You're not a fraud; you're growing

What Imposter Syndrome Really Means (And Why It Might Be a Good Sign)

Imposter syndrome

Ever had that moment where you’re sitting in a meeting, nodding along, and thinking:

“If only they knew how out of my depth I feel right now…”

Well, you’re in very good company because here’s what I've recently learnt:

Even the most brilliant, seasoned, outwardly confident people I know, people running companies, making waves, leading teams, still hear the same voice whispering:

“One day they’ll figure me out.”

Yep. Imposter syndrome doesn't vanish with success. It often grows with it.

The Bigger You Get, The Louder It Can Get

The more you grow, stretch, and dare, the more likely that shady little gremlin voice is going to show up.

Why? Because you’re making progress and this movement (by its very nature) unsettles your brain’s comfy little stability.

The brain loves patterns. Familiarity. Safety.

But growth is none of those things. Growth is unpredictable, awkward and exposing.

Which means that “Oh god, I’m not ready” feeling is actually proof that you’re evolving.

Let’s Get Evolutionary for a Moment

We weren’t built for corporate ladders, zoom calls or quarterly KPIs.We were built for caves.

Your ancestors weren’t walking into new environments saying, “Ooh, can’t wait to smash this presentation.”They were scanning for danger, status shifts, signs they were about to be kicked out of the tribe because back then, exclusion = death.

That tension you feel? That little pulse of panic that says:

“Do I belong here? | Am I good enough?” That’s prehistoric Wi-Fi; your survival brain doing what it was wired to do.

Only now, you’re in a boardroom, not a bear cave. You’re pitching a project, not hunting for dinner. It’s time to update your software.

Here’s the Reframe: Imposter Syndrome is a Growth Signal

What if you stopped seeing imposter syndrome as a problem to fix... and started seeing it as a compass that says:

“You’re in new territory. That means you’re expanding.”

Because let me tell you something I’ve seen again and again: The people who are coasting (who are sitting on potential but not pushing it), they’re not battling imposter syndrome. They’re comfortable, safe and yes, they might also appear polished. But under the surface, they are also probably bored, sometimes resentful and secretly possibly restless. They’re not feeling like frauds because they’re not stretching. They’ve stopped testing their limits. Their confidence doesn’t come from growth; it comes from routine. From knowing the game so well, they never have to play full out.

You’re in the stretch.

You’re stepping into situations where you don’t have all the answers. You’re saying yes to things before you’ve figured it all out. You’re trying, which means you’re exposed.

And then you look at them, the calm ones, those people who are effortlessly polished, coasting through with certainty, and your brain goes:

“See? You’re not like them. You must be faking it.”

Growth always comes with doubt.

And that voice in your head is evidence you're on the edge of becoming something more.

The secret isn’t to silence the gremlin, it’s to move with it. To say: “I hear you. But I’m doing it anyway.”

Because confidence doesn’t come first.

Action does. And confidence follows, not as a lightning bolt, but as a series of slow, earned, glorious little sparks.

You’re Learning.

That uncomfortable stretch feeling is your next level loading.

So the next time imposter syndrome pipes up, try this: Smile.Say “Ah, growth again. Thanks for the alert,” and keep going.

Want to go deeper?

🎧 Listen to Episode 6 of Little Moves, Big Careers: Fraud Thoughts and Funky Feelings

🛠️ Download the free Gremlin Check-In Tool

📩 Got a gremlin story or a bold move to share? Email me at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com – I read every single one.

Let’s stop waiting to feel ready. Let’s start showing up, wobbles and all.

Because growth isn’t supposed to feel smooth. It’s supposed to feel real.

#careertips #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment