You Got The Job. Now, Cue The Imposter Syndrome.
A good friend of mine just got a huge promotion. He’s gone from sales to senior sales leadership, and now he’s managing his own team. He’s been preparing for this role for over a year.
When I saw him, I figured he’d be thrilled, and he is, but he also admitted he’s having a serious case of imposter syndrome.
Meanwhile, he’s a total natural for the job.
It’s funny how easy it is to see someone else’s readiness, and so hard to see our own. We work so hard for these big breaks, only to doubt ourselves the moment they happen.
For me, that doubt usually comes from fear of disappointing others or not being up to the challenge. Everyone says “fake it till you make it,” but I hate that phrase. Faking it just fries your nervous system.
What helps me is being honest. I go for the big opportunity, give it everything I've got, and once it's happening, I'm like ok, now what? Then I work like crazy to learn and do a good job.
Most top performers I know feel imposter syndrome at some point. The key is not to hide from it, but to work with it. Take a breath. List the reasons you’re ready. Identify where you need to learn and who can help.
That’s not faking it. That’s growing into it.
