The feeling that we're not good enough to be where we are or do what we do, is so common that, at the extreme end, there's a term for it - imposter syndrome.
First cited by pyschologists in 1978, imposter syndrome has often been seen as a debilitating problem - which, for many, it can be. But recent research at MIT suggests another side to the story; that, in the workplace, impostor thoughts can lead to people compensating for their perceived shortcomings, by being good team players with strong social skills - which, in turn, can become a catalyst for improved performance.
Basima Tewfik, an assistant professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management and author of a new paper detailing her findings, said that “the idea that having these thoughts at work is always going to be bad for you may not be entirely true.”
Tewfit rightfully caveats that this doesn't mean imposter thoughts should be encouraged; that, despite her findings, in the wrong setting, imposter syndrome can still lead to lower self-esteem and other mental health issues. For some, at the most extreme end, imposter syndrome can indeed be debilitating and should be treated with serious care.
But for most of us, who are able to function under the additional pressure of imposter thoughts, the study introduces the idea that such thoughts need not necessarily be a bad thing, depending on how we frame them.
The stories we tell ourselves
Imposter thoughts are a series of stories we tell ourselves, which may (or may not) be based in 100% truth. But it's rare we stop to think about what those stories actually are, or whether we should take them seriously.
If we did, we may find that, at minimum, they're not actually 100% true - which can release some of the pressure and anxiety that comes with them.
If you've ever experienced anything like this, you may relate to some of the more common stories that come with it, including variations on beliefs such as:
"I'm not good enough to be here"
"I'm not supposed to be here"
"Everybody here is better than I am"
"They don't think I'm good enough"
"I'm going to be found out/they're onto me"
Once we begin to challenge the validity of these stories, we realise they may not be as true as we once believed them to be - and that, maybe, there are some alternative stories we could explore.
So what might the alternative stories be? Here are a few suggestions:
1) You wouldn't be here if there wasn't a reason for it
Even if you honestly feel you blagged your way into it, there must be some valid reasons as to why you're here. There is something about you, your attitude, your experience, your personality, that made you stand out above the rest, to get to where you are. You might not be perfect, but nobody is.
That said…what if you actually are the perfect person for this? Maybe, if you were to list all the reasons as to why you should be here, you might find even that you are.
2) You're not supposed to know everything
Nobody ever started doing something new, or took a step up in life, knowing everything about what they're doing. Nobody. Particularly in the workplace, we are always, constantly learning on the job and it’s expected for us to gain experience as we progress.
You’re also not supposed to know everything that everyone else knows, otherwise there'd be no need for you all to be there. You have YOUR role and expertise, others have theirs. So what's yours? What is it that YOU bring to this, which others may not?
3) You're moving in the right direction
If you're not in an environment that challenges you, or are not surrounded by people better than you, than you're not moving. You're not learning or progressing. Which, incidentally, would be completely fine. Perhaps you’re happy not to go any further and there's nothing wrong with that.
But, if what you want is progress and development, in your life or work, then you should actively seek to be challenged; to be surrounded by great people, and to be constantly dancing around the edge of your comfort zone, because that's the only way progress can be made.
4) You can't read other people's minds
Unless someone has explicitly told you that you're not good enough, then it’s not your place to decide what other people are thinking. We have no control over what’s happening in other people's heads. The only thing we can control is how we think, act and react to the people and environment around us.
For as long as we're consumed with what others are thinking, our attention is taken away from what we can control. Ironically, the more we focus on that and being the best we can be, the better people will think of us, anyway. Not that it matters what they think…
5) You can use this feeling to your advantage
As the study above suggests, imposter thoughts can sometimes be used as a catalyst for us to not only compensate for the areas in which we feel we lack, but to improve, innovate and do great things.
If you feel that you're not competent in a certain area, then take steps to become more competent, or get someone involved who is. Reframing our beliefs can help to relieve some of the pressure, but there is always room for improvement and there always will be. So, once the pressure is off, what could be improved - and what is within your control to improve it?
A balanced approach
For some, the thoughts and feelings associated with imposter syndrome can become all consuming. If that is the case, then seeking help or speaking to somebody about it is the first port of call. Many of the beliefs and stories we tell ourselves, while they may not be true, can often be rooted in a deeper perception of ourselves - the addressing of which, could have a positive effect across all areas of life.
But for many of us, or maybe as a starting point, these small reminders can help to bring some clarity, free up some headspace, keep moving forward and enjoy the process as we do.
Anything here resonate? Get in touch to arrange a free, 25-minute coaching call to see how we can work together.