Keith and Laura tackle the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome–that nagging feeling of being unqualified despite evidence to the contrary. Their discussion reveals practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming these feelings in both professional and creative contexts.
Leaning Into Discomfort
Keith describes imposter syndrome as “feeling not qualified” and questioning “why would anybody listen to me talk about this?” His core “crusher statement”–the negative belief at the root of his imposter feelings–is simply “I’m not good enough.”
For Keith, the solution isn’t about eliminating these feelings but learning to move forward despite them. He emphasizes “leaning into uncomfortable growth” as a mantra that has helped him push through resistance. When he feels the hesitation that comes with imposter syndrome, he recognizes it as a signal that he’s on the right path. The discomfort indicates something worth pursuing.
“If you feel that way, it’s probably means that you’re on the right path,” Keith’s practical approach focuses on taking small, actionable steps: “What’s the next action I can take that’ll get me one step closer?”
Reflection and Continuous Improvement
Laura’s imposter syndrome manifests as the fear that “she doesn’t know what she’s doing.” Her response has evolved from overworking (getting to coffee shops at 5 AM and working weekends) to embracing a “workshop approach” to growth.
“What I am committed to is that as I go through this experience, I’m going to be reflective and I’m going to learn.” Laura views each experience as an opportunity for improvement rather than a one-and-done situation.
Laura also distinguishes between confidence and competence. While confidence is about believing in your direction, competence involves acknowledging limitations and building the skills needed along the way. She emphasizes that it’s normal to not know everything, but what matters is the commitment to learn and improve.
Pushing Through
Talking about imposter syndrome with others is crucial. As Keith puts it, “One of the best things you can do is talk about it and find community with others.” By normalizing these feelings and sharing strategies, we can all learn to recognize imposter syndrome not as a barrier but as a common experience in the journey of growth.
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In Residence with Keith and Laura
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This post was created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.