Is Imposter Syndrome Real — or Just Growth in Disguise?

Sadie Hunter
Nov 4
2 min read

We’ve all felt it. An uneasy flutter when you step into a new role, take on a challenge, or hear your name attached to success. The little voice whispering You’re not ready. You don’t belong. Someone’s going to find out.”

The phrase to describe this feeling is imposter syndrome and it has become part of the modern professional vocabulary. But lately, I’ve been asking myself if imposter syndrome exists or is it more the discomfort tied to growing faster than your self-belief?

The Myth of the “Imposter”

When we call something a syndrome, it negatively implies something is different or there is an underlying condition. In most cases, these feelings don’t come from incompetence, they originate from your confidence not meeting the reality you're experiencing. They come from stretching into new territory, breaking old patterns, and daring to be seen in bigger ways.

You’re not an imposter. You’re evolving.

What we interpret as self-doubt is often evidence of reaching into a new space. You’re doing something brave — and your comfort zone is struggling to catch up.

What the Research Actually Says

Here’s what recent studies reveal about the so-called imposter phenomenon:

The term was first explored by Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne Ament Imes (1978) when they studied high-achieving women who believed they were “frauds.” McLean Hospital
It affects all genders and backgrounds — not just women. Stanford CTL
Research links it to higher stress, burnout, and perfectionism. Middle East Current Psychiatry, 2025
New evidence from MIT Sloan shows the label “syndrome” may actually make things worse by personalizing what can also be cultural or workplace-driven. MIT Sloan School of Management
And here’s a twist: MIT researchers also found a potential upside — that imposter feelings may increase empathy and interpersonal awareness. MIT News

So, the feelings are real, but the story we tell ourselves about them might be the problem. Maybe imposter syndrome isn’t a flaw to fix — but a signal that you’re stepping into something new.

Why This Matters Now

As the year winds down, pressure ramps up — deadlines, reflection, planning, holidays. It’s easy to lose yourself in busy work and forget to check in with what’s underneath.

That’s why November is the perfect time to pause, reground, and refocus — before the season sweeps you away.

A Grounded Start to the New Year

This month, I’m offering a special coaching package: 4 x 30-minute sessions designed to help you quiet the imposter voice and reconnect with your authentic confidence.

Together, we’ll: