I had an epiphany recently while listening to a guest on one of my favorite podcasts. She shared that, despite being a powerhouse in her field, she was grappling with feelings of imposter syndrome.

Wait, what? This incredible woman, a former CEO of a marketing firm, now the director of a thriving digital company, feeling like an imposter? How could that be? And to top it off, she admitted that engaging with new people—especially younger colleagues—can leave her feeling intimidated.

It’s a powerful reminder that even the most accomplished individuals are not immune to self-doubt.

In 1978, clinical psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Susan Imes coined the term Imposter Syndrome to describe people who, despite clear evidence of their competence, struggle to internalize their achievements. Here’s the kicker: around 70% of people will experience it at some point, believing their success is merely due to luck, or that others overestimate their abilities.

The surprising truth? Success doesn’t make these feelings disappear—in fact, it can intensify them. We often think that reaching a certain level of success will bring confidence, but when new challenges emerge, those feelings of doubt tend to resurface. The more we suppress them, the stronger the cycle of self-doubt and anxiety becomes.

So, if you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, rest assured, you’re not alone. It’s not just for beginners or those still finding their feet—it can affect even the most seasoned professionals. Actress Natalie Portman once shared in a commencement speech how, during her time at Harvard, she thought, “There must be some mistake. I’m not smart enough to be here. Every time I spoke, I felt like I had to prove I wasn’t just a ‘dumb actress.’”

Here’s the secret: If you feel like an imposter, you probably aren’t one. Often, this feeling is tied to Bertrand Russell’s insight that truly intelligent people are constantly questioning themselves. But constantly feeling like an imposter can also prevent you from asking for help or acknowledging your accomplishments.

The problem is, these feelings aren’t always easy to talk about. If you bring them up with friends or family, you might hear the well-meaning but unhelpful response: “Don’t be silly! You’re so talented. You can do anything!”

Reframing Imposter Syndrome: A New Approach

The common advice to “fake it till you make it” tends to make things worse. By pretending to have all the answers, you’re reinforcing the imposter complex, which only feeds the cycle of self-doubt.

So, what if instead of trying to eliminate imposter syndrome, we reframed it as a sign of growth? What if we accepted it as a natural part of the learning process?

Feeling like an imposter typically occurs when we’re taking creative risks or forming new connections—both essential components of personal and professional development. When we step into the unknown, vulnerability is inevitable. But rather than seeing it as a weakness, view it as a clear sign that you’re evolving.

Embrace the Power of Being a Novice

There’s an overlooked benefit to being new in your field: you’re free to ask questions no one’s asked before, and you can approach problems from fresh, innovative angles. Stanford Professor Carol Dweck’s research on mindset shows that imposter syndrome is often fueled by a “performance mindset”—where mistakes and feelings of inadequacy are seen as proof of your limitations. This mindset breeds the fear that you don’t belong.

But there’s another, more empowering mindset to adopt: the learning mindset. Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, see them as essential stepping stones in your growth. When you embrace this mindset, your limitations transform into opportunities for development, and your fresh perspective can lead to groundbreaking ideas.

Digging Deeper: Uncovering the Root of the Belief

Sometimes, feelings of being an imposter stem from deeper, unresolved beliefs about your worth. It’s valuable to explore where these feelings of inadequacy originate. Coaching or therapy can help you uncover the sources of shame or pain that contribute to these beliefs. Often, these are simply survival mechanisms created by the brain to protect you from failure or discomfort. But that doesn’t mean they need to hold you back.

Once you identify the root of these beliefs, you can begin to challenge them. Replace them with a more empowering thought: “I am resourceful. I’m excited to learn. And I’m allowed to make mistakes along the way.”

You’re Not Alone

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Tina Fey once said, “I’ve realized that almost everyone is a fraud, so I try not to feel too bad about it.” Next time imposter syndrome creeps in, take a moment to reflect. You’re in great company—and more importantly, you’re on the path to growth.

Feature Image by Rubēn Sānchez. @Zoonchez

Learn more about the Artist:  www.iamrubensanchez.com/about