Why you should lean in to imposter syndrome
Have you ever agreed to do something and then thought “OMG why did I agree to do this, I don’t know what I’m talking about?!” Maybe it’s a new job, or a new project, or a new phase in life. There are some moments that you just feel so utterly unqualified to be doing something, and yet, you agreed to do it.
Let me back up.
M.T. Deco head of content Jamie Farnsworth Finn
When I quit my job in 2019, I had 13 years’ experience at network news orgs, had managed a small team, had done everything from producing television to running a website to sponsorships and partnerships and writing, writing and more writing. But the day I gave my notice, I didn’t really have a plan. All I knew is that I had gone as far as I was going to go in my position at the time and while I wanted more growth, I wanted it on my terms. I had a baby at home, and I wanted both to be more present for him and to build my career. Beyond that, I wasn’t sure what would come next.
If you’re also not great at picturing your next move, or your next 1-10 years, I see you. I’m admittedly terrible at goal-setting. I’ve never been able to clearly picture what the next 2, 5, 10, years of my life will look like. This has served me well in some ways and burned me in others.
But what I have been adept at doing is seeing the potential in an opportunity and being intentional about going for opportunities. For example, when the show I was working on in 2013 was canceled, I was scrambling to find a place to land. Then the opportunity to run a not-yet-launched website presented itself, I thought “OMG I have no idea how to do anything in digital, but it would probably be good to learn.” I interviewed, I pushed hard, got the gig, and then spent 6 years learning on the job. It was messy and at times agonizing, but I found my way and built an incredible skill set in the process.
Last summer, when a former colleague reached out with an opportunity to join the faculty at the University of Delaware to develop and teach a course on digital content strategy as part of their masters in strategic communications program, the first question I asked is “Are you sure I’m qualified to teach this?” She emphatically said yes, and that I was her first choice for the role.
I’m now in the final stages of developing the course. I still have moments where I wonder if I’m doing it “right” but overall, it’s been a validating and exciting experience. I’ve learned so much along the way and I can’t wait to get to actually teach the course this summer. I’m sure there will be moments when I still feel a bit like an imposter, but I’ll keep going, and growing.
So if you’re embarking on a new role, or picking up a new client, or simply raising your hand and offering to jump in on a project you’re not sure you’re qualified for, lean into it. Embrace your inner imposter and remember this:
The most successful people often feel like imposters. I had an old colleague tell me this when I was in my new digital role way back when. She said there was some research out there that all the best CEOs at some point felt like they had no idea what they were doing. [I need to track down this research someday]. She said it meant I was being self-aware, that I was humble, that I was willing to learn and grow and succeed. I always took comfort in that.
You were hired for a reason. When I can’t seem to validate myself, I look to my managers or my peers for a little boost. There was something the client/manager/HR department saw in you in order for you to get the position. Own it. Trust them. They didn’t make a mistake.
True growth happens when you’re uncomfortable. If you know how to do everything, you’re not learning, right? So when you feel overwhelmed in a new role or with a new client or opportunity, try to remember that’s a good thing. It’s your mind’s way of saying “um, this is new.” Keep going.
It’s OK to ask for help. Just because you may feel like you’re “faking it till you make it” doesn’t mean you can’t lean on the resources available to you. Maybe that’s asking a colleague for feedback. Maybe it’s delegating some tasks. Maybe it’s asking for more help at home so you have more time to focus. Whatever you need, if you can get support, it’s not failing to ask for it.
I hope the next time you’re feeling like an imposter that you remember your worth and your opportunity for growth. I’ll be right here cheering you on.