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Today, I want to talk about something everyone feels but no one wants to admit: Imposter Syndrome – that unsettling sense that you’re a fraud, even when all signs say otherwise. No matter how many wins you rack up, how high you climb, or how much praise you earn, it lingers.
That whisper: Are you sure you belong here?
Strangely enough, the more you achieve, the louder it gets. This isn’t about how competent you are; it’s about perception. We build expectations of ourselves based on what we think we should be and what we assume others expect us to be. So you land that big promotion, a prestigious project, or an incredible opportunity, and instead of basking in it, you wonder, “Did they make a mistake?”
The Real Truth About Self-Doubt
So this is from early in my career. I was chosen for a major overseas project – one of those career-defining opportunities. My initial reaction? Pure excitement. But it didn’t last long. Soon, a tidal wave of self-doubt set in. Am I the right person for this? What if I mess it up? It wasn’t the project itself that scared me; it was the weight of my own expectations and the fear of letting others down.
Finally, I voiced my concerns to the CEO, expecting him to reconsider my assignment. But instead, he shared stories from his own career – times when he felt in over his head. He described moments of doubt and the projects that forced him to sink or swim. Those experiences, he said, built his resilience and shaped him as a leader. And most importantly, he assured me that I would have the support and resources I needed. He reminded me that no one grows in their comfort zone.
Simon Sinek once said, “You don’t have to know everything; you just have to be willing to learn.”
That conversation, two decades ago, with my CEO was transformative. It wasn’t about eliminating doubt; it was about moving forward with it. That moment taught me that success isn’t about feeling flawless – it’s about taking on the challenge, flaws and all. His generosity and coaching inform my leadership biases to this day – that is a topic for a future essay.
Imposter Syndrome Can Be Your Ally
A counterintuitive thought: what if Imposter Syndrome isn’t your enemy? Managed wisely, it can actually be an ally. It pushes you to look closer, dig deeper, and never settle.
Warren Buffett once said, “The best investment you can make is in yourself.”
Self-doubt can drive you to improve, learn, and stay curious. It’s the internal nudge that keeps you from complacency, urging you to expand your skills and refine your understanding. Imposter Syndrome, when harnessed, can become a relentless drive toward excellence.
But here’s the catch – it’s never going to disappear completely. The more responsibility you take on, the more you’ll realize you’re not supposed to have all the answers. Great leaders aren’t flawless know-it-alls; they’re resourceful. They build strong teams, ask smart questions, and learn at every turn.
Naval Ravikant puts it well: “You don’t need to be in charge; you just need to be in control.”
And control starts with acknowledging what you don’t know.
Turn Imposter Syndrome into Fuel
If we all experience self-doubt, the key is to transform it into something constructive. Here are a few strategies that have helped me (and many others I have learned from and coached) not only cope with Imposter Syndrome but turn it into fuel.
1. Embrace “Not Knowing”
There’s a myth that successful people have all the answers. Spoiler alert: they don’t. True growth comes from embracing what you don’t know.
The Dalai Lama once said, “When you realize you know nothing, wisdom begins.”
Admitting what you don’t know isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. Next time you’re out of your depth, lean into it. Ask questions. Be the curious learner rather than the pressured expert. Every time you admit what you don’t know, you open the door to growth – and surprise yourself with what you’re capable of learning.
2. Build Your “Kitchen Cabinet”
Scott Galloway calls it your “kitchen cabinet” – a small circle of trusted advisors who know you beyond your job title and give you the honest truth. These are people who’ll tell you when you’re overthinking, losing focus, or when you’re really onto something. They’re not there to cheerlead; they’re there to keep you grounded.
When Imposter Syndrome rears its head, this circle reminds you of your strengths, sees you beyond your doubts, and sometimes believes in you when you struggle to believe in yourself. Their honest feedback is often enough to bridge the gap between feeling like an imposter and realizing your true capability.
3. Prioritize Execution Over Perfection
Imposter Syndrome thrives on the illusion of perfection. We imagine everyone else as flawless, but the real impact isn’t about perfection; it’s about execution.
Adam Grant, in his research on “originals” – people who bring unique ideas to life – says, “The greatest originals are the ones who fail the most, because they’re the ones who try the most.”
So ditch perfection. Instead, aim for consistent execution. Every small victory builds momentum, and progress creates confidence far more reliably than perfection ever could. Perfection is paralyzing; execution is liberating. With each step forward, you prove that self-doubt isn’t a roadblock; it’s a motivator. Progress, not perfection, is what builds resilience.
4. Earn Confidence Through Action
Confidence doesn’t appear out of thin air. It’s earned one small step at a time. It’s not about pretending you’re amazing; it’s about proving to yourself that you can face challenges head-on.
Thích Nhất Hạnh once said, “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”
Confidence comes from repeatedly showing up and taking action. Instead of trying to fake confidence, earn it by doing the work, learning, and gradually conquering your fears.
