Recently, I led a workshop for CEOs of companies with annual revenue between $30 million and $260 million. These were all very accomplished people running highly successful organizations. At one point, I asked them, “How many of you have impostor syndrome?” Nearly every hand in the room shot up. People smiled and nodded. I think they were surprised how many of their peers felt the same way.
For those unfamiliar with impostor syndrome, it is the persistent feeling that you’re not as competent or capable as others perceive you to be, despite evidence of your success.
It’s self-doubt, expressed as humility, and convinces even the best of us that we don’t belong where we are.
I know this feeling well.
When I took over an international Rockefeller Foundation at the age of 26, I knew that I was way over my head. Every day, I came to work wondering when they would figure out I had no idea what I was doing. The truth is, none of us does. At some level, we all make it up as we go along. Every day presents us with situations that we have never encountered before. We rely on our experience and intuition, but we are still doing our best to figure out how to move forward in a positive direction.
I have coached senior executives in organizations worldwide. Some were at the Fortune 100 level. Some were entrepreneurs who had built amazing companies. All of them—let me repeat that—all of them had impostor syndrome.
So if you feel this way, you are not alone.
Everyone feels a little lost. That in no way should diminish your belief in your abilities. Celebrate your accomplishments. When others compliment you, accept it with gratitude. Embrace the fact that you are good at what you do.
However, if you are waiting for the moment when you finally feel like you’ve figured it all out, stop. That moment doesn’t exist. It never will. So, turn your face to the sun and enjoy the journey.
“The people who achieve the most are often the ones who feel the most like impostors—because they care the most about getting it right.”
— Adam Grant
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