’t forget it.

Put that in your confidence kit too.

Stay in Your Lane and Occupy It Fully

You’ve created your lane. Don’t stall your brilliance by constantly checking everyone else’s. When you focus on others, you give away your power. Bring it back to your purpose, your passion, your goals, and your gifts.

Curate your social feeds. Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison. Follow those who inspire, educate, and empower.

Use Comparison as a Clue

When someone triggers you, pause and ask: What is this showing me? Maybe it’s a value you deeply care about. Maybe it’s something you desire and are ready to pursue.

Rarely do we know what it actually took for someone to get where they are. Even in a world that claims transparency, most people still have an extra curtain pulled tight. Don’t compare your backstage to someone else’s spotlight.

Practice Gratitude for Your Unique Gifts

Your clients chose you for a reason. If they’d hired another designer, the outcome would be completely different. Not better, not worse, just not you.

Gratitude is something I practice formally every morning and informally throughout my day. It shifts everything. Be grateful for your clients, your challenges, your growth, your talent. There’s no one else who brings what you bring.

Speak Your Story, Loud and Proud

Your path is your power. What makes you different makes you memorable and magnetic. I say it all the time because it’s true. The more you own your story, the more you attract the right clients and those who are drawn to who you are, not just what you do.

We’re in a world increasingly filtered through AI. There’s power in being real. Use tools when they serve you, but never hide behind them.

Remember: You’re Not Behind. You’re Becoming.

Imposter syndrome isn’t proof you’re unqualified. It’s proof you care. And comparison? That’s just a distraction from your own brilliance.

So name your imposter. Build your confidence kit. Rewrite your story. Speak your truth. Stay in your lane.

And the next time you feel that inner voice creeping in, imagine me walking beside you, handing you a roll of duct tape to silence your Mrs. McGillicuddy.

You’ve got this. You’ve always had this.

When you’re ready to increase your interior design business profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of design and the business of home.