Last week, I sat down for a coaching session with a designer whose resume would make most people’s jaws drop. He’s a senior lead at one of the world’s most recognizable apps.
His work? Stunning. His experience? Extensive. But as we began to look at his portfolio the conversation didn't start with his successes. Instead, it started with a confession: “I don’t think I’m good enough. I’m worried I won’t measure up to what the market expects right now.”
It was a classic case of the High-Performer’s Paradox: the more we achieve, the more we feel like we’re just one mistake away from being "found out."
I felt like this later in my career, as a design director. I had gained so much success, and with it responsibility that the pressure to achieve became overwhelming.
The pressure effect
In high-stakes environments especially at the "Big Tech" level, it's very easy to lose your sense of scale. When you are surrounded by "A-players" and industry-leading talent every day, your exceptional skills start to feel like they're not good enough.
Add to that a challenging job market and a culture of intense competition, and you have a recipe for Imposter Syndrome. The fear that if you aren't perfect and are replaceable becomes very real.
Keep perspective
When this designer looked at his portfolio he didn't see a decade of innovation. He saw the tiny flaws, the projects that were "only okay" in his mind, and the gaps he thought others would exploit.
He couldn't see his value because he was too close to the work.
This is where coaching and external support become vital. As his coach, my job wasn't to teach him how to design, he had that down already. My job was to show him what I saw: a master of his craft who had navigated complex problems that most designers will never even encounter.
Three truths to keep in mind
If you’re feeling "not enough" lately, I want you to remember these three things:
- Your value is cumulative: You are not defined by your last project or the current state of your portfolio. Your value is the sum of every single problem you’ve solved, every teammate you’ve mentored and every "no" you turned into a "yes."
- Comparison is a liar: Comparing your internal doubts to someone else's successes is a losing game. Even the people you admire are likely fighting the same "imposter" thoughts you are.
- Getting support is key: The highest-performing athletes in the world have coaches. They know how to play the game, but could also could use someone to help them see the angles they’re missing.
Keep Going
The market is tough and the bar is high. Don't let the noise of the industry drown out the reality of your talent. If you feel like you're struggling to see your own worth, reach out. Get a second pair of eyes on your work.
Sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your next big move could be just a lack of perspective.
You are better than you think you are. Keep going.
Thanