"I sat in my boss's office, fingers fumbling with my scarf, listening to her list all the reasons I was ‘perfect for the role.’ Inside, I felt about as prepared for my new position as a goat on a skateboard. Sure, I’d clocked in years of experience, but I couldn’t shake the nagging whisper, ‘You’re a fraud, and everyone knows it.’ Sound familiar? Welcome to Impostor Syndrome, where self-doubt throws the party and you show up on the guest list—uninvited.

If you’ve ever thought, ‘I’m not good enough’ or panicked that someone might discover you’re somehow faking your way through life, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: Impostor Syndrome isn’t a life sentence. You can work through it and, dare I say, thrive. Here’s how I went from feeling like a total impostor to owning my place in the room."

What is Impostor Syndrome (and Why Does It Feel So Personal)?

Imagine being handed a VIP backstage pass to your dream concert. Instead of enjoying the moment, you spend the entire time convinced security will kick you out because, obviously, you're not really supposed to be there. That’s Impostor Syndrome—a nagging, illogical belief that you’re out of your depth, even when the evidence says otherwise.

For me, it started during my university days in Lagos. I was this quiet girl from Abuja with big dreams but kept shrinking in spaces where I belonged. In group discussions, I’d psych myself out, thinking my ideas weren’t insightful enough. Never mind the fact that I’d read the material twice and highlighted like a woman possessed.

By the time I moved to London for graduate school, the feeling only intensified. Being one of the few African women in a room filled with polished accents and Ivy League degrees, I shrank even more. It didn’t matter that I’d worked hard to get there or had valid contributions—I was sure I’d accidentally hacked the system. Looking back, it’s no wonder the weight of self-doubt felt so heavy. I was dragging luggage labeled, “Who do you think you are?”

The Quiet Power of Naming It

The first step in knocking down any problem? Call it out. A friend once told me, “You’re too harsh on yourself. You know that, right?” At first, I brushed it off, but when I began looking into why I doubted myself, I realized how common it was. Studies show that 70% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point*. Think about that; even Beyoncé probably looked at her Coachella outfit once and thought, “Eh, I don’t know…”

Simply realizing that this insecurity had a name and wasn’t unique to me gave me clarity. Impostor Syndrome wasn’t some villainous truth; it was a bad habit rooted in fear—fear of failure, rejection, or not measuring up. And like most habits, it could be unlearned.

From Self-Doubt to Self-Awareness: Practical Ways to Shift

The journey from impostor to expert isn’t about waking up one day and declaring, “I’m amazing!” (although, go ahead if that’s your thing). It’s about reframing the way you see yourself slowly but surely. Here’s what worked for me:

1. Write the Receipts

Let me tell you something: journals aren’t just for angsty teenagers. In one particularly frustrating moment when I felt like a fraud at work, I made a list of all the things I’d accomplished in my career so far. It included snagging a competitive NGO internship in Ghana, managing a grassroots campaign in Senegal, and yes, making plantains at midnight while meeting deadlines (balanced living, people!). Seeing these ‘receipts’ in black and white helped me realize I wasn’t winging it—I was working for it.

Try this: Take 20 minutes today to write out at least 10 things you’ve achieved that you’re proud of. Pin it somewhere you’ll see it often.

2. Find Your Squad

My mother always says, “If you want to move fast, go alone; if you want to move far, go together.” Having a support system—friends, mentors, colleagues—who root for you and remind you of your worth is a game-changer. I remember a mentor at my first NGO job pulling me aside after a presentation and saying, “You’re good at this. Don’t let fear tell you otherwise.”

When I couldn't believe in myself, having someone who could helped me hang in there until I could see what they saw.

3. Redefine Success

One major reason I felt like an impostor was because I thought I had to know it all, all the time. Spoiler alert: no one knows it all. The people you look up to? They’re still figuring it out too—they’re just better at not sweating it.

Success isn’t about perfection; it's about progress. Did you try? Did you learn? Did you grow? Then you’re winning.

4. Laugh at the Doubt

One trick I’ve learned: when that inner voice starts yapping about how you’re not good enough, imagine it in the most ridiculous way possible. Think a cartoon villain or an overly dramatic Nollywood scene—cue thunder sound effects and someone clutching their chest saying, “It can never be you!” Laugh at your self-doubt, and I promise it depletes some of its power.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrations don’t always require champagne and flashing neon lights (although, who’s stopping you?). It’s the little moments that deserve as much hype. I remember finishing a particularly challenging report in my NGO days, and rather than brush it off, I treated myself to akara and ginger tea, my comfort food combo. Celebrate as you go—the journey’s long, and you deserve joy in the process.

Embracing Your Expert Energy

The truth is, the ‘expert’ you’re aspiring to become won’t randomly appear one day; you’re crafting that person daily. And the thing about impostor syndrome is that it shows up loudest when you’re pushing boundaries and growing outside your comfort zone. So, the next time you hear those unhelpful whispers of doubt, let them be a sign that you’re on the right track.

Whatever space you’re navigating in life—whether it’s work, relationships, or adding a new skill—give yourself the same kindness and grace you’d offer your closest friend. You’ve earned that seat at the table, so sit in it fully, back straight, head held high…and maybe help yourself to some jollof rice while you’re at it because life’s too short to doubt hungry.

"And there you have it—a journey from self-doubt to something closer to self-love. Remember, the goal isn’t to completely silence fear or doubt; it’s to move forward anyway, one step at a time. You’ve got this. And if no one’s told you today, let me be the first: you’re more capable than you give yourself credit for. Now go shine."