5. Replace Doubt with Curiosity
Imposter Syndrome is fueled by fear – fear of failure, fear of exposure, fear of not being enough. But what if you transformed that fear into curiosity?
Carl Jung wisely said, “I am not what happened to me; I am what I choose to become.”
Instead of asking, What if I fail? try asking, What can I learn here? Curiosity disarms self-doubt. Each challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, not a test of your worth.
Imposter Syndrome Has a Hidden Gift
The truth is, Imposter Syndrome can make you better. It keeps you grounded and curious, reminding you to never settle. Those who feel Imposter Syndrome deeply are often the ones pushing the hardest and aiming for the highest. They’re not satisfied with “good enough” – they’re on a journey to be better, and they’re willing to learn, adapt, and grow to get there.
Let me share a story. Imagine a young engineer working alongside a highly accomplished senior engineer in a small software company. The senior was known for his skill, but he was hard on himself, critiquing every detail of his work. One day, the young engineer asked, “Why do you doubt yourself when everyone admires your craft?”
The senior engineer smiled and replied, “Because every time I finish a build, I ask myself, Could this be better? Could I have done something different? That voice keeps me sharp and humble. Without it, I’d stop learning.”
The young engineer soon realized that self-doubt wasn’t the senior’s weakness; it was his strength. It pushed him to continually improve and never settle for mediocrity. True confidence doesn’t mean being free of doubt. It’s about using that doubt to fuel your journey, to stay humble, and to keep moving forward.
Imposter Syndrome as a Safety Net
Here’s another perspective: what if Imposter Syndrome is actually an inner safeguard – an immune response? A kind of self-regulating system that keeps us grounded. It prevents us from complacency and pushes us to double-check, prepare, seek feedback, and refine. Imagine if you never questioned yourself. You’d stop learning, stop challenging yourself, and eventually stop growing.
So, the next time that pang of self-doubt hits, recognize it for what it is – a reminder to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep striving. Embrace it as part of the journey, not a roadblock.
Turn Self-Doubt into Your Superpower
The reality is that Imposter Syndrome isn’t going away. But that can be powerful. It’s a sign you’re growing, that you’re taking risks, and that you’re stepping into spaces that challenge you to become better. Those who let Imposter Syndrome hold them back miss the chance to turn self-doubt into fuel. Those who embrace it keep moving forward, becoming stronger with each step.
And, there’s a cautionary tale here, too. The Dunning-Kruger Effect shows that those with the least experience often feel the most confident, while those who know more question themselves. Ironically, feeling like an imposter can be a sign that you’re on the right track. Unlike overconfident novices who assume they know it all, your self-doubt signals humility and a willingness to learn. But remember, balance is key – be wary of overconfidence masquerading as expertise.
Adam Grant says, “The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.”
When you harness self-doubt, you don’t just grow for yourself; you inspire others to persevere through their own doubts. My CEO’s words still echo in my mind, reminding me that even the most accomplished leaders feel like imposters at times. That memory continues to fuel my journey, reminding me that self-doubt doesn’t disappear with success – it evolves with it. And maybe that’s a good thing. Self-doubt keeps us humble. It keeps us striving. It reminds us that every “imposter” feeling is simply an indicator that we’re pushing beyond our comfort zones, venturing into territory that forces us to stretch, adapt, and grow.
I Encourage You to Make Self-Doubt Work for You
Imposter Syndrome isn’t a flaw to fix; it’s a compass, pointing you toward the areas where you can grow and expand. It’s a voice reminding you that you’re playing a bigger game, taking on greater responsibilities, and stretching into new spaces. It’s proof that you’re moving forward, not standing still.
The difference between those who let Imposter Syndrome stifle them and those who thrive despite it boils down to one thing: action. When self-doubt whispers, “You don’t belong here,” the boldest thing you can do is keep going. Those who succeed are the ones who don’t wait to feel ready – they keep showing up, keep learning, and keep adapting. They turn self-doubt into momentum, proving to themselves and others that progress isn’t about eliminating fear but moving forward despite it.
So here’s a toast to all the “imposters” out there…
To the artists, the leaders, the dreamers, the ones who feel like they don’t belong but keep showing up anyway. Embrace your journey. Let self-doubt be your ally, guiding you toward growth and deeper understanding. And remember, every step forward, every uncomfortable moment, every triumph over uncertainty, is a testament to your resilience.
Each time you feel the weight of Imposter Syndrome, remind yourself that it’s okay to feel this way. It’s okay to question yourself. It’s part of what makes you a thoughtful, driven, and adaptable person.
The world doesn’t need perfect people; it needs people who are brave enough to keep going even when they’re uncertain.
I encourage you to embrace that touch of doubt and add a measure of humility and a whole lot of courage.
Let your Imposter Syndrome make you resilient, help you grow, and remind you that you’re exactly where you need to be.
And always remember: we’re all just doing our best. Assume Positive Intent.
Let me know how I can help.
Adi
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