Most of what you do in your practice is routine. You’ve seen it before, done it before, and you know what to do. If you’re not sure, you know how to find out.Â
And yet, there are times when you don’t.Â
You are presented with a new (and difficult) issue. A case of first impression (and a lot at stake). A big decision and nary a clue about which way to go.Â
When this happens, you talk to someone with more experience, take a course, associate with another lawyer, hire an expert, or otherwise bridge the gap in your knowledge or experience.Â
Yes?
But what if this happens all the time? What if you continually feel like you’re in over your head or can’t handle the job?
What if you feel like an impostor?
Relax. You’re probably not.Â
Wikipedia defines impostor syndrome as a “psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments, and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”‘.
I’m guessing that’s not you.Â
You’re not a fraud, you just need more time on the job.Â
That’s the good news.Â
The bad news is that what you’re feeling–the doubts, the questions about your choice of career, and all the rest–mean you’re not happy doing what you’re doing.Â
You need to fix that. Or find something else to do.Â
Need a plan? Here
