When Imposter Syndrome Kicks in...

I enjoyed seeing Arthur C. Brooks speak when I was visiting my son at Elon University last year. Brooks is a well-known social scientist, author, and teacher known for helping people build happier, more purposeful lives through research on wellbeing, work, and meaning. This video, Lean Into Imposter Syndrome, Don't Give In to It, popped up on YouTube at the right time for me today; maybe you’ll find it helpful, too.

Brooks explains that high-achieving, ambitious people, “strivers,” often experience imposter syndrome precisely because they’re aware of their own shortcomings. As they rise in their careers, they see a full picture of their abilities, including the areas they haven’t mastered yet, while the outside world sees only their strengths and results. That mismatch fuels self-doubt and the feeling of not deserving their success.

In the Harvard Business Review video, he emphasizes that imposter syndrome is normal for healthy, humble people. In fact, the only group that doesn’t tend to feel it are those high in the “dark triad” traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy who are overconfident despite not earning their achievements.

Treat imposter syndrome as a growth signal.

Brooks encourages people to treat imposter syndrome as a growth signal rather than a flaw. It highlights where you can improve and keeps you striving. The key is to “lean into it without giving in”: stay aware of your weaknesses, but don’t let them overshadow your strengths or your right to succeed.

When others recognize your strengths more than your weaknesses, it’s often because your strengths genuinely outweigh them. Use the awareness of both to keep growing rather than to diminish yourself.

If you need assistance recognizing your own strengths, reach out to me for a free coaching session. It might be the best step forward as we enter a new year.