Ask AdaMarie: How do I deal with imposter syndrome?
“Hi AdaMarie, I feel like everyone on my team knows more than me. I second-guess everything I say in meetings and worry I don’t belong here. How do I deal with imposter syndrome?”
Dear Trying to Keep Up,
First, let’s normalize this: feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one. It means you care — deeply — about doing well. The truth is, most high-achievers, especially in STEM fields, experience imposter syndrome at some point. The work moves fast, the stakes are high, and you’re surrounded by people who seem endlessly competent. It’s easy to assume everyone else has the answers while you’re still catching up.
Here’s a secret most people won’t say out loud: nobody has it all figured out. The best professionals are constantly learning, asking questions, and troubleshooting in real time.
What you’re interpreting as “everyone knows more than me” might actually be “everyone’s just hiding it better.”
Let’s try reframing how you see yourself in that room. Instead of thinking, “I don’t belong,” ask, “What unique perspective do I bring?” Your background, experiences, and even your doubts shape the way you approach problems and that’s valuable. STEM innovation depends on people who think differently, who challenge assumptions, who are willing to say, “Wait, what if we tried it this way?”
Here are a few grounding strategies:
Track evidence, not emotions. Create a private “proof folder” of wins — project results, thank-you notes, or moments where you solved something tricky. When self-doubt hits, open it.
Turn comparison into curiosity. Instead of “They’re better than me,” ask “What can I learn from them?” It transforms threat into growth.
Voice your uncertainty strategically. Saying, “I’m still learning this part, but here’s my thought…” models intellectual humility and confidence at once.
Build your reflection muscle. At the end of each week, write down three things you learned and one thing you improved. Progress hides in plain sight.
And one more thing… don’t mistake confidence for competence. Some of the most self-assured people are still figuring things out. Confidence can be practiced; competence is earned over time. You’re already building both.
So when that little voice says, “You’re not enough,” try responding: “I’m still becoming.” Because that’s the real story of every scientist, engineer, and innovator who’s ever changed the world.
You belong here — learning, growing, and making an impact in your own way.
With encouragement and belief in your potential,
💜 AdaMarie
