The Anxious Achiever What if Impostor Syndrome Isn’t All Bad?
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Dec 4, 2024 Basima Tewfik, Assistant Professor at MIT Sloan, dives into the unexpected silver linings of impostor syndrome and anxiety in the workplace. She reveals how these feelings can actually enhance creativity and foster professional growth. Tewfik highlights the 'banana exercise' from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a tool for overcoming self-doubt. She also discusses the complex interplay between neuroticism and personal success, challenging the stigma surrounding these emotions and emphasizing their potential as motivational catalysts.
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Cognitive Benefits of 'Negative' Emotions
- Focus on the cognitive aspects of emotions like anxiety to see their functional benefits.
- These cognitive aspects can reveal how such emotions can be helpful in certain situations.
Neuroticism as a Strength
- Neuroticism, often linked with anxiety and mood swings, can be advantageous in work environments requiring flexibility.
- Neurotic individuals excel at "jumping" between tasks and adapting to changing demands.
Reframing Imposter Syndrome
- Imposter syndrome stems from the belief that others overestimate one's abilities, not necessarily a fear of being found out.
- This can be a positive sign, indicating you are challenging yourself and receiving positive feedback.