The higher strivers climb and the more success they achieve, the more insecure they feel, questioning if they've truly earned it, which is known as imposter syndrome. This feeling is a natural sign of healthy humility, not incompetence. The only people who don't experience imposter syndrome are often genuine imposters, exhibiting "dark triad" personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Instead of giving in to imposter syndrome, individuals should lean into it by identifying the specific skills and knowledge gaps it exposes. This discomfort can then be used as a catalyst for growth and self-improvement, allowing ambitious individuals to become the best versions of themselves.
Imposter Syndrome and "Strivers"
- Strivers are hard-working, ambitious individuals who want to achieve a lot in life.
- The more success strivers achieve, the more insecure they feel about having earned it.
- This feeling is called imposter syndrome and is a completely natural phenomenon.
Contrast with "Dark Triads"
- The only people who typically don't experience imposter syndrome are those who are actual imposters.
- Such individuals often exhibit "dark triad" personality traits:
- Narcissism: Self-centeredness ("it's all about me").
- Machiavellianism: Willingness to manipulate or harm others to achieve goals.
- Psychopathy: Lack of remorse for hurting others.
- One in 14 people (7% of the population) are above average on these three characteristics.
- These individuals often cause personal and professional distress (breaking hearts, disloyalty, taking credit).
The Healthy Perspective of Imposter Syndrome
- If you are a healthy, successful person, it's natural to question if you've earned your success ("Is this earned?", "Do I deserve it?").
- This indicates you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
- The world sees your strengths, which is why you're successful.
- You, however, see the areas you're still working to improve.
- This difference in perception, coupled with "negativity bias" (focusing on what you lack), leads to feeling like an imposter.
Leveraging Imposter Syndrome for Growth
- Imposter syndrome is an opportunity for growth and becoming the person you want to be.
- Even if others overestimate your abilities, you don't have to; you can focus on genuine self-improvement.
- The presence of imposter syndrome is a positive sign about your character.
- The goal is to "lean into imposter syndrome without giving in to it."
- This means acknowledging areas for improvement and actively striving to get better.
Strengths vs. Weaknesses and Perception
- When successful, people perceive your strengths more than your weaknesses; you also likely have more manifest strengths.
- When struggling, people focus more on your weaknesses.
- Even in success, you are not all strengths; even in struggle, you are not all weaknesses.
- A well-adjusted person with humility might feel like a "loser" even when others see them as a "winner."
- It's important not to focus more on your weaknesses than your strengths, but to recognize weaknesses as opportunities for growth and improvement.