Discoveries #12 | Why Imposter Syndrome Might Be a Superpower
Welcome to Edition 12 of Discoveries. Each week, I share inspiration on design, product building, and what's next.
Why Imposter Syndrome Might Be a Superpower
This week, I had a deep chat with a former student who was struggling with imposter syndrome—so much so that it was hurting their performance at work. They asked if I had any advice.
I told them something that probably caught them off guard:
Imposter syndrome is a good thing.
I’ve dealt with it my entire career. It was especially brutal when I made the leap from architecture to product design. After spending ten years training to be an architect, I realized—surprise!—it wasn’t for me. So I started over, square one, junior-level, surrounded by people who actually went to school for this.
I felt like a fraud. I had panic attacks. Two ER visits later, I found myself asking a mentor for help. His advice?
“Lean into it. Action is the antidote to anxiety.”
That line changed everything.
Because here’s the secret no one tells you: most high performers are just well-dressed bundles of nerves who learned how to channel their anxiety into forward momentum. Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re growing.
Anxiety evolved to help humans adapt and solve hard problems. In a weird way, it’s your brain saying, “Hey, you’re doing something important.”
I’ve felt imposter syndrome every time I’ve switched careers: from urban planning → architecture → product design → teaching → entrepreneurship. Each shift came with that familiar voice whispering, “You don’t belong here.” And yet, every time, I did the thing anyway. (Also: stoic philosophy helps. Highly recommend.)
So if you’re feeling like an imposter—guess what? You’re probably exactly where you’re supposed to be. Growth doesn’t feel like confidence. It feels like doubt… plus movement.
Keep going.
Product Inspiration
I recently took an at-home test that measures the amount of microplastics and toxins in your body. Turns out, I was ranking way too high on a leaderboard no one wants to be on.
Since then, I’ve overhauled my daily routine—ditched plastic wherever possible and swapped out most of the products I use. The experience was eye-opening, and I genuinely believe we’re going to see a wave of innovative companies emerge to tackle the hidden health risks of everyday toxins. The demand is already here—we just didn’t know it yet.
What I'm Reading
🔗 Shape Up: Stop Running in Circles and Ship Work that Matters
This should be mandatory reading for any designer, PM, or engineer.
Some takeaways:
Shape before you build. Before any coding begins, take time to define the work clearly. A well-shaped project outlines the core idea, sets clear boundaries, and avoids open questions—using rough sketches, simple diagrams, and a list of what not to do. It’s not fully detailed, but it’s concrete enough for a team to confidently start building.
Fixed time, variable scope. Don’t ask how long something will take—decide how much time it’s worth. Set a fixed timebox (usually 6 weeks), then shape the project to fit within that window. If something doesn’t fit, trim or simplify the scope instead of extending the deadline.
Betting cycles with circuit breakers. Every project is a bet, not a commitment to deliver at all costs. Teams get one chance to complete their work. If it’s not done in time, the project stops—no overtime or rollover—forcing a fresh look before trying again. This prevents endless projects and keeps accountability high.
Other Finds
Have a great week,
Blake
P.S. I'm always looking for feedback. Reply and let me know what you think! (I reply to every email)
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