Rethinking Impostor Syndrome: A Signal, Not a Sentence
Impostor syndrome is a term that has become part of our everyday language, but its experience is anything but casual. It’s that gnawing doubt that whispers, “I don’t belong here. I’m not good enough. People will eventually see through me and find out that I don’t actually know what I’m doing.” Even when we’ve worked hard, achieved success, or earned recognition, impostor syndrome can leave us feeling like frauds. But what if impostor syndrome isn’t always something to fear or eliminate? What if it can also be a signal—a sign that we are growing, stretching, and doing something that feels challenging and important to us?
What Is Impostor Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome describes the disconnect between our actual accomplishments and the way we perceive them. Despite external evidence of success, we internally question our worthiness. It can show up in many ways:
Feeling like you only succeeded because of luck.
Believing others overestimate your abilities.
Comparing yourself to peers and assuming you are less qualified and knowledgeable.
It’s important to recognize that impostor syndrome is common. In fact, studies show that most people will feel it at some point in their careers or personal lives.
Why We Experience Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome often arises when we step into something new—whether it’s a promotion, a new project, or a role that asks us to stretch our skill sets beyond our comfort zone. It’s tied to our human desire to be accepted and respected in the eyes of others. We compare ourselves to an idealized image of what we think competence should look like, and when we don’t feel like we measure up, that inner critic steps in.
It’s also fueled by core beliefs and past experiences. If we’ve been told—or internalized—that we need to prove ourselves and earn our keep, we’re more likely to question our legitimacy, even when we succeed.
A Signal, Not a Negative
While impostor syndrome can be painful, it can also be reframed. Feeling like an impostor is often a sign that you care about how you are showing up in the world. You want to do well. You want to contribute. You want to grow.
If you listen closely, impostor syndrome can be a signal:
You are in new territory. Discomfort means you’re expanding your skillset and trying something new.
You care about impact. The fear of being “found out” reflects a desire to add value and be respected.
You’re human. Self-doubt is part of learning, not a character flaw.
Inherent Strengths vs. Acquired Knowledge
Here’s the truth: knowledge and technical skills can always be acquired. If you don’t know how to do something yet, you can learn. Competence is built over time. What makes you successful isn’t just what you know today—it’s who you are. Your inherent strengths—your creativity, empathy, determination, curiosity, leadership, resilience—are already within you. These qualities travel with you into every situation, no matter how unfamiliar. They are the foundation you can trust, even when you’re still gathering the specific knowledge a new challenge requires.
When you recognize that your worth doesn’t depend solely on what you know right now, impostor syndrome begins to lose its grip.
Navigating Impostor Syndrome
The goal isn’t to eliminate impostor syndrome but to learn how to respond to it differently. A few ways to shift perspective include:
Normalize it. Remind yourself that impostor syndrome shows up for almost everyone when they are challenging themselves to grow.
Check the evidence. Write down your actual accomplishments and skills as a counterbalance to the inner critic.
Trust your internal resources. Even if you’ve never faced this exact challenge before, you carry resilience, creativity, and experience that can guide you.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Impostor syndrome often means you’re in the exact right place, leaning into growth and possibility. If impostor syndrome feels overwhelming or keeps you from pursuing opportunities, therapy can help you explore the beliefs that fuel it and strengthen the confidence you already carry within. You don’t have to silence your inner critic alone—you can learn how to hear it, understand it, and move forward anyway.