Imposter Syndrome has been written about endlessly, usually as something to overcome, fix, or eliminate. What is discussed far less is its more nuanced side: what it is actually pointing to, and how, in the right measure, it can support growth rather than block it.
In this article, I will define what Imposter Syndrome really is, explain why it happens, explore how it can work in your favor, and finally offer ways to soften its impact when it starts holding you back.
What Imposter Syndrome Actually Is
The first thing worth emphasizing is this: Imposter Syndrome tends to appear not when we fail, but when we succeed. It tends to surface when we succeed, grow, or step into something new
Imposter Syndrome usually shows up as the feeling that you are not as competent or professional as others believe, accompanied by the fear that sooner or later, someone will realize you do not truly belong.
This shows up most often in people who set high expectations for themselves, who push toward ambitious goals, and in individuals who feel different from the group they’re in (a woman in a room full of men, someone of a different cultural background or skin tone, and so on).
At its core, Imposter Syndrome reflects a gap between how others perceive you and how you experience yourself internally. While others see capability and confidence, you remain acutely aware of your doubts, your learning curve, and the areas where you still feel uncertain.
A common pattern that accompanies this gap is the tendency to explain success away. Achievements are often attributed to luck, timing, or external circumstances, rather than to effort, growth, and hard-earned expertise. This can make success feel fragile, temporary, and undeserved, even when it is not.
Why does imposter syndrome happen?
There are several overlapping reasons for this experience.
First, you know yourself far more intimately than anyone else. You remember every hesitation, every moment of self-doubt, and every place where you still feel inexperienced. Others see outcomes and results, not the internal process behind them.
Second, the brain is wired to scan for risk. Its default setting is to look for what might go wrong or threaten your position. This natural negativity bias can distort reality, making success feel fragile and temporary.
Third, growth itself activates Imposter feelings. New roles, increased visibility, starting a business, or stepping into leadership all raise the internal pressure to prove yourself. That pressure often triggers doubt, even when competence is already present.
A classic example I see in my coaching room is the challenge of marketing yourself when you’re just starting out. It’s so easy to compare yourself to professionals who have been doing this for years. Standing next to their experience and confidence, the shrinking thought arrives:
“Who am I to put my offer out there when I’m not at their level yet?”
Relatable?
You’re not alone. Most people experience some version of this during periods of growth, professionally, academically, or personally.
But wait… how can Imposter Syndrome possibly serve me?
Imposter Syndrome is uncomfortable, and it is not something to strive for. However, when it appears in moderation and is met with awareness, it can serve important functions rather than becoming purely obstructive.
1. It signals importance and evolution
Imposter feelings tend to arise when something genuinely matters to you: a new role, a new identity, or a higher level of visibility. They rarely show up in moments of stagnation. Their presence often signals that you are crossing an internal threshold and expanding beyond what previously felt familiar.
2. It can support motivation and excellence
For many people, Imposter feelings lead to greater preparation, attention to detail, and care in execution. When this response does not tip into overwork or self-punishment, it can enhance performance and support meaningful growth.
3. It keeps you reflective and open to learning
Research suggests that Imposter feelings can increase self-awareness and strengthen the desire for feedback and improvement. Rather than assuming mastery too early, you remain curious, attentive, and willing to learn. Professionally, this orientation can be a significant asset.
4. It reflects genuine care and responsibility
People who are indifferent rarely experience Imposter Syndrome. Discomfort often reflects commitment: to your clients, to your craft, and to the standards you hold. In this sense, Imposter Syndrome is not a flaw, but evidence that what you are doing truly matters to you.
So what can you do to soften Imposter Syndrome?
Because while Imposter Syndrome may carry useful information, it does not need to dominate your inner world.
Talking about it reduces its power. Shame thrives in silence, and many people are surprised to discover how common these feelings are among those they admire.
Focusing on small, realistic steps helps counter the perfectionism Imposter thoughts demand. Progress creates evidence that gradually weakens the inner narrative.
Learning to question the thought rather than yourself is another key shift. Asking whether a thought reflects reality or growth-related discomfort can reduce its intensity.
Finally, if these feelings feel persistent or overwhelming, support can be transformative. Working with someone trained to recognize these patterns can bring clarity, relief, and a more compassionate perspective.
A Final Reflection
Even if the thought “I don’t belong here” appears, remember that it is a thought, not a fact. Your presence is the result of effort, learning, and growth, not coincidence.
A final question worth sitting with is this: where in your life do you experience moments of feeling like an imposter, and what might that reveal about the part of you that is already in the process of becoming something new?
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