Imposter Syndrome. It’s a familiar term yet a powerful struggle that countless people—artists, professionals, and even high-achieving icons—face. Lady Gaga, a world-renowned artist celebrated for her unique voice and bold presence, has openly grappled with this invisible battle. Beneath the glitz, the awards, and the powerful performances, she, too, has experienced those haunting thoughts: "Am I enough?" "Am I a fraud?"
Despite her achievements, Lady Gaga’s journey wasn’t free of self-doubt. In a deeply personal moment, she revealed how the constant demands of fame and pressure to live up to a perfect image left her feeling lost and disconnected from her true self. This vulnerable side, hidden behind her persona, reminds us that Imposter Syndrome does not discriminate—it can affect anyone, even those we see as "having it all."
The unsettling feeling of not being "good enough" or worthy of one’s success—can affect anyone, even the most high-achieving people among us. Lady Gaga, globally acclaimed artist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon, is a prime example. Gaga’s earnings are a testament to her status as a top-tier performer. In a typical year, she brings in around $40 million, with tours that consistently draw massive crowds. And in 2022, her Chromatica Ball stadium tour raked in $112 million, further solidifying her as one of the highest-grossing female artists in the world.
Despite these accomplishments, Gaga has openly shared her struggles with self-doubt, revealing that even for someone of her caliber, imposter syndrome can feel deeply real.
Underneath her high-profile success, Gaga faced persistent moments of questioning her worth. “Am I truly deserving of all this?” she wondered, feeling isolated and even disconnected from her authentic self.
This inner conflict led her to search for something deeper. Her turning point arrived when jazz legend Tony Bennett invited her to collaborate on a project. This wasn’t just a musical partnership; it was a lifeline, helping Gaga reconnect with her CORE—her true self, untouched by fame’s pressures. With Bennett, she remembered the pure joy of making music, free from judgment, and rediscovered Stefani, the woman behind the larger-than-life Lady Gaga.
When she began creating music alongside jazz legend Tony Bennett, Gaga found her way back to her CORE. Bennett saw her beyond the facade, beyond the award-winning persona of Lady Gaga. He saw Stefani, the woman with a deep love for music. And in that partnership, she reconnected with her authentic self, rediscovering the pure joy of creation.
This was her turning point—a return to her CORE that allowed her to let go of imposter fears and stand in her truth.
The “Parts” of Imposter Syndrome
But what’s at the root of imposter syndrome, really? To understand it, we turn to the concept of Parts Work, which explores the different inner "parts" or voices within us, often in conflict. When someone struggles with imposter syndrome, it’s not one single voice of doubt but multiple parts at play.
Lady Gaga’s journey gives us a unique view into imposter syndrome, shedding light on the complexity of the inner dialogue that fuels these feelings. A helpful framework for understanding these internal struggles is Parts Work, which suggests that different “parts” within us represent unique aspects of our personality. When someone experiences imposter syndrome, it’s often several of these inner parts, each with different needs and fears, coming to the surface.
Here are some of the key parts to recognize and address if you’re dealing with imposter syndrome:
The Inner Critic – This part is a relentless inner voice, pointing out flaws, mistakes, and any areas where you don’t measure up. Inner Critic holds the loud, persistent criticisms, pointing out every perceived flaw and failure. It’s the voice that insists you’re not good enough, even when you excel. For someone like Gaga, the Critic may have questioned her talents, even in the face of global success, creating a powerful sense of doubt.
The Perfectionist – Focused on impossible standards, the Perfectionist pushes for flawlessness and often creates stress or anxiety when things fall short. Rooted in a fear of failure, the Perfectionist demands flawlessness. For Gaga, this was the part that drove her to overachieve but also left her feeling disconnected, as if she could never measure up to the image she had created. Gaga’s Perfectionist may have driven her to aim ever higher, though ironically leading her to feel she could never measure up to her own image.
The Protector – While subtle, the Protector aims to keep us safe from failure, rejection, or disappointment, sometimes by holding us back or creating doubts to “protect” us. Often misunderstood, this part thinks it’s shielding you from rejection and disappointment. Ironically, it can push you to self-sabotage or second-guess your worth, keeping you "safe" from stepping out of your comfort zone. Gaga’s Protector may have kept her guarded, fearing that vulnerability would compromise her or even expose her true self.
The Inner Child – The Inner Child represents our deep-seated need for acceptance and love. Deep within, there is often a young, vulnerable part that feels unworthy or afraid of not being accepted. Lady Gaga’s struggle reflects how powerful this part can be when it’s in pain, yearning for the comfort of belonging and approval. For Gaga, this part likely felt validated by external achievements yet may have yearned for acceptance beyond fame. Through Bennett’s mentorship, she found that acceptance, helping her feel seen as her authentic self.
Finding Your Way Back to the CORE
In her work with Tony Bennett, Gaga’s journey became one of integration—embracing each part but allowing her CORE to take the lead. Through music, she healed by reconnecting with what was true for her. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of self-leadership in a world that constantly pushes us to be someone we’re not.
Let's remember the CORE, is none of your Parts. The CORE represents your true self, beyond roles and expectations.
It is when you know what is NOT YOUR CORE, can you discover what is YOUR CORE.
So discovering her CORE allowed Gaga to reconnect with her love for music and the essence of who she is, unburdened by external demands.
Lady Gaga’s journey is a powerful reminder of how reconnecting with our CORE can ease the weight of imposter syndrome and self-doubt. By acknowledging each of these parts—the Critic, Perfectionist, Protector, Inner Child —she was able to reclaim her authentic self and lead with clarity, joy, and confidence. And while most of us may not have a Tony Bennett to help us on our journey, we can still cultivate that same sense of self-leadership by working with these parts within us.
If you’re reading this and nodding along, feeling a touch of familiarity with Gaga’s journey, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to control you.
When you recognize and begin to lead yourself through these inner parts, you may find that the path to your CORE is simpler than it seems.
For those interested in exploring this journey of self-leadership, CALMFIDENCE IS THE KEY by Nell Puetter offers insights and tools for working with these inner parts. With this guidance, you can reconnect with your CORE, moving through imposter syndrome with calm, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This book delves into the core principles of Calmfidence, showing how self-belief and inner calm form the foundation of true success. By recognising and reshaping the Inner Critic, you’re opening yourself to a life of balance, resilience, and empowered decision-making.
Through the Core Calmfidence® System, leaders and entrepreneurs can transform self-criticism into self-compassion, empowering themselves to reach new heights with inner calm and confidence Calmfidence is the Key.