The Ilona Maher Mindset; Imposter Syndrome? Never Heard of Her.

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By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published February 25, 2025

photo courtesy of SI SWIMSUIT

There’s a good chance you’ve seen Ilona Maher, or at least heard of her lately. She’s been everywhere, from dominating the rugby field to Dancing with the Stars, iconic Instagram videos with a broken nose or a dirty martini, and even Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rocking a bikini and a literal Olympic bronze medal. That’s about as wide a range as you can get, and the fact that she’s doing it all with hilarious, brazen honesty has made her so easy to root for.

photo courtesy of NBC NEWS

In a recent CNN interview she was asked how she deals with imposter syndrome which, if you aren't familiar with the term, is a nagging feeling that you’re a fraud, even when there’s solid evidence that you’re competent, skilled, or accomplished. It’s the belief that you don’t truly deserve your success and that, at any moment, someone’s going to figure out you’re not as capable as they think. It can show up in different ways: perfectionism, overworking, downplaying achievements, or feeling like any success you have is just luck. It’s common among high achievers, creatives, and people stepping into new roles or challenges. The irony? The more successful you are, the more likely you might be to feel it.

The question of how to overcome feeling undeserving has become a common topic in interviews with powerful women, but Ilona’s response didn’t just leave her interviewer speechlessit struck a chord with most women listening. Check out the video below for her response.

Iconic. And here’s the honest truth, there’s nothing Ilona has that you don’t. No secret trait, no special gift that makes her more deserving of owning her success. She’s just a girl who put in the work and is allowing herself to be proud of it. And you are allowed to do the same.

Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about magically making self-doubt disappear, it’s about learning to move forward despite it. Here’s how to start:

1. Recognize It for What It Is: Imposter syndrome thrives on the idea that you're a fraud, but in reality, it only shows up when you're growing. Acknowledge it as a sign that you're stepping into something bigger.

2. Reframe Your Thoughts: Instead of thinking, I don’t belong here, shift it to I am learning and earning my place here. Confidence isn’t the absence of doubt; it’s the decision to keep going anyway.

3. Own Your Wins: Keep a running list of your accomplishments, big and small. When imposter syndrome creeps in, look at what you've inarguably accomplished. You didn’t get lucky, you put in the work.

4. Stop Comparing: The people you admire also have moments of doubt. The difference? They keep showing up. Focus on your own path instead of assuming everyone else has it figured out.

5. Act As If: Even if you don’t feel like you belong yet, act like you do. Show up, speak up, and carry yourself like someone who knows they’re meant to be in the room. Eventually, your mindset will catch up.

6. Talk About It: Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. Be open about it with mentors or friends. You’ll quickly realize that even the most successful people have felt the same way. It doesn't mean anything.

   
   

   

   photo courtesy of ABC NEWS

Like so many mental blocks, the longer you leave them in the dark, the bigger they get. Talk to someone, because I promise, the moment you open up to a friend or mentor, those thoughts will start to lose their power.

And if what you need is permission, here it is: you have to stop undercutting yourself. You could probably fill pages with everything you’ve done to get where you are (and honestly, you should it's hard to argue with proof), and every single one of those things is ammunition against that voice in your head telling you that you don’t deserve to be here.

There is nothing wrong with you, this feeling is completely normal. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep believing it. You’ve earned this, babe. It’s time to enjoy it.

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