Fooled Quote by Sheryl Sandberg
““At last, someone was articulating exactly how I felt. Every time I was called on in class, I was sure that I was about to embarrass myself. Every time I took a test, I was sure that it had gone badly. And every time I didn't embarrass myself—or even excelled—I believed that I had fooled everyone yet again. One day soon, the jig would be up.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Women in Tech Conference, 2015
Feeling constantly judged leads to impostor syndrome, where successes are dismissed as luck.
In simple terms: You doubt your achievements and fear being exposed as a fraud.
Recognize and internalize your genuine accomplishments.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- job interviews
- public speaking
- leadership roles
- academic presentations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence contradicts your self‑doubt?
- How can you celebrate small wins?
Self‑criticism can become paralyzing if not addressed.