Two Positive Takes on Imposter Syndrome

  1. It’s not a syndrome
  2. It keeps you honest

It’s not a syndrome

The basic idea is that when you’re doing something new (to you), you actually are an imposter.

And that’s no reason not to do something.

If you want until you feel confident to do something, you’ll never start.

Confidence is the end of the process, not the beginning.

(This is my takeaway from Seth Godin and Dan Sullivan, and I find it helpful when I’m considering starting or not starting a new project or venture.)

It keeps you honest

Upsides of feeling insecure about a project you’re engaged in

  • More likely to work harder
  • Less likely to be complacent and let people down
  • More likely to work smarter and have a “beginner’s mind”
  • Less likely to be attached to your ideas
  • More focused on learning and improving

(This is my takeaway from Think Again (Adam Grant) and Mindset (Carol Dweck). I find it helpful when I’ve already committed to something and feeling shitty about my progress.)