Imposter syndrome has been a buzzword for the past few years. In almost every space I’m in, somebody claims it at some point, and I’ve used it to describe myself, too. As a Psychology student, I find it interesting how often the term gets overused or misused. Recently, I got called out for using it when I was talking about applying to a prestigious Canadian university.
A few weeks ago, I attended an event hosted by my university that brought together Black students, staff, and faculty. I almost didn’t go because I had an assignment due the following night. I told myself I would leave halfway through to get it done. Instead, I stayed until the end and even spent time networking after. I didn’t realize that showing up would impact me the way it did.
I didn’t know much about the event or who would be there. Before it started, I made small talk with a few people. One woman asked about my studies and future plans. I told her I was in my fourth year and planning to apply to law school. She said she was a faculty member at a prestigious Canadian university. She encouraged me to apply because they have a strong program and a supportive community.
I told her I was unsure about applying because of the prestige and how I felt I might not even get in. I mentioned my feelings of imposter syndrome.
She was genuinely surprised. She told me not to use that language about myself again. She didn’t know my grades, background, or experience, but she spoke to me like someone who believed in me instantly. She told me I was capable and qualified, and the only wrong move would be not trying. Even if I didn’t get in the first round, she said I could always apply again.
I had to hold back tears. I had never had someone speak that confidently about my abilities without knowing me.
A few minutes later, the MC welcomed everyone and introduced the keynote speaker. It was her, the same woman I had been speaking to. I felt a bit embarrassed. I didn’t know she was the guest speaker. However, that feeling disappeared as soon as she started. She spoke in a way that was calm and conversational but still held the room. She talked about showing up in our Blackness, building community, and eventually arrived at the topic of imposter syndrome.
At one point, she asked if I was okay with her sharing what we discussed earlier. I said yes. She shared my comment about imposter syndrome and unpacked it in a way that resonated with the whole room.
One thing she said that stayed with me was that: so many people who looked like me had done this before. The path exists. My job is to walk it. The lies that tell us we don’t belong are still lies, even when they feel real.
That moment forced me to really listen to my inner dialogue. I had to question why I believed I wasn’t good enough and why I feared other people would see me that way too.
Being who I am, I looked deeper into the psychology of it. Gadsby (2021) explains that imposter syndrome isn’t a general negative view of yourself. It shows up when someone doubts their abilities in a specific area even when there’s evidence they’re skilled. In academic settings especially, people often connect these doubts to intelligence. But these feelings are inaccurate and not based in truth.
Imposter syndrome has become a label people use when they don’t feel good enough even when they are. I don’t claim that label anymore. I am smart. I am capable. I do my best, and I’m proud of the effort I put in, no matter the outcome. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, but I want to share the practical tools that help me manage those thoughts while applying to law school and finishing my last year.
Tools to Unlearn Imposter Syndrome
1. Reality-Check Your Thoughts
When a self-doubting thought pops up, like “I don’t know enough” or “I just got lucky,” pause and ask yourself:
- Is this a fact or a fear?
- What evidence supports or challenges this thought?
Separating emotion from truth helps quiet that internal doubt.
2. Track Receipts (Wins, Praise, Progress)
Create a space in your Notes app, journal, or Google Doc where you record:
- Positive feedback
- Achievements, no matter the size
- Moments of growth
When doubt creeps in, your memory will try to rewrite the story. Proof helps you push back.
3. Check the Environment, Not Just Yourself
Sometimes imposter feelings are a response to a space that wasn’t built with you in mind. Ask yourself:
- Am I one of the only ones here?
- Are the expectations unclear or unrealistic?
Understanding the setting helps you stop blaming yourself for everything you feel.
4. Take Up Space on Purpose
Confidence comes from small, intentional moments. Try things like:
- Asking a question in class
- Introducing yourself in a new space
- Sharing an opinion without apologizing first
You don’t become confident by waiting for the feeling. You grow into it by acting.
5. Replace Minimizing Language
Switch out phrases that downplay your work:
- “I just got lucky” → “I earned this.”
- “I don’t know what I’m doing” → “I’m figuring it out.”
- “They picked the wrong person” → “They chose me for a reason.”
Your inner voice is powerful. Train it to be accurate, not harsh.
Looking Ahead
Letting go of the imposter label isn’t about pretending doubt doesn’t exist. It’s about refusing to let it narrate your story. That moment at the event reminded me that other people have seen something in me that I was still questioning in myself. I don’t have to wait until I feel 100% ready to claim the spaces I’m working toward. I just have to show up as I am and do the work.
If you’re reading this and any part of you has ever wondered if you belong, I hope you sit with that question a little differently now.
Goodbye for now,
Cahlia
References
Gadsby, S. (2021). Imposter Syndrome and Self-Deception. Australasian Journal of Philosophy, 100(2), 247–261. https://doi.org/10.1080/00048402.2021.1874445
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