Why Imposter Syndrome Means You Are Onto Something Big

Here is how to crush that limiting belief

After three years of building my writing career, I still feel like a failure once in a while — one faking it.

Insecure thoughts still flood my head randomly:

"You only have a handful of email subscribers - that's nothing!"

"Your articles don not get thousands of engagement still. Just quit already!"

I hear these self-doubting whispers despite tangible growth over the years. I have quadrupled my reader base. Students sign up for one-on-one writing coaching with me. I am already making good money from freelance writing.

But that nagging inner critic keeps attacking every win as too small or accidental.

Sound familiar at all? If so, you are experiencing imposter syndrome - feeling like a fraud about to be exposed anytime despite external proof suggesting otherwise.

We all battle imposter syndrome sometimes when levelling up major life areas. But reframing how we view those self-doubting thoughts transforms them from foes to valuable friends.

Allow me to explain differently...

Feeling Like A Fraud Is The Best Sign You Are Progressing

After studying the psychology behind imposter syndrome, I learned that feeling like an incompetent phoney confirms you are expanding into unfamiliar growth territory, which always triggers temporary self-doubts.

Think about it. Why question your capabilities unless you are attempting something perceived as difficult, risky or status-elevating?

Exactly.

Have you observed that when you are in your comfort zone, you hardly hear any inner whispers attacking your skills?

Imposter syndrome manifests exclusively when the inconvenient truth emerges that you are outgrowing old stories about what is possible for your life.

The More Frequent The Imposter Feelings, The More You're Pushing Past Previous Limits

Here is the thing to realize about this phenomenon...

The more often imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, the more frequently you should lean into your inherent abilities essential for reaching your full potential.

Each wave of phoney feelings is proof you now play a bigger game requiring radical responsibility and upsizing personal power.

In other words, imposter syndrome confirms you no longer settle for less than what your gifts demand.

Reframing Self-Doubt As Clue You Are Onto Bigger Things

Once I understood this psychology, my inner critic transformed from foe to friend practically overnight.

Now, when I hear limiting thoughts like:

"Other writers in your niche seem so much more successful and talented. Maybe you should quit..."

I smile, realizing that my mission outranks my current skill level, which indicates that I need to embrace the growth I previously avoided.

Or when I catch myself thinking thoughts like:

"Who do you think you are pitching high-level clients like that without more experience..."

I smile, knowing my gifts stretch beyond past beliefs about possible clients and income.

In short, the second I notice imposter syndrome arise these days — I celebrate it as proof of progress, not failure.

Your Turn To Leverage Imposter Syndrome For Good

Hopefully, now you better understand imposter syndrome.

Those uneasy pangs are not your enemies but friends, confirming you are courageously shedding smaller versions of yourself.

The next time imposter thoughts creep in, ask yourself:

"What comfort zone is this showing I am breaking out of presently?"

Then, affirm the growth mindset. Reassure yourself that you are growing and it is just your previous mental programming fighting to preserve your comfort zone.

You were made for increased influence and income through your talents. Do not let stagnating inner critics rob destined beneficiaries of blessings you carry for communities needing your genius unleashed fully.

May you continue to feel like a fraud as you surpass your limits. And as you keep unlocking your creative potential and transforming society.

The world awaits your wondrous works, so silence those fake imposter accusations for good!

Related reading: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a New Writer.

I hope this helps you. If it did, be sure to clap me a thousand times (joking, a few tens would do), leave me a comment (it will encourage me a lot — smiles), and share this with someone you know needs it (they say sharing is caring).