The Silent Struggle of Success: Understanding Imposter Syndrome
- carlalh25
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Between the excitement of starting a new job and the ‘wait, am I actually qualified for this’ moments, imposter syndrome has decided to crash the party. This time of the year brings new beginnings for all of us, so I figured, why not write about it? You can read all about my experience here:
This month’s blog covers a personal theme today; it’s all about that sneaky little voice that tries to tell us we are not good enough.
I’ve found that it has crept into my new job, leaving me questioning whether I earned this position through skill or just sheer luck. On paper, I have the academic background and the courtroom experience to back me up, but somehow that is still not good enough in my mind.
Let’s be clear, this isn’t the first time I’ve felt that sense of doubt. It also found its way into my previous jobs and throughout my university studies.
Outside of the doubt itself, it’s left me feeling exhausted, fearful, stressed and in some way, it causes me to self-sabotage my own performance and successes.
“A third of Britons (34%) say that people overestimate their capability and capacity”[1] (You Gov Survey 2022)
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
It’s that persistent doubt that your experience, knowledge and skills aren’t good enough and the fear that someone will point you out as a fraud.
Law students, Trainees, Paralegals and Pupils are often labelled as ‘high achievers’, ‘perfectionists’ and ‘competitive’ - I think it’s fuelled by the public’s perception of the profession, courtroom dramas on TV and the immense pressure to secure one of the few training contracts or pupillages.
In my first week of law school, you could spot the students who meant business: the suits, serious faces, stiff-upper lips and a stern look at others. Fast forward to my pupillage interviews where I have often found myself in a waiting room full of other candidates and exchanged stories about our journey to the Bar. It’s friendly on the surface but deep down, you’re sizing yourself up and wondering if you belong – that alone can throw you off balance.
So, Let’s Talk About It
There’s nothing more powerful and inspirational than someone who can talk about their vulnerabilities as much as their strengths – that’s why it is so important to surround yourself with supportive people and be open about your doubts.
If you’ve got access to a mentor (which I would highly encourage you get one!) then use them. Hearing how others around you once doubted themselves, and still made it, can give you the reassurance you need. They may leave you thinking “well if they felt like that and still succeeded, maybe I can too?”
Instead of obsessing over the endgame (pupillage, training contract, a new job, moving house etc) break your goals into smaller, manageable wins. Things like “submit the application” is much more manageable compared to “become a barrister”. You should also take time to celebrate. After all, even the smaller wins are the building blocks to future success.
At the bottom of the page, I’ve put some websites that may help you to understand how you’re feeling and what you can do to support yourself.
‘Imposter syndrome is a feeling – feelings are meant to be felt. Allow yourself to sit with those emotions, it’s proof that you are human and you care. Remind yourself that everything happens for a reason, there are no accidents, you’ve earned your place. Every legal journey is uniquely shaped and that’s what makes our profession, and the people within it, beautifully diverse.’ - That Brunette Barrister
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