Imposter Syndrome and the Learning Edge

One of the least discussed drivers of imposter syndrome is being at the learning edge. This is the point where responsibility has grown faster than familiarity. You are capable enough to be trusted with more, but not yet comfortable enough to feel settled. Many clients interpret this discomfort as proof they are out of their depth, when in fact it is a predictable phase of development.

A useful distinction is between being new and being unqualified. Feeling unsure often reflects that you are still building mental shortcuts, context and pattern recognition in a role. That takes time, not talent. Experts tend to underestimate how long this transition lasts because, in hindsight, it feels obvious.

A practical way to reduce imposter thinking here is to name explicitly what you are still learning rather than assuming you should already know it. Writing down three areas where experience, not intelligence, is the missing ingredient helps reframe uncertainty as temporary. Imposter syndrome feeds on the belief that you are uniquely behind. Clarity often reveals that you are exactly where you should be.

If the ideas here about recognising and reframing imposter feelings resonated with you, our Beyond Doubt newsletter may be useful. We share monthly reflections, leadership insights and practical approaches from coaching psychology that build confidence and clarity during change. You can subscribe here to receive future thinking directly to your inbox.