Imposter syndrome. Maybe it's not all bad?

What if a little self-doubt isn't always something we need to get rid of?

“Honestly, I've got such bad imposter syndrome.”

I've lost count of how many times I've heard this from business owners.

And my response is usually something along the lines of…

“Mate, me too!”

I've been working in design for a decade and I still have moments where I question myself.

You'd think that after all this time, with years of experience, countless projects and some genuinely lovely client feedback behind me, those feelings would have disappeared.

But nope. They're still there occasionally.

And here's something that might sound a little strange.

I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing.

In fact, I think a little imposter syndrome can sometimes be quite good for us.

Maybe it means you care.

When you're running your own business, you're not just turning up and doing a job.

You're putting something of yourself into it.

Your reputation, your creativity, your time, your energy. And often, quite a lot of your heart.

So of course you want to get things right.

I care deeply about the work I create for my clients. I want them to feel understood, excited and genuinely proud of their branding.

And because I care, I question things.

Could this be stronger? Have I explored enough possibilities? Is there a better way to communicate what this business is really about?

I don't see those questions as a lack of ability.

I see them as part of wanting to do a really good job.

There's a difference between questioning your worth and questioning whether something could be better.

And I think that difference matters.

There's always something new to learn.

One of the things I love about working in a creative industry is that it never stands still.

There are always new ideas, new tools, different approaches and things I haven't explored before.

And I genuinely hope I never reach a point where I think I've learnt everything there is to know.

Because how boring would that be?

Experience gives you knowledge, confidence and perspective. But it doesn't mean you've reached the finish line.

I think a little self-doubt can sometimes be the thing that encourages us to stay curious.

To ask questions. To develop our skills. To try something outside our comfort zone.

Not because we're incapable, but because we know there's always room to grow.

Being good at what you do and wanting to get better can exist at the same time.

Even after a decade, I still question myself.

Here's a perfect example.

When a potential client approaches me, they're sometimes speaking to several designers before deciding who to work with.

And even now, after all these years, I can come away from a call thinking…

Did I explain myself properly? Did I say the right things? Am I good enough? Will they choose someone else?

Which is quite ridiculous when I look at the evidence, because every initial client call I've had has resulted in that person choosing to work with me.

You'd think that would be enough to quieten those thoughts, wouldn't you?

But there's another question I sometimes ask myself.

Am I actually the right designer for them?

And I don't think that's a bad question to be asking.

Because as much as I'd love to work with every brilliant business that comes my way, I also want to know that I'm genuinely the right person to help them.

That I understand what they're trying to achieve. That my approach suits them. That I can bring something valuable to their business.

It's not just about whether they'll choose me.

It's about whether we're right for each other.

And I think that matters.

Confidence is important, of course. Clients need to know they're working with someone who understands what they're doing.

But I don't think confidence has to mean believing you're automatically the best person for every project.

Sometimes, being willing to ask yourself those questions is part of being a thoughtful, conscientious business owner.

I don't want to win a project simply because I've convinced someone to hire me. I want to know that working together is genuinely the right decision for both of us.

The trick is not letting it take over.

Now, I'm definitely not suggesting we should all spend our days doubting ourselves.

Because there's a point where imposter syndrome stops being a little nudge to improve and starts holding us back.

When it prevents you from putting yourself forward, sharing your work, charging appropriately or recognising what you've achieved, it's no longer helping.

And that's something worth challenging.

I think the useful part is learning to recognise the difference.

Is this feeling encouraging me to prepare, learn or think more carefully?

Or is it simply telling me I'm not good enough, despite all the evidence that I am?

One can help us grow.

The other deserves a much firmer response.

Maybe the goal isn't to stop questioning ourselves. Maybe it's to learn which questions are worth listening to.

Because if those questions encourage me to keep learning, care deeply about my clients and challenge myself to do better, I don't think that's such a bad thing.

And if the occasional moment of imposter syndrome comes along for the ride?

Well, I can live with that.

I'm Lauren, the designer behind LJ Design Co. I work closely with independent business owners to create thoughtful, strategic brands that reflect who they are and what makes them different.

And yes, even after 16 years in design, I still have moments of imposter syndrome too.