Michelle Obama says that she experiences imposter syndrome and that even she still sometimes feels like a fraud.
Speaking in London on Monday, Obama said that it's a feeling that never goes away, even with experience or fame.
When asked by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie how it feels to be seen as a "symbol of hope," Obama said: "I still have a little impostor syndrome, it never goes away, that you're actually listening to me.
"It doesn't go away, that feeling that you shouldn't take me that seriously."
Imposter syndrome is a term used to describe when people feel inadequate, despite their success.
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According to the BBC , Obama said that the feeling is a common one, and that she wanted to talk about it to make them feel less alone and more confident.
"What do I know? I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is.
"If I'm giving people hope, then that is a responsibility, so I have to make sure that I am accountable," she said.
"We don't have any choice but to make sure we elders are giving our young people a reason to hope."
Obama also shared one of her biggest fears from her time as first lady: falling over on-camera and becoming a meme.
She said that her last thought before she walks on any stage is "don't fall."
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See Also:
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