‘Imposter Syndrome at Work’ has been a common and frequent coaching topic for as long as I’ve been working with clients. So much so that it was the topic of one of my first blog articles, way back during the pandemic.

Re-reading that article from 2021, I’ve found that while a lot of what I shared there still holds true, I’ve found that my approach to the topic has evolved with time and experience.

When clients first started bringing the topic up in coaching conversations, I took it at face value, as a ‘syndrome’ to address.

What I found as I gained experienced as a coach, with my client count getting into the hundreds, and my completed sessions count ticking over into the thousands, is that at some point in our coaching relationship, the majority of my clients bring up imposter syndrome at work, at one point or another.

Interestingly, what I found is that clients at all points in their career raise complaints about imposter syndrome. While it’s extremely common for new hires and folks early in their career seeking to find their footing, it’s also a frequent topic with clients who have ‘climbed the ladder’ and been promoted, based on their proven skills and track record, to new roles. And it seems familiar to most everyone in between.

Reflecting on the ubiquitousness of people’s imposter syndrome experience has evolved my thinking on the subject: at this point I have a hard time considering it a syndrome. I believe what we call imposter syndrome is a part of the human experience that we all face at some point in our lives and careers.

Essentially, we’ve taken a natural and normal part of life — second guessing ourselves and our abilities — and labeled it as a syndrome. While relatable, I’m not sure that’s helpful.

I’m not sure how labeling ourselves with a syndrome helps us feel more confident in ourselves or our capabilities.

Instead, I find a bit of recontextualizing helpful –

Instead of viewing ourselves as having or experiencing a syndrome that perhaps needs some form of treatment, what if we instead choose to view our experience as part of the natural and normal yet uncomfortable reality that we all experience self doubt sometimes.

What if ‘Imposter Syndrome’ or self-doubt is actually a good thing?

We tend to regard our uncomfortable thoughts or feelings as a problem to be solved, but what if self-doubt isn’t a problem?

Self-doubt is universal. We all experience it sometimes. I absolutely experience self-doubt at times: sometimes working with a high-powered new client, or getting started working with a new group or team. Sometimes when I go to click publish for a new article like this one.

But does it need to be a problem?

Self-doubt is a good thing. Imposter syndrome, or whatever we want to call it, gives us important information: it tells us we care; it tells us we are learning and growing, challenging ourselves, and stretching the edges of our comfort zone.

The discomfort zone, where that familiar voice of self-doubt chimes in, is where we expand and grow as professionals and people, where we deepen our skillsets, it’s where we end up when we’re being rewarded and recognized for the efforts, talents, and skills that got us this far. It’s where we are chasing and embracing greater opportunities. It’s the natural feelings that come up when we are deeply engaged and care about the outcome.

In a way, it’s how we know we’re alive, and living fully and boldly.

If you’re reading this, or come to me for coaching (first off, thank you) then you clearly care deeply about your learning and growth. And if we care about, and are seeking, that ongoing development, then in the discomfort zone, where the feelings of self-doubt are loudest, is in the sweet spot, it’s right where we want to be.

So how do we work with and thru our self-doubt?

First, let’s stop pathologizing and fighting our experience. Your experience is not a flaw. It is part of our shared humanity. It is a sign that you care, and that you’re learning and growing. You can regard your ‘imposter syndrome’ with pride, knowing that you’re in the great company of amazing humans gently pushing into the discomfort zone in order to learn, grow, or make the world a better place.

Step into courage. At it’s core imposter syndrome at work or elsewhere in life is not a reflection of your skills and capabilities. It it just means we’re entering unknown territory and things feel scary. Just as self-doubt is part of your shared humanity, so too is courage. Embrace the courage that I know you have inside you. If that feels hard (it often does!), reach out to schedule a coaching call — we can find it together.

‘Imposter syndrome’ is not about how you feel. It’s about what you do next.

As we wrap up, here are a few tools and tactics to help you skillfully dance with self-doubt:

• Use centering / grounding / presencing / or mindfulness tools to tap into your inner confidence and courage.
• Use a ‘yes, and’ approach to bring positivity into the picture. For example, ‘yes I feel anxious about my upcoming presentation, and I have done a great job preparing and I have everything I need for a successful outcome.”
• Connect with people who have confidence in your abilities.
• Tap into purpose. Connect with your why, with what you care about. Purpose is powerful. Purpose brings courage.
• Remember: You’re here in this place for a reason. You got hired, or promoted, or asked to present for a reason. Trust in the people who trust in you and what you bring to the table.
• Use music, movement, exercise, or hobbies to reconnect to your talents and capabilities, and to harness positivity and courage.
• Consider coaching. Just because you’re doubting yourself, doesn’t mean you have to go thru it yourself.

Now, it’s time for me to work skilfully with my own imposter syndrome about sharing this article. To release from concerns about what people might think, to focus on my experience and know that I have something to offer, to focus on purpose: to serve others. With that, it’s time to push that Publish button.

Thanks for reading, for striving to push into your own discomfort zone. You’ve got this. And if you want/need it, I’m here to help.