Imposter syndrome has been a BIG theme with my clients lately.

I love the way that Adam Grant helps us shift the way we think about our insecurities in this episode of his podcast, WorkLife. He outlines three steps we can take to reframe imposter thoughts not as something that holds us back—but as a tool that can propel us forward.

Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that you're unworthy of the opportunities you've been granted—that you've gotten lucky or tricked everyone around you into thinking you're competent or smart enough.

Despite any success and accolades, you still feel like you're fooling everyone, and at some point they'll realize the mistake and find you out. You're forever doubting your abilities and waiting to be exposed as a fraud.

I see it especially in people who are stepping into new levels of leadership and responsibility or into a new work environment.

While it's a comfort to know that you're not the only one who may be carrying these self-doubts, it's time that we rethink this "syndrome" from something that holds us back to something that can propel us forward—as individuals, as companies, and as a society.

How to Overcome ‘Impostor Syndrome’ - The New York Times: This short, handy guide includes practical tips for managing imposter thoughts. My favorite is so simple yet so powerful: Say your name out loud.

Everyone has a mean voice in their head—a voice that tells you things like:
- You're not ready—don't try.
- You'll embarrass yourself and be a complete failure.
- Who do you think you are?
- No one will care what you have to say.

At first glance, it may appear that this voice—sometimes referred to as the inner critic or gremlin—is a jerk trying to keep you down. But actually, your gremlin is just misunderstood.

He or she showed up in your head sometime when you were young. Maybe you read a poem to the class and someone laughed at you, or you got new glasses that you thought were snazzy but the other kids teased you about. And this voice appeared to protect you, telling you to play it small—stay safe, don't stand out, don't take chances, don't put yourself out there—at every turn…