Underqualified or Just Feeling That Way? How to Tell the Difference
You’re in a meeting with something important on your mind, but your hand stays down. You reread every email twice before sending it. Compliments make you uncomfortable. Even with a solid track record, you wonder if you truly belong.
This feeling is common, especially for folks from underrepresented backgrounds or those who hold themselves to incredibly high standards. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is a real skills gap, or just self-doubt creeping in?
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is that inner voice telling you you’re not good enough, even when you’re doing just fine (or even better than fine). This is often rooted in perceived inaccuracy, the belief that you don’t deserve your success and that sooner or later, someone is going to find out you’re not as capable as they thought.
If you’re dealing with impostor syndrome, you might:
Brush off your accomplishments
Assume any success is just luck or good timing
Over-prepare or overwork to avoid being "found out"
Feel like praise is misplaced or undeserved
These thoughts don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re often made worse by environments that reward perfectionism, penalize vulnerability, or exclude people who don’t match dominant norms. Impostor syndrome tends to show up more for women, people of color, first-gen professionals, and others who often feel like the "only one" in the room.
What Does a Real Lack of Competence Look Like?
Sometimes there is a gap. Maybe you’re in a new role, learning a new system, or stepping into something outside your comfort zone.
Real skill gaps might look like:
Struggling to meet your job expectations, even with feedback or support
Not having some of the core knowledge or tools needed to succeed
Making repeated mistakes that impact others or the workflow
The good news? Skill gaps are fixable. With mentorship, training, and support, most people grow into their roles. The key difference is that people with actual competence gaps often want to learn, while folks with impostor syndrome already know what they’re doing, but don’t believe it.
Lessons From A Therapist: What I’ve Seen and Felt
I’ve felt impostor syndrome, too, at full volume, even in roles where I was excelling. I’ve seen brilliant colleagues shrink because of cultures that rewarded silence over curiosity. And I’ve watched those same people bloom in environments that made space for questions, mistakes, and growth.
Across my roles, in corporate offices, startups, advocacy work, and therapy, one truth keeps showing up: people grow when they feel safe. When there’s trust, they take risks, recover from mistakes, and shine. When there’s constant judgment, they stay small.
5 Questions to Help You Sort It Out
If you’re not sure what’s going on, ask yourself:
Do I get positive feedback from people I trust? If so, there might be a disconnect between how others see you and how you see yourself.
Am I comparing myself to folks who’ve had more access, privilege, or time in the field? Be mindful of who you’re holding yourself up against.
Do I feel like I have to have it all together at all times? That pressure might say more about your environment than your ability.
Do I beat myself up when I make a mistake? Everyone messes up. How you respond matters more than being flawless.
Are people around me also feeling this way, even when they’re clearly qualified? Impostor syndrome can be collective. You might not be the only one.
What Workplaces Need to Understand
Impostor syndrome isn’t just an individual issue. Harvard Business Review points out that it often stems from systemic exclusion rather than personal inadequacy.
Workplaces that want people to thrive can:
Give real, helpful feedback, avoid vague praise or silence
Set up mentorship or onboarding that actually helps people grow
Make space for people to say "I don't know" without fear
Value different ways of communicating and leading
As APA research shows, environments that foster psychological safety help reduce impostor feelings. People do better when they feel like they belong.
Belonging is about more than fitting in. It means feeling seen, valued, and supported as your full self.
TL;DR - Quick Takeaways
Feeling underqualified doesn’t always mean you are. Separate skill gaps from impostor thoughts.
Skill gaps are fixable. With training and support, most people grow into their roles.
Environments matter. Supportive cultures help people take risks and thrive.
Check your lens. If trusted people say you’re doing well, you may be underestimating yourself.
You’re not alone. Many capable people feel this way — especially in high-pressure or exclusionary workplaces.
If this feels familiar, we can explore it together. Whether you’re navigating impostor feelings or leading a team and wanting to create a safer space for others, therapy can help you step into your work with clarity and confidence.
You can schedule a complimentary consultation here.
Written by Sarah Naqvi, MHC-LP
