Against the Grain: How impostor syndrome can be a catalyst for success!
What if impostor syndrome was actually a gift? Wait what?
Ahhhhh, imposter syndrome. Just when you believe you’ve escaped its clutches, it resurfaces with a vengeance. Like a relentless horror movie villain, it reappears stronger than before, catching us off guard at the most inconvenient moments and in unexpected settings.
See if this sounds familiar to you.
- You achieved that coveted Staff designer promotion you’ve always aspired to and then, your friendly impostor syndrome whispers that you’re unworthy of such recognition.
- You are handpicked to spearhead a huge rebranding project and your impostor syndrome declares you’ll be unmasked as a pretender.
- You decide to make the leap and venture into a new company or role and you know it, your little impostor syndrome loudly asserts that you’re an outsider and don’t belong.
Listen, I get it.
We’ve all been there and have all suffered from this little imposter syndrome friend of ours.
Studies on impostor syndrome reveal that it is particularly common among high achievers. But why does it affect those we consider successful and capable the most? The answer lies in an intriguing connection.
Impostor syndrome tends to intensify when we step outside our comfort zones. Boom. This is the magical word — comfort zone. If you excel effortlessly in your current position and conquer challenges without a second thought, impostor syndrome is less likely to hit you upside the head.
Each instance of impostor syndrome acts as a sign that you’re challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Is it discomforting and hard?
F*$k yeah!
Is it nerve-wracking?
100000% it is.
We all suffer from it
While we are being honest with each other, I have suffered from imposter syndrome for years, and in fact, I often still do. I constantly question myself, my skills, and my worth as a designer. This still happens when I am put into a bigger role, more responsibilities, or a significant project. I’ve come to tame my little imposter friend over time.
I went back to university to get a B.A. in Business & marketing because I was worried about my skills and talent to make it as a designer. I then completed a minor in business psychology thinking that I needed that to calm my little friend.
But no, it was not enough.
I actually kept on going and got my MBA 😅. All this, because I was concerned my skills or craft as a designer, may actually not be enough.
A fun fact is that I actually always improved as a designer and kept moving up the chain with bigger and more important roles. People always believed in me sometimes more than I actually believed in myself. I now understand that all this additional education is not lost, it actually better equips me to face anything that is put in front of me. More tools in my backpack of life.
Over time I came to realize that I was doing a lot of this because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. We can truly only grow professionally and personally when we put (or force) ourselves into uncomfortable situations.
The grip of imposter syndrome can plague designers, leaving them feeling undeserving of their achievements and talents. They harbor doubts about their capabilities, fearing that others will eventually uncover their perceived inadequacies.
Imposter syndrome is a persistent companion for many, sneaking back into the picture just when it seemed under control. However, it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle.
Instead of succumbing to its grip, designers can harness the power of imposter syndrome to their advantage.
Embrace it as a force for growth rather than fearing its presence.
From dirty secret to secret weapon
We should learn to use impostor syndrome to our advantage.
Yes, use it to your advantage.
Embrace it instead of fearing it.
The next time your little impostor syndrome friends appear, take a moment to deeply and sincerely congratulate yourself. Remember that you didn’t have to accept that promotion or challenge. You could’ve stayed in a comfortable, predictable spot and avoided the anxiety. Remember that someone had the confidence to give you this opportunity.
Yeah, that’s great and all but what do I do when I can’t shake it off?
First, remember that you’re not an imposter. You’re actually pretty amazing and that feeling you get is well just a feeling.
Secondly, recognize and acknowledge impostor syndrome. It is important to acknowledge the presence of impostor syndrome within yourself. Understand that it is a common experience among high achievers and that you are not alone in this struggle.
Simple enough right?
I know… harder said than done, but you must accept that imposter syndrome is a battle that you can, and with practice, will win!
From zero to hero
The big takeaway: stop trying to overcome impostor syndrome and channel it instead. It can become a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Here are a few steps you can follow to first control your impostor syndrome (instead of it controlling you), and then use impostor syndrome to your advantage:
- Set realistic goals
- Visualize success
- Celebrate your wins
- Learn from your failures
- Build a Support Network
- Reframe negative thoughts
- Embrace a growth mindset
- Acknowledge your qualities and your success
- Acknowledge impostor syndrome for what it is
- Keep being curious, open-minded, and flexibility
- Separate your past self-image from your present self-image
- Master the art of critique (Embrace both giving and receiving critique)
Lastly, but one of the most important ones in my opinion is to Embrace Imperfection.
Focus on progress and completion rather than obsessing over perfection. Embracing imperfection is a powerful and transformative mindset that benefits individuals and communities on multiple levels. By releasing the unrealistic burden of perfection, we unlock the potential for growth, connection, and self-compassion.
Josh Bloch also recommends teaching someone. By teaching others, you start to realize that you actually know sh$t. And a lot more than you thought so.
Listen, no one is expecting you to be perfect… if they are, that is a totally other problem.
Realize that you are not alone — When we experience imposter syndrome, we frequently think we are the only ones who feel unworthy of our status and accomplishments. Yet 70% of people experience this at least occasionally.
Stop comparing yourself to others
Stop comparing yourself to your favorite Twitter designer.
You do you. You are unique.
This simple yet profound statement carries a significant message about self-acceptance, self-worth, and personal growth. In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly comparing ourselves to others, whether it’s regarding achievements, appearance, relationships, or social status.
Everyone has unique abilities. You are where you are because someone recognized your talents and your potential.
You don’t have to excel in every task you attempt, and that’s perfectly fine. Almost no one can truly “do it all.” Even when it appears that someone has everything perfectly under control, remember that you might not know the full story behind their achievements.
Each person has a unique learning pace and strengths.
Instead of allowing others’ success to make you feel inadequate or highlight your flaws, consider it an opportunity to explore and develop the abilities that genuinely interest you. Focus on your passions and interests, and let them guide you toward personal growth and fulfillment.
Next time that little voice in your head starts going:
“What am I doing here?”
“I don’t belong.”
“I’m a total fraud, and sooner or later, everyone’s going to find out.”
Pause. Stop and breathe.
Remember that you are about to push yourself and you should be proud of that. You could’ve stayed in a comfortable but you decided to shake things up. Embrace your individuality, and celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small they may seem in comparison to others.
Final words
Success doesn’t require perfection. True perfection is practically impossible, so failing to achieve it doesn’t make you a fraud.
Use imposter syndrome as the superpower it is. Use that exact moment to start looking for a new and challenging opportunity. Strive towards that impostor syndrome and will discover you can actually do way more than you think. You will also discover a new you along the way.
That feeling of being an impostor is your subconscious telling you something: It’s saying you’re about to push yourself past your comfort zone and into the growth zone. Now when an opportunity shows up and impostor syndrome starts twitching in the pit of my stomach, that’s a sign I should jump at it!
✌️🙏🫶🧘
I’m a Design Principal, a Web3, and an investment enthusiast. I write about design, skills, careers, and systems. I’m all ears for your take on anything design or, feel free to connect with him on Linkedin.
