Imposter Syndrome Isn’t Failure — It’s Expansion

Ever notice how the moment you step into something bigger, a small voice whispers, ‘Who do you think you are?’ That’s imposter syndrome. It’s not proof you’re a fraud — it’s proof you’re expanding. When you’re stretching into a new role, a new level, or a new identity, self-doubt is often the echo of growth.

Maybe it’s your first time in a new role as an employee, business owner, or parent.

Maybe it’s your first leap outside of your comfort zone.

The confident courage it takes to embark on a new venture can start to feel fragile as you encounter the challenges that come with your new chapter.

New challenges require new solutions. If you find yourself frustrated at your ability to solve these new problems, take this in:

You are not fraudulent.

You are not “dumb.”

You are not a failure.

You are right on time, and you are expanding.

The fact that you feel like an imposter highlights your desire to excel in what you are committing to.

Take a moment to sit with that.

Feeling like an imposter shows that you care about doing a “good” job.

New beginnings are not always glamorous.

Think about the experience of moving into a new home. Whether you’re moving into an apartment that needs tidying after the last renter or renovating a fixer-upper, there’s going to be dirt.

There’s going to be an erasure of what was. There’s going to be chaos before order. It’s part of the process.

The goal isn’t to rush to the finale of being moved in and unpacked; the goal is to remain present, open, and curious, acknowledging that this is new and you are equipped to learn.

I’ve noticed that “imposter syndrome” comes up every time I start anew.

I used to think the feeling highlighted my inadequacy. Now I see that it highlights my humanity.

It highlights my expansion.

It highlights becoming.

You were whole before this new journey, and you are whole now as you figure things out.

Allow the process to transform you — and recognize when to take a break.

Celebrate your willingness to grow, as well as every step it takes to reach your vision of success.

Be realistic with your goals, and give yourself grace.

Give yourself the space to expand at your pace.

Where in your life can you reframe ‘imposter syndrome’ as a sign of growth?