Introduction

Ever felt like you’re faking it, waiting for someone to call you out? In Nigeria, we say, “The moon shines brightest when the night is darkest,” a nod to finding your light even in tough moments. Imposter syndrome hits hard in tech , (well, it does in other fields too)— whether you’re a developer debugging late at night or a job seeker prepping for a global gig. I’ve led teams across continents, and I still wrestle with that nagging voice sometimes. But here’s the truth: you’re not alone, and you are enough. This guide draws on wisdom from Brene Brown, my own leadership journey, and a very loud wake-up call to help you silence the doubts and shine.

Why Imposter Syndrome Hurts (and How to Flip It)

Imposter syndrome isn’t just self-doubt; it’s a creativity killer. It makes you overthink, underdeliver, or shy away from big opportunities. It silences the big voice in you. But Brene Brown, the vulnerability expert, says it best: “You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability.” Let’s walk through it with four steps to reclaim your confidence.

1. Name the Beast

Call it out: “I feel like an imposter.” Naming it reduces its power and lets you tackle it head-on. Don’t forget to add the areas where this thought stems from.

Quick Fix: Write down one thing you’re doubting about yourself. Now list three wins that prove it wrong (You can be exhaustive). This is a repitive step till you have clearly listed out all your doubts.

2. Stack Small Wins

Big wins start small. Finish a tiny task — like fixing a bug or drafting a pitch — and let the momentum build.

Quick Fix: Pick one small task today. Do it. Celebrate with a fist bump — you’ve earned it (You sef don try small) — Then stack it up, like a lego box.

A Lighthearted Detour: From AI Chaos to Code Victory: A Junior’s Turnaround

Two years ago, I assigned a junior dev a simple API integration — nothing crazy, just a task I’d handled plenty of times. I needed them to implement it in a different component. They stayed quiet, but I could sense their hesitation. After about four hours, they came to me and confessed, “I don’t think I’m good enough for this.” They were stuck. I reviewed their code and — my jaw dropped. They’d consulted an AI tool without providing the full context of the task, and in the process, the AI had completely overhauled the existing codebase. I was in awe, but I understood what had happened. So, I pulled them to my side, and we dived back into the code together. We broke the task into manageable chunks, and by the end, they’d not only nailed it but also added a slick optimization I hadn’t even asked for. That moment was a wake-up call: imposter syndrome lies, but action proves it wrong.

3. Find Your People

Mentors, peers, even X communities — surround yourself with folks who lift you up and remind you of your worth.

Quick Fix: Message one person today — a mentor or teammate — and ask for feedback on something you’ve done well. A good community helps you grow, you should invest in getting people in your field around you — Network!

4. Reframe the Flop

Failure isn’t proof you’re a fraud; it’s proof you’re trying. Each misstep is a lesson, not a verdict.

Quick Fix: Think of a recent “failure.” Write down one thing it taught you. Now let it go. If you can think about 2 more, do the same and set the ashes free.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome might dim your light, but as our Nigerian adage reminds us, even the darkest nights can’t stop the moon from shining. You’ve got the tools to silence the noise and step into your greatness. Whether you’re coding the next big thing or chasing a global dream, you belong here. Don’t let that voice stop you from getting to your dream destination.

What’s one step you’ll take today to own your space?

Let’s Chat: Share your imposter syndrome story or your go-to confidence booster below. We’re in this together!

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Feeling Like a Fraud in Tech? How to Silence Imposter Syndrome and Shine