one problem with imposter syndrome discourse is that some people are actually imposters who are correctly sensing that they're out of their league, and we're talking them out of their own self-awareness

I feel like realizing and accepting that you suck at something — or are just 'okay' at something and don't have a lot to offer — is an important type of wisdom that we sometimes smother in our efforts to buck others (or ourselves) up

I'm not saying people who suck at something should stop doing it or 'give up their spot' per se. I just think we shouldn't *presume* competence in ourselves or others — because I think most people, myself included, are somewhere between incompetent and average at any given thing

to suck is human, to learn divine

a few people have said 'but imposter syndrome is when you're successful'. I agree, I'm just not sure the distinction matters. whether you feel successful or unsuccessful, my point is that self-doubt isn't always unfounded. sometimes it may be trying to tell you something useful

it's possible to uncouple 'I'm not actually that good at this' from 'therefore I should feel like shit'

lots of people pointing out that most actual imposters will never perceives themselves as such — I think that's absolutely true. you know, I appreciate everyone building this out with their thoughts and criticisms

I think this is a great articulation of a point that several of you have been making — the line between acknowledging your own limitations and 'taking credit' (in a self-flagellating way) for organizational/systemic/etc limitations https://twitter.com/brianwisti/status/1264942291170390017