It's like wearing invisible shackles, holding you back from your true potential.

It's like wearing invisible shackles, holding you back from your true potential. Did you know that according to a study by Access Commercial Finance in 2022, 66% of women in Europe experience impostor syndrome compared to 56% of men?

Honestly, even writing this statistic makes me cringe a little. Why is it that we, as women, are more prone to doubting ourselves? Perhaps it's because acknowledging this vulnerability feels like exposing a hidden weakness. Or maybe it's the fear of being judged for not feeling "strong enough" or "successful enough." Whatever the reason, this feeling of discomfort highlights the insidious nature of impostor syndrome.

This self-doubt manifests in different ways,from downplaying our accomplishments to shying away from challenges. For example, a Hewlett Packard internal report found that women apply for a promotion only if they meet 100% of the criteria, while men apply when they meet 60%. We hold ourselves back before even giving ourselves a chance.

Think back to those carefree days filled with endless possibilities.

But let's rewind for a moment. Remember when you were a child? Think back to those carefree days filled with endless possibilities. Your parents believed in you wholeheartedly, didn't they? From your first wobbly steps to your school plays and your teenage dreams, they were your biggest cheerleaders. They saw your potential, even when you couldn't see it yourself.

My childhood was no different. I was that kid who skipped a grade in primary school, the one everyone labeled "gifted." High school was a whole new ball game, though. Suddenly, I was struggling, especially with math. I vividly remember my teacher, a woman I admired, looking at me with pity and saying, "I'm sorry, but you just don't seem to have the aptitude for this subject." Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. If she thought I wasn't good enough, then it must be true, right?

My grades plummeted. I went through a string of math tutors, each one quitting in frustration and in all honestly, I Made sure to drive them away. By 8th grade, my mom was determined to break my "cycle of bossiness" as she called it. She hired the toughest tutor she could find, and, you guessed it, we clashed constantly. I was convinced I could outsmart him, just like the others. Every single session was a battle of wills and I was confident I had the upper hand.

But then, something shifted. One evening, my dad came to my room. He didn't scold me or lecture me. He simply looked at me with his kind eyes and said, "I'm not sure why you're fighting this so much when you have all that brilliance in you. Math cannot defeat my smart daughter. Please give your tutor a chance."

Math cannot defeat my smart daughter.

The next day, my tutor surprised me. Instead of our usual battle of wills, he sat me down for a conversation. We talked about everything but math. He listened intently, and as he was leaving, he said, "You have what it takes to understand mathematics. This conversation alone shows me that you are capable of critical thinking and logic. Tomorrow, let's apply that beautiful brain of yours to math."

And that was it. The shackles were broken. My dad's unwavering belief in me, coupled with my mother's tenacity and my tutor's unexpected approach, reignited my confidence. My grades soared, and I kept that tutor until my first year of university.

Fast forward, I entered the workforce with unshakable confidence. But little did I know that life had other plans and impostor syndrome entered the game…

Before I tell you about that part, let's take a moment to reflect:

When was the last time someone truly believed in you, even when you doubted yourself?

Write it down. Hold onto that memory and see you in the next episode.

And remember this: "Rise together, shine brighter!"

Aïcha Dandjouma

Share your thoughts with IMAKHOU

We value your feedback! Share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions with us using the form below.

Want more inspiring content?

Check out our other blog posts or tune in to the IMAKHOU podcast!