You’re Not an Imposter—You’re Just Underestimated

Imposter syndrome tells you—you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve your accomplishments, you’re a fraud. But here’s the truth: you’re not an imposter. You’re simply underestimated—by others or, worse, by yourself.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome—and Its Limits

First coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, “imposter phenomenon” describes the internal experience of intellectual phoniness despite evidence of success. It’s thought to disproportionately impact high-achievers, especially women and marginalised groups.

But rising criticism highlights that what often gets diagnosed as imposter guilt can instead be a reflection of systemic underestimation. For many, self‑doubt comes not from personal inadequacy, but from structures that don’t support or see their potential.

Why Underestimation Isn’t Failure

Being underestimated means your strength and competence haven’t yet been recognised—yet. It doesn’t invalidate your achievements; it demands broader awareness and validation. It’s not “fake,” it’s just unappreciated. That reframing reframes your narrative.

Real Stories That Matter

According to Utah Valley University, over two-thirds of Americans experience imposter syndrome—especially women in male-dominated sectors. Many women avoid promotions or downplay success, not because they don’t deserve it, but because culture didn’t equip them to claim it .

Dr. Adaira Landry described how, as a first-gen Black medical student, being called an imposter disguised a more accurate truth: unequal access and privilege shaped metrics of competence.

Strategies to Shift from Doubt to Confidence

Here are trusted approaches to reclaim your narrative—and refuse self-doubt:

• **Acknowledge the feeling**—recognise its validity without accepting it as truth.
• **Track your wins:** Document achievements and feedback to anchor your belief in your own competence.
• **Build community:** Share struggles—many others are underestimated too. Solidarity breaks silence .
• **Seek external validation:** Mentors and peers can offer perspective and challenge self-doubt.
• **Name systemic factors:** Recognising bias shifts the blame from self to structure.

Why Reframing Matters

Believe in what you know—even when others don’t yet. Studies show imposter feelings correlate with anxiety, burnout, and underperformance—but shifting the narrative empowers renewed engagement and growth.

Challenge culture, not yourself: 75% of female executives report imposter experiences, often driven by workplace biases—not personal failure .

Breathing Room for Growth

Pushing back doesn’t mean aggressiveness. Pride founded on your earned progress—no qualifiers—is uplifting, not arrogant.

Michelle Obama reminds us: “You wouldn’t be in that room if you didn’t belong.” That enduring message offers not comfort, but rightful ownership.

Athlete Sharlene Mawdsley found confidence again by focusing on what she could control—highlighting resilience, not flaw .

Poet and doctor Dr Suzanne Koven wrote to her younger self: You’re not fraudulent. Your training, your humanity—they matter .

Milly Bannister, youth mental health advocate, recommends gratitude journaling and naming self‑doubt—because naming it strips its power .

Conclusion: You’re Not an Imposter. You’re Underestimated—and That Means You’re Ready for More

Let self-doubt be the wind that strengthens your roots, not pulls them out.

You’re not waiting to be exposed—you’re waiting to be seen. And yes, you belong in every space you’ve earned. Stand steady, stand proud. Because the world may still underestimate you—but you don’t have to.