Picture this: You finally land an interview for a job you’ve been eyeing for years. You check all the boxes, you know your stuff, and yet, there’s a tiny (or maybe loud and obnoxious) voice in your head whispering, “You’re not qualified for this. They’re going to find out you’re a fraud.”
Congratulations! You might just have Imposter Syndrome—that lovely little psychological gremlin that convinces you that all your accomplishments are a fluke, and at any moment, someone’s going to expose you as the workplace equivalent of a cat in a trench coat.
But here’s the kicker: You are capable. You’ve just been conditioned to believe otherwise.
When the Boxes Others Put You In Become Your Cage
If you’ve ever been stuck in a job that didn’t let you grow, you know exactly what this feels like. You’ve applied for promotions, taken on extra work, maybe even trained people who somehow leapfrogged over you—and yet, you remain right where you started.
Over time, this experience can shape your self-perception. You start to believe that if you were truly good enough, someone would have noticed by now. Maybe you’re just meant to stay in the role you’ve outgrown because that’s where you “fit.”
Spoiler alert: That’s not true.
The problem isn’t you—it’s the system that has conveniently slotted you into a role that benefits them more than it benefits you. You’ve been boxed in for so long that you’ve started thinking the box is a natural habitat. It’s not. It’s just where they put you because you made it too easy for them to keep you there.
Breaking Out of the Mental Cage
So how do you escape this mental imprisonment? First, let’s acknowledge a few truths:
- You are not the sum of your past employers’ limited vision. Just because they couldn’t see your potential doesn’t mean it’s not there.
- Being overlooked doesn’t mean you’re underqualified. Sometimes, office politics and favoritism hold people back more than ability does.
- Lack of opportunity does not equal lack of talent. If anything, it’s proof that you’ve been functioning at a high level without the proper recognition.
Now, let’s talk strategy:
Reframe the Narrative
Instead of thinking, “I’ve never been given a chance, so I must not be good enough,” flip it to, “I’ve never been given a chance, but I’ve managed to keep growing anyway.”
Start Talking to Yourself Like You’re a Genius
Would you let your best friend sit around doubting their skills like this? No! You’d hype them up, remind them of their wins, and tell them they’re capable of more. So why do you talk to yourself like you’re a failure? Be your own best hype person.
Apply Anyway
Sure, you might not check every single box on that job description—but do you think everyone who got the job did? Employers are out here asking for ten years of experience for an entry-level position. The math isn’t mathing. Apply anyway.
Remember That Confidence is Half the Battle
We all know someone who isn’t necessarily the best at their job but walks around like they own the place. That’s because competence alone doesn’t get you ahead—confidence does. Time to start channeling some of that energy.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve More
Imposter Syndrome thrives in people who are actually highly capable. The fact that you even worry about whether you’re good enough means you probably are. The world isn’t always fair, and sometimes, it takes longer than it should for the right doors to open.
But when they do? Walk through them like you belong there—because you do.
