Imposter Syndrome

If you’ve ever felt like you're fooling everyone around you—that someday, someone will realize you’re not as competent as they think—you’re not alone.

This feeling has a name: Imposter Syndrome.

Even when we’re achieving, thriving, or receiving recognition, a little voice inside says, “You don’t deserve this,” or “You’re not good enough.” And let me tell you: that voice is wrong.

What is Imposter Syndrome, Really?

Imposter Syndrome is that nagging feeling that your success is a fluke, that you're just lucky or in the right place at the right time. No matter how much you accomplish, it’s like you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop—for someone to “find out” that you're not as talented or smart as they think. It's not just self-doubt; it's a deeply ingrained belief that you're not enough.

Psychologists first coined the term in the 1970s, but it’s not just an old-school idea—it’s something a lot of us still deal with today. And it's not about actual skill or competence. You can have the degrees, the certifications, and all the experience, but still feel like you’re "faking it."

How Imposter Syndrome Hits Us as Black Women

Now, let’s get real for a minute. As Black women, we carry this heavy load of expectations—from ourselves, from our families, and from society. We’re often told we have to work twice as hard to get half as far. So when we do succeed, instead of celebrating, we might question if we really earned it. Did we get here by accident? Do we really belong in these spaces that historically weren’t made for us?

The truth is, Imposter Syndrome hits differently when you're a Black woman. It's not just internal self-doubt—we’re also dealing with external factors like systemic racism, stereotypes, and microaggressions. When you walk into a room and you're the only Black person, or one of the few, it’s easy to feel like you have to prove you belong there. And even when you do prove it, you might still feel like an outsider.

Imposter Syndrome in Predominantly White Spaces

For those of us working or studying in predominantly white environments, the pressure to perform can be even greater. You might feel like any mistake you make isn’t just yours—it represents your whole race. That’s a lot of weight to carry. It’s exhausting trying to be perfect all the time, and it feeds into the idea that we don’t belong.

But here’s the truth: you’ve already proven yourself. You belong in every space you walk into, period.

So, How Do We Tackle Imposter Syndrome?

If you’ve been nodding your head while reading this, trust me, you’re not alone. Here are a few ways to tackle Imposter Syndrome, especially for my fellow Black women and BIPOC folks:

1. Check the Pattern
   Start by recognizing when you’re falling into the Imposter Syndrome trap. Are you constantly downplaying your success? Are you waiting for someone to tell you that you’re not good enough? Awareness is the first step to change. Start by simply acknowledging when those thoughts come up instead of letting them take over.

2. Talk Back to Negative Self-Talk
   Imposter Syndrome thrives on negative self-talk. The next time you hear yourself thinking, “I don’t deserve this,” challenge that thought. Remind yourself of the facts. You didn’t get lucky—you put in the work. Talk to yourself like you’d talk to your best friend who’s doubting themselves. Be kinder to yourself.

3. Practice Self-Compassion
   Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome are besties, but perfection isn’t the goal. Self-compassion is key. When you slip up (because you’re human, and you will), give yourself grace. Just because you make a mistake doesn’t mean you don’t belong. In fact, it makes you just like the rest of us—beautifully imperfect.

4. Acknowledge the Systemic Stuff
   For Black women and other BIPOC folks, it’s not all in your head. The systems we live and work in aren’t always set up for us to thrive. Acknowledging the racism, bias, and microaggressions you face can be incredibly validating. You’re not imagining things—you’re navigating real barriers. That said, those barriers don’t define your worth. You belong because you deserve to be here.

5. Find Your People
   Surround yourself with people who understand your experience—whether that’s a mentor, friends, or a support group. Being in spaces where you don’t have to constantly explain yourself can be healing. Talking with others who’ve been through similar experiences reminds you that you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid.

6. Lean Into Vulnerability
   One of the toughest things to do when you’re dealing with Imposter Syndrome is to let your guard down. But vulnerability is actually a strength, not a weakness. It’s okay to not have all the answers or to ask for help. You don’t need to constantly prove yourself by being “perfect.” When you embrace your humanity—flaws and all—you allow others to see the real you. Vulnerability opens the door to deeper connections and can make the weight of Imposter Syndrome feel lighter.

Friend, You Deserve to Take Up Space

Imposter Syndrome is real, and it can be overwhelming, especially for Black women and other BIPOC individuals who face additional pressures. But here’s the thing: You earned your place, and you deserve to be here. Don’t let anyone, including that critical voice in your head, convince you otherwise.

It’s time to start owning your accomplishments and reminding yourself that you are enough, exactly as you are. Every step you’ve taken, every challenge you’ve overcome, and every goal you’ve reached is proof that you are worthy of all the success and recognition coming your way.

So the next time Imposter Syndrome rears its head, take a deep breath, ground yourself in your truth, and remember—you belong here. And you’re not just enough—you’re more than enough.

References

• Clance, P. R. & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high-achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241-247.

• Cokley, K., McClain, S., Enciso, A., & Martinez, M. (2013). An examination of the impact of minority status stress and imposter feelings on the mental health of diverse ethnic minority students. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 41(2), 82-95.

You’ve got this! And if you’re still struggling with Imposter Syndrome, know that I’m here to help. Reach out, and let’s work through this together.