Benefits of imposter syndrome? You read that right. I recently started the book “Think Again” by Adam Grant. The premise of this book is that there are benefits to analytical, scientific thinking and retraining yourself to think more in this manner. In one of the opening chapters Adam discusses the idea of imposter syndrome.
Adam points out that there are plenty of negative perceptions surrounding imposter syndrome. A lack of confidence, timidness, lack of identity, and distrust in one’s training are commonly associated with it. However, these same perceptions can be flipped and cast in a new light. Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
Thorough Decision-Making and Humility
Sure, a lack of outward confidence can be detrimental to building patient rapport. And to be clear, I encourage practitioners to be confident in their communication with patients. This “lack of confidence” associated with imposter syndrome can be reframed and thought of as being thorough and grounded in your decision making. Just as a lack of confidence could be detrimental, overconfidence can be dangerous. Humility and detail oriented decision making ensures we are considering all possibilities. Things are less likely to be missed that could be harmful or lead to less optimal patient outcomes.
Building Your Identity
A lack of identity provides opportunities to seek out new points of view, interests, experiences, and to realize what you value and the principles that guide your clinical practice. Early in your career you may not yet have a niche or patient population you enjoy treating. Reflection on what you enjoy personally may in fact help you grow professionally. Trust that this process of building an identity will take some time. Focus on the process rather than the end-goal and one day you will realize you’ve built your identity.
Further Your Education and Prove Your Worth
Distrust in one’s training or believing there are others who are more qualified than you is common with imposter’s syndrome. Once again, let’s flip these and observe the benefits. Distrust in one’s training may lead to you seeking out further education opportunities. As a result, you gain more knowledge, more tools, and enhanced frameworks to improve your clinical practice. You are now even more qualified than before. Believing there are others more qualified in you can lead to you consistently striving to keep up in your field. As a result, you take advantage of more opportunities to prove your worth, place yourself in uncomfortable situations where you grow, and once again push you further toward the top of your company or niche.
Take Action
One thing that is required to realize the benefits in the above paragraphs is initiative. Without initiative you run the risk of succumbing to the negative perceptions of imposter syndrome. You wallow in self pity and doubt. You remain static and avoid thrusting yourself into a growth mindset where you can thrive. Don’t wait. If you feel you are dealing with imposter syndrome, take action. Reflect and realize the benefits and the opportunities in front of you and press the gas pedal toward a better version of yourself.
