Why Imposter Syndrome is Good

Imposter syndrome is a good thing because:

  1. it means you have support.
    Someone with power and authority saw you worthy and deserving of this position and opportunity enough to give it to you.

  2. You’re a leader.
    You’re in new territory and learning what it takes to be there. This is growth as you step into this new role, position, status.

  3. Your ego is in check.
    Imagine if you didn’t feel this way and you were so confident and entitled that you expected this. Humility is a virtue and you’ve got it.

  4. You’re just like everyone else.
    At some point, nearly all of us have felt like we’ll be found out. There is no “imposter police” that will come to take you away after discovering that actually you’re not who everyone else thinks you are.

  5. It will motivate you.
    You’ll work a little harder, think a little longer before you act, be a little more meticulous. And this will set up your work game. After a while, your opinion of yourself will match those supports and fans that brought you here. (And then someone else will promote you and this will happen all over again. But you’ll deserve it).


Caveday is a company aimed at improving your relationship to work. We write regular posts on Medium and send out monthly newsletters with productivity tips, life hacks, and recommendations. Sign up for the mailing list here.

Jake Kahana is a cofounder of Caveday. Sign up for his personal emails, called “The Email Refrigerator” here.