Smarter Than I Seem?

Impostor Syndrome is the gripping belief that you’ve somehow fooled everyone into thinking you’re capable, and that any moment now, they’ll see through the illusion. It’s a constant state of self-doubt and self-intimidation.

It may creep in at a new job, during a promotion, in competitive academic spaces, or even in friendships. You’re doing well on the outside, but inside, you’re shrinking. And the worst part? It doesn’t always go away with more achievements. 

In fact, the more milestones you hit, the more pressure you feel to keep up the performance. It becomes less about growth and more about hiding.

A 2020 study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that up to 82% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point. 

That includes doctors, PhD holders, creatives, executives, and people who are undeniably brilliant. So if you’ve ever questioned your worth in a room full of competent people, you’re in large company.

What’s often misunderstood about impostor syndrome is that it’s not a weakness. It’s usually a byproduct of high expectations, perfectionism, and even trauma. 

Maybe you grew up with unrealistic standards. Or maybe you were told you had to work twice as hard to be seen. So now that you’re being seen, you’re waiting for someone to snatch it all away.

I remember a young woman who was the first in her family to land a corporate job. Her colleagues praised her ideas, her boss called her indispensable, but she cried on her way home most days. She always felt like she was wearing someone else’s name tag.

I can only imagine how it feels despite how many proofs you have to hear your fears tell you, you don’t deserve this or you’re not meant to be here. It keeps you chasing the winds until there is no strength anymore. 

Good news is, the road to healing begins with awareness. Talk back to the voice in your head that says, “You’re not enough.” Surround yourself with people who reflect truth, not just praise. And most importantly, don’t wait until you feel like you belong. Show up anyway. Feelings catch up with action.

We’ve all had our moments of not-enough-ness. But the power lies in learning to name it and not be owned by it. Let’s keep this conversation going. You never know whose silence you’re breaking just by sharing

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Have you ever felt like you didn’t deserve the role, opportunity, or praise you were given, even though you worked hard for it? What was the situation, and how did you handle it?

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