I once heard something important about Imposter Syndrome.
First, a definition.
You've felt Imposter Syndrome when you think you have no idea what you're doing and others are going to find that out.
Both dimensions of that definition matter.
Before I get to the thing I heard once about Imposter Syndrome, I'd love for you to take a moment and ask yourself a simple question:
Do you think Imposter Syndrome is a good thing?
*Pause to think*
Here's what I heard: Imposter Syndrome pushes you to keep trying to be qualified for your job.
Let's break that down.
Suppose Imposter Syndrome were a person that visited you in certain moments.
If this person asked you questions, here's what they might sound like (based on my experience):
"Do you really know how to do that?"
"Should you really be here?"
"See those other people over there, you know they're more qualified than you are, right?"
You get the idea.
So, do you think Imposter Syndrome is a good thing?
I'd like to make a case for why it is.
Let's go back to that important idea I heard: Imposter Syndrome pushes you to keep trying to be qualified for your job.
If you keep trying to be qualified for your job, you're always trying to get better.
You're not sure if what you know is right, and you're willing to do the work to find out.
If Imposter Syndrome sits on one end of the spectrum, complacency sits on the other.
Imposter Syndrome often shows up when you're starting something new or unfamiliar.
Once the new becomes old and the unfamiliar becomes too familiar, it can be easy for the Imposter to quiet down and make room for complacency.
The presence of Imposter Syndrome is the absence of complacency.
If you are feeling like an Imposter, it's because you care to feel that way.
If you didn't care, why would the expectations of others even matter to you? Why would you doubt your own abilities?
Imposter Syndrome is a good thing.
If you feel it, hang on to it.
