Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Finding Your Voice in the Mortgage Industry
Have you ever walked into a room full of high achievers and immediately felt like you didn’t belong? You know the feeling—that little voice inside your head that says, "What am I doing here? Everyone else has it all figured out, and I’m just trying to keep up." That’s something called imposter syndrome, and I’ll let you in on a secret: almost everyone, at some point, feels exactly the same way.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re brand new to the industry or a few years in, we all hit a point where we start comparing ourselves to others. Maybe you’re a loan officer who’s been in the game for a couple of years, closing a solid number of deals, making strides—but then you see someone else. This person is doing bigger numbers, has smoother systems, better processes, and seems to have built an unshakeable network of relationships. Suddenly, your accomplishments feel small, and you start to think, “Why am I even in this room? I don’t belong here.”
But here’s the truth: that feeling is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re an imposter or a fraud. It means you’re growing. Every time you level up in your career, you're stepping into a new space that feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable. And that discomfort? That’s where growth happens.
The trap we often fall into is comparison. We look at someone else’s polished performance and assume they’ve got it all figured out. But what we don’t see are the years they spent in the trenches, figuring it out just like we are now. Every single person you look up to has been where you are—wondering if they belong, questioning whether they’re good enough.
The key to moving past imposter syndrome is shifting your mindset. Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” try asking yourself, “What can I learn from this person?” Everyone has their own path, and it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. In fact, it shouldn’t. What works for one person may not work for you, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to copy someone else’s success; it’s to build your own version of it.
What’s often missing when we feel like imposters is a sense of ownership over our journey. When you start out, it can feel like you’re doing a little bit of everything, trying to see what sticks. You’re following advice, implementing strategies you’ve heard, but maybe you haven’t quite found your rhythm yet. That’s normal too. It takes time to develop your own systems, your own voice, and your own approach.
So how do you find that voice? Start by focusing on what’s working for you. What’s getting you results? What do you enjoy about your work? Where are your strengths? These are the things that set you apart from others. The more you lean into them, the more confidence you’ll gain. And as that confidence grows, so will your sense of belonging.
It’s also important to remember that growth isn’t a one-time event. You’ll continue to feel imposter syndrome throughout your career, especially as you hit new milestones. The feeling might fade over time, but every time you push yourself into something bigger, something new, it might resurface. That’s a sign that you’re still evolving, and that’s a good thing.
So, the next time you find yourself thinking, “I don’t belong here,” take a breath. Remind yourself that everyone has those moments. You do belong. You’ve worked hard to be where you are, and you’ve earned your spot in that room. Keep your focus on your own lane, block out the noise of comparison, and trust that you’re on your own unique path to success.
At Locke Your Loan, we believe in embracing the journey. Imposter syndrome might be a part of it, but it’s not the end of the story. It’s just a step along the way to becoming the professional you’re meant to be. So, stay the course, trust your growth, and remember—you belong here.