Imposter syndrome tricks us into thinking we are a fraud and unworthy of accolades. It’s a conniving phenomenon that is a shared human experience. But while it can be uncomfortable, imposter syndrome has useful qualities, such as encouraging us to work harder, try new things, and learn more. We can harness these benefits when we embrace imposter syndrome instead of shying away from it.
Imposter syndrome. Just the sound of it is ominous. Feelings of being an imposter form when we doubt our skill sets and ability to contribute. According to a review article published in the International Journal Behavioral Science, imposter syndrome is a prevalent phenomenon that impacts about 70% of people at some point in their lives. And studies have shown that members of marginalized groups and people who are high achievers are especially susceptible. Indeed, prominent, successful figures have experienced the discomfort of feeling like an imposter. Such include Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama, Sheryl Sandberg, Agatha Christie, Dr. Margaret Chan, and John Steinbeck. If people who have been validated as experts and successes feel like an imposter sometimes, what chance do the rest of us have?
The answer is that we likely won’t be able to avoid feelings of imposter syndrome. But we need not fret. For one, if we use the power of inversion to examine the opposite of self-doubt, we see the realm of unfettered arrogance. Here, we are entirely sure of ourselves and our abilities, regardless of what our actual abilities might be. When arrogance matches our level of expertise, we are unbearable to be around. But when arrogance exceeds our level of expertise, we are stuck on Mount Stupid of the Dunning-Kruger Effect. Arrogance causes blind spots.
So we don’t want to be arrogant. At first thought, we might want to be in the middle of the arrogance/imposter spectrum. But sometimes we can’t help but feel like an imposter. So if we inhabit the imposter syndrome realm, what positives can we take from it? In Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, Adam Grant expounds upon such benefits. Namely, these include motivation to work harder, try new things, and learn more.
Imposter Syndrome Motivates Us to Work Harder
When it feels like we don’t deserve to be in a certain position, we often feel motivated to work harder to make up for our perceived deficiencies. It feels like we have something to prove, maybe as much to ourselves as to others. As a result, we aren’t likely to fall into complacency.
Of course, this can be taken to an extreme. We can work ourselves to death in the pursuit of achieving validation. It’s important to understand that the point of working hard is to build confidence. Then, with confidence, we move towards the middle of the arrogance/imposter spectrum. That is the goal.
Imposter Syndrome Allows Us to Try New Things
When feeling like an imposter, we aren’t pressured as much to achieve greatness. Expectations are lower. As a result, we don’t feel constrained to follow the status quo. We can be creative and try new things. Adam Grant says, “Feeling like an imposter puts us in a beginner’s mindset, leading us to question assumptions that others have taken for granted.”
Creatively rethinking ways to do something has two main benefits. First, and most obvious, is that we sometimes conceive a new, improved process. This has obvious benefits. Second, we better understand the topic at hand when we question assumptions that others have taken for granted. The better we understand a topic, the more confidence we accrue, and the less we feel like an imposter.
Imposter Syndrome Encourages Us to Learn More
Humility is a key ingredient in learning. The less we think we have to learn, the less inclined we are to keep learning new things. Conversely, when we are aware of all that exists outside our circle of competence, we are more likely to be energized to remove areas of our ignorance. In Think Again, Grant says, “Having some doubts about our knowledge and skills takes us off a pedestal, encouraging us to seek out insights from others.” Imposter syndrome acts as a springboard launching us forward in our intellectual pursuits.
Conclusion
Imposter syndrome is an uncomfortable yet common phenomenon that arises from our doubt in our capabilities. Although we might default to ignoring imposter-like feelings, there are significant benefits to accepting and embracing them. Each benefit helps alleviate the stress associated with imposter syndrome. The discomfort of imposter syndrome is what motivates us to vacate that realm. In other words, the cure for imposter syndrome is imposter syndrome.
The keys to handling imposter syndrome are recognizing and understanding that those feelings are an event, not a thing. They are temporary. We are dynamic beings capable of adapting to various situations. It’s fine for us to doubt our current abilities; without that doubt, we wouldn’t have a reason to adapt. What isn’t helpful is for us to doubt our future abilities. With confidence in our capabilities to learn and grow, we can accomplish much. Ultimately, it’s not about who we are. It’s about our belief in who we can become.
