Imposter syndrome

Let’s talk about that weird, heavy feeling that creeps in even after you’ve done everything right. You get the job. You show up. You deliver. You’re literally doing the thing and still, a small voice in your head whispers: “You don’t belong here.” 

That is imposter syndrome. And let me tell you, it doesn’t matter how smart, qualified, or kind you are. It shows up anyway. Usually when you least expect it. 

So, what is imposter syndrome? 

Imposter syndrome is the internal experience of believing you’re not as competent as others think you are. It’s that uncomfortable feeling that you’re faking your way through life or work, and one day, people will find out you’re not really that smart, talented, or capable. Even though there’s no actual evidence to support those thoughts, imposter syndrome convinces you otherwise. It tricks you into downplaying your success and doubting your value. 

What imposter syndrome feels like (in real life): 

  • You second-guess every decision, even small ones like how to sign off an email. 
  • You overwork to “make up” for the fact that you don’t feel you are good enough. 
  • You minimize your achievements or chalk them up to luck. 
  • You feel like if people really knew you, they’d realize you’re not as competent as they think, or as your title or position may seem.   

And yet, you’ve earned your seat. Even if you sometimes feel unsure of how to sit in it. 

If you’re at the beginning of your career, fresh out of school, new to your field, or finally getting your first big opportunity, imposter syndrome can feel louder than ever. Because no one really prepares you for the identity shift that comes with stepping into a new role. One day, you’re a student or a job seeker. The next, you have a title, a team, expectations, and a work email and it all feels surreal. 

You might be thinking: 

  • “Why did they hire me?” 
  • “Am I smart enough to be here?” 
  • “Should I speak in this meeting or just keep nodding?” 
  • “Everyone else seems to know what they’re doing except me.” 

Let me say this clearly:
You’re not faking it. You’re just new to where you are now. 

Your brain is trying to protect you from failure, embarrassment, and rejection. It whispers, “Stay small. Don’t be seen. Don’t risk it.”  

Here is what I am learning slowly but surely: 

  • Growth requires being seen. It requires speaking up in the meeting even if your voice shakes a little. It requires sending the email. It requires applying for the opportunity. 
  • The people who seem “so sure of themselves” were once new too. They just kept showing up long enough for uncertainty to soften. Being new is uncomfortable because growth is uncomfortable. You are stretching into a version of yourself you have not fully met yet. Of course, it feels unfamiliar. That does not mean it is fake. 
  • Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. The less we talk about it, the more isolated we feel. The truth? So many high-achieving, thoughtful, capable people experience it. The intern. The manager. The founder. The person you admire. The one giving the presentation with steady hands might have rehearsed ten times because they were terrified of messing up. 

So how do we gently push back against imposter syndrome instead of letting it run our one life, our show? 

1. Remember: feelings are not facts 

Just because you feel behind does not mean you are.
Just because you feel underqualified does not mean you are.
Just because you feel unsure does not mean you are incapable. 

2. Celebrate small wins 

Imposter syndrome has a habit of moving the goalpost. If you only celebrate “big” achievements, you will always feel behind. Start acknowledging progress in real time. Keep a folder of positive feedback, successful project completions, and “thank you” emails.​ Look at this data when the “inner critic” gets too loud.​ 

3. Regularly ask for specific feedback 

Imposter syndrome feeds on assumptions: 

“So-and-so probably thinks I’m underperforming.”
“My manager must regret hiring me.” 

Instead of guessing, ask!

Schedule informal or formal check-ins with a trusted colleague, mentor, or manager. Ask: 

  • “What am I doing well?” 
  • “Where do you see growth for me?” 
  • “What skills should I focus on strengthening?” 

Clear, specific feedback grounds you in reality. It replaces vague fear with actionable direction. 

3. Invest in the person you’re becoming 

Continuous learning is a commitment to growth. When you focus on becoming better rather than being perfect, the pressure softens. You’re no longer trying to “prove” you belong. You’re actively growing into the role. 

A simple reframing can shift everything – instead of asking, “Do I belong here?” you can ask yourself, “What can I learn here?” 

Shift your focus from proving your worth to building your capacity. 

Take the course.
Read the book.
Ask the question.
Practice the skill. 

Finally, maybe the most important thing to reminder: 

You don’t overcome imposter syndrome by magically becoming more impressive. You overcome it by building a healthier relationship with yourself. And that is enough. 

So, if that little voice is louder at the moment, please hear this: 

You were not hired by accident. You were not chosen out of pity. You are not one mistake away from being exposed. 

You are growing. And growth rarely feels graceful. 

The next time that small voice whispers, “You don’t belong here”, you may gently answer back: “I may be new. I may still be learning. But I am not an imposter. I am in progress.” 

 

Author: Sonie Annick Akaliza, mHub Rwanda, 2026-26-02 

If you would like to reach out to speak to someone, please contact mHub by email: info@mhub-africa.org or call 0785-318416.