For years, I’ve heard the term “Imposter Syndrome” thrown around. It’s one of those phrases that gets used almost casually when someone feels out of their depth, like they don’t belong, or that they’ve somehow “tricked” their way into success. I’ve used it myself, and I’m sure many of you have too. But what if I told you that the term “Imposter Syndrome” isn’t quite right? What if I told you it’s not something we have, but rather something we experience from time to time?

In 1978, two psychologists, Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes, first introduced the concept—but they didn’t call it “syndrome.” They called it the “Imposter Phenomenon.” And here’s the difference: a phenomenon is something that happens, something that comes and goes. It’s not a permanent part of us. But over time, we started referring to it as “Imposter Syndrome,” and that shifted the meaning.

Why the Language Matters

The word “syndrome” carries a lot of weight. It’s something we associate with long-term conditions, something ongoing, something you “have” and carry with you. But Clance and Imes were really clear about this—they didn’t want to label it as a condition. What they were describing was a common experience. It wasn’t something you had, it was something that happens—often, and to a lot of people.

When I realised this distinction, it clicked for me. The moment I feel self-doubt creeping in, I don’t need to call it “Imposter Syndrome.” I can call it what it is: a passing phenomenon. It’s a feeling, not a permanent condition. It’s just a moment in time. And when I stop giving it more weight than it deserves, I can move through it more easily.

What Imposter Phenomenon Feels Like

I’ll be honest—there are times when I’ve felt like a fraud, like I didn’t deserve to be where I am. Maybe you’ve felt it too. It’s the internal dialogue that whispers, “You’re not good enough. You’re just faking it. Someone will find out.” But here’s the thing—this isn’t something unique to me. Or you. It’s something almost everyone experiences at some point.

For me, I started to notice that the imposter phenomenon tends to pop up when I’m stepping into something new or unfamiliar. Maybe I’m taking on a bigger project, or I’m in a new role, or even when I’m trying to level up in my personal development. In those moments, doubt tends to creep in, and I start questioning myself. But I also started noticing something else: it’s often in these moments that I’m growing the most. And yet, I allow my own doubts to make me feel small. But that’s where the shift needs to happen.

How I Learned to Reframe Self-Doubt

The first step for me was changing the language I used. By calling it the “Imposter Phenomenon” rather than “syndrome,” I stopped thinking of it as a permanent state. I no longer labelled myself as an imposter. Instead, I recognised it as a temporary feeling—a passing experience that doesn’t define who I am or what I’m capable of.

I also realised that these feelings of self-doubt are common—especially among high achievers. So many of us who push ourselves to be better, to do more, to perform at a high level—whether it’s in our careers, creative endeavours, or personal growth—experience these moments. It’s part of the human condition. When we talk about it with others, we often find that they too have faced these same feelings, sometimes in exactly the same moments.

Steps I Took to Move Beyond the Phenomenon

1. Shift the language: Changing how I talked about it really helped. Instead of saying, “I have imposter syndrome,” I started saying, “I’m experiencing the imposter phenomenon right now.” It’s a simple shift, but it’s powerful because it reinforces that it’s just a moment.
2. Recognise the pattern: The more I paid attention, the more I realised that the imposter phenomenon often arises when I’m taking on something new, or pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. It’s a sign of growth, not failure. It’s a signal that I’m stretching myself, and that’s when doubt is most likely to pop up.
3. Talk about it: Opening up to others about it has been a game-changer. It wasn’t until I shared my feelings of self-doubt with trusted colleagues and friends that I realised how common it is. We all face it at different points, and talking about it helps us feel less isolated in our experiences.
4. Accept it, but don’t dwell on it: The key to overcoming the imposter phenomenon is not to give it too much weight. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s just a passing feeling. When I accept it for what it is and move forward without dwelling on it, I can break free from the cycle of self-doubt.

Breaking Free from the Phenomenon

The biggest shift for me has been realising that imposter feelings are just that—feelings. They are temporary. They do not define me. And they certainly don’t need to hold me back. When I reframe self-doubt as just a momentary experience, I stop allowing it to take control of my thoughts and actions. Instead of letting it sabotage my growth, I embrace it as a sign that I’m stretching myself and learning.

Imposter feelings are not a reflection of my competence or worth. They’re simply part of the human experience. So, the next time self-doubt rears its head, I’ll remember that it’s not a permanent state, and it certainly doesn’t define who I am. It’s just a phenomenon—something that happens, not something I have.