Thriving in Unfamiliar Spaces

A few years ago, I stepped into a boardroom, surrounded by industry leaders, people who had years , if not decades , of experience. I was a freshman, just starting out, but I had pitched my startup confidently and seized an opportunity that most would have thought beyond my reach. Still, sitting at that table, I felt it. That nagging voice in my head: “What am I doing here? I don’t belong.” Even though I believed in myself and my abilities, the feeling of being an imposter, of not quite deserving to be in that room, was overpowering.

I now realize that experience wasn’t unique to me—it was imposter syndrome in full force. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough despite evidence to the contrary, you’ve likely experienced it too.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

It is the persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, no matter how much you've accomplished. It’s when you question whether you deserve the success you've achieved or whether you just got lucky. It’s the feeling that eventually, someone will realize you’re not as capable as they thought.

But the reality is, imposter syndrome is almost universal. Whether you’re a freshman stepping into big opportunities early in your career like me, or a professional at the peak of your industry, it doesn’t discriminate. It can follow anyone, anywhere, no matter how much they’ve achieved.

I reached out to a few people from different walks of life to hear their stories, and despite the differences in their experiences, one thing remained the same: the sense of not belonging.

Joy, an engineer from Kenya, shared, “I’m the only woman on my team, and I constantly feel like I have to prove myself. It’s exhausting. Every mistake I make feels like proof that I shouldn’t be here.”

Jared, a first-generation college student, said, “Being in a room full of people whose families have gone to college for generations makes me feel out of place. I can’t help but feel like I don’t measure up."

But what causes this pervasive self-doubt?

Imposter syndrome is rooted in a mix of societal, psychological, and cultural influences :

1. Cultural Expectations: For those from underrepresented groups, the pressure to succeed often feels amplified. You’re carrying the weight of proving that you belong, sometimes even more than others.
2. Perfectionism: People who strive for perfection often succumb to imposter syndrome. They feel that they don't deserve success if they aren’t flawless. You must know that ‘continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.’ And honestly speaking nothing is ever perfect I guess..
3. Social Comparisons: With social media showcasing a highlight reel of everyone’s achievements, it’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you don’t measure up.
4. Identity Biases: Imposter syndrome is often reinforced by societal structures for women, people of color, and individuals from marginalized communities, compounding internal feelings of inadequacy.

Now that we understand the origins of imposter syndrome we can dismantle it. It is not solely a personal shortcoming; rather, it is influenced by the environments we find ourselves in. It's crucial to recognize that there are methods to break this cycle.

Here's what has been effective for me and what might also benefit you:

1. Recognize and acknowledge it: Once you do, you can begin to separate the feeling from reality. Just because you feel like a fraud doesn’t mean you are one.
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you hear that internal voice saying you don’t deserve to be where you are, challenge it. Look at your achievements objectively and ask yourself, “Would I say this to someone else in my position?”
3. Celebrate your successes: Don't dismiss them as luck. Take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and achievements.
4. Practice Affirmations: Reframe your internal dialogue with positive affirmations such as "I deserve to be here" or "I have earned my success." It may feel strange at first, but over time, these affirmations can help shift your mindset.
5. Find Your Support System: Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Whether it’s friends, mentors, or peers, having a support system that lifts you can counteract feelings of inadequacy.
6. Mindfulness and Grounding: Practice mindfulness or grounding techniques to keep yourself focused on the present, rather than getting lost in the spiral of self-doubt. Something as simple as deep breathing or journaling can help anchor you when imposter syndrome strikes.
7. Take Risks: Recognize that feeling uncomfortable in new situations isn’t a sign of inadequacy—it’s a sign of growth. Stepping into those “big rooms” like I did may feel daunting, but it’s in these moments that you’ll learn the most and prove to yourself just how capable you are.

When I walked into those rooms filled with experienced professionals, I had every reason to be there. My hard work and confidence had earned me those opportunities, even if I was the youngest in the room. It took me a while to realize that imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it’s often a reflection of how much you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. Stepping out of that zone and the walls you have built to feel safe in is where real growth happens.

Now, when those familiar feelings of self-doubt arise, I remind myself that I’ve earned my seat at the table. That inner voice of doubt is just a byproduct of striving for something bigger—and it’s not something that should hold me back.

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome is a shared human experience that can make us question our worth. But remember, the very fact that you’re facing those feelings means you’re pushing boundaries, learning, and growing. Don’t let imposter syndrome define your story. You belong. Your accomplishments are real. And you’re capable of even more than you think. Cheers🥂