Ziya Africa shares powerful message on overcoming impostor syndrome
Content creator and comedian Ziya Africa, formerly known as Mike Muchiri, has opened up about self-doubt and the pressure many people feel when stepping into new opportunities.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page on Monday, March 16, 2026, Ziya reflected on a video he watched that touched on the feeling of starting something big and immediately wondering if you truly belong there. He said the message reminded him that many people struggle with the fear of being exposed as not good enough, even when they are fully qualified.
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He admitted that he once believed confidence had to come first before taking bold steps in life. Over time, however, he learned that action itself builds confidence. According to him, growth does not come from waiting to feel ready. It comes from moving, trying, and daring to step forward even when fear is present.
“Good morning! I watched a video by @jeannemgendi that I loved so much. She was saying how she got a big girl job and immediately started waiting for them to realise they’d made a mistake,…and how she dealt with it. Impostor syndrome is real. I used to think confidence was the prerequisite for doing big things. Turns out? Doing the big thing IS the confidence. I’ve realised Life rewards movement, audacity and shamelessness. So this week, be audacious,” he said.
Ziya encouraged his followers to be bold this week. He urged them to apply for the job they have been thinking about, send that email they have been delaying, draft the proposal they keep postponing, and attempt at least one challenging goal. He emphasised the importance of taking action and then letting go of the outcome instead of overthinking it.
Be a little shameless about it. Apply for the job. Send the email. Draft the proposal. Do one impossible thing this week, then release it,” he added.
What is impostor syndrome?
Impostor Syndrome is a psychological pattern where a person doubts their achievements and feels like a fraud, even when they have clear evidence of their success. People experiencing it often believe they do not deserve their position, awards, or opportunities.
They may worry that others will eventually discover they are not good enough, despite being competent and capable. It is common among students, professionals, creatives, and high achievers.
