
It’s a wonderful day, isn’t it?. You’re up, looking dashing as you head out to work—ready for that Monday morning presentation you have been working on for weeks. The meeting is underway, and your boss praises your recent project. Everyone claps. You smile on the outside, but inside, there’s a ‘voice screaming’: “You don’t deserve this. You just got lucky. Soon, they’ll discover you are “A FRAUD!!!”
Sound familiar? Meet Imposter Syndrome—the sneaky saboteur that creeps into the minds of CEOs, students, entrepreneurs, and even stay-at-home parents. It’s no respecter of person, title, race or class. It’s the silent battle many fight but rarely talk about.
So what exactly is this Imposter syndrome?
Imagine a nosy tenant living in your mind, constantly feeding you doubts. That’s Imposter Syndrome—a psychological pattern where you feel like a fraud despite clear evidence of your accomplishments. How it got there, well, we don’t know but we do want it kicked out.
It’s like having an inner critic who:
- Convinces you that you don’t deserve your position or accolades.
- Tells you that your successes are pure luck.
- Makes you fear that others will one day “find you out
Imposter syndrome takes you on a ride, and it’s not fun. You’re constantly doubting yourself even when it shows otherwise. It cripples you and makes you undermine your efforts and abilities. It tells you “You’re not good enough!”, so you don’t even try.

It has siblings! – Imposter Syndrome; the types.
Our not-so-friendly neighbour comes in different ways, it’s not the same for everyone. Dr. Valerie Young, a leading expert on the topic, identified five types.
- The Perfectionist
You set impossible standards for yourself. Even when you achieve great things, it’s never “enough.” Even after delivering those flawless presentations with praise from your boss, you can’t stop thinking about the typo on slide 8. - The Expert
You feel like you must know everything before you can be considered competent. Hesitating to apply for that promotion because you don’t think you have that certification you might never need. - The Natural Genius
You believe you should master new skills easily. If you struggle, you assume you’re not good enough. You give up learning that new data program after a few lessons because you can’t figure it out…OVERNIGHT!! - The Soloist
If you think asking for help is a sign of weakness, you would rather stay up all night than ask a colleague to assist with a project. - The Superperson
You equate your worth with how much you achieve. Resting feels like failure. That’s probably why you burn out so easily: you’re out here juggling work, side hustles, and volunteering. After all, you feel you must excel in everything.
Now you’ve met the family, which one looks like you?
The tell signs:
You may be dealing with imposter syndrome if you do the following:
- You downplay your achievements. “That contract? It was pure luck.”
- You’re scared of being exposed. “If only they knew I have no idea what I’m doing!”
- You over-prepare or procrastinate. You either plan obsessively or avoid tasks altogether, fearing failure.
- You brush off compliments. “Oh, it wasn’t a big deal!”
Why Do You Feel This Way?
Pressure!!. Societal and cultural pressures often add fuel to the fire. The constant comparison, family expectations, and the fear of being “called out” can amplify feelings of inadequacy.
First up, cultural expectations. Are you “the firstborn” or “the golden child”? Congratulations, you’ve unlocked access to “premium pressure” and “the achievement of being everyone’s role model and family saviour!” The weight of carrying an entire family on your shoulders is enough to make anyone question their worth.
Next, we have the wild world of social media. Scrolling through Instagram, you see people in their “soft life,” launching businesses, celebrating their 10th promotion before age 30, buying cars, houses and whatnot. Meanwhile, you’re here just trying to get through another Monday. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, even if your journey is just as valid.
And let’s not forget workplace pressure-whooshh!! Trying to prove yourself in a competitive Lagos office can feel like running a marathon you didn’t train for. Over-preparing and overthinking everything? All classic signs of trying to outrun that sneaky inner critic.
So what’s the solution?
You don’t have to let Imposter Syndrome control your life and make you miss out on amazing opportunities that you’re very deserving of, it’s not fair. So here’s how we deal with it.
- Recognize and Reframe: Catch those negative thoughts in the act. Instead of saying, “I’m not good enough,” flip the script: “I worked for this, and I deserve it.” Positive vibes only!
- Talk About It: Imposter Syndrome loves isolation. Don’t let it win! Open up to trusted friends, family, or a counsellor. Saying it out loud can be the first step to healing.
- Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small: Crushed That Presentation? Wrapped up a big project? Celebrate like you just won an Oscar. Every win counts, no matter how small.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself—mistakes happen! Instead of being your harshest critic, remind yourself: “I’m human, and I’m learning.”
- Focus on Growth, Not Perfection: Life isn’t about being flawless; it’s about learning and evolving. Every stumble is a step toward becoming the best version of yourself.
Remember,
“Imposter Syndrome may whisper, but you have the power to shout louder. You’re not a fraud. You’re capable. You’re deserving of every success you achieve“
So, the next time that little voice sneaks in, look it in the eye and say: “You’re wrong. I’ve got this!” You’re more than enough—now go out and own it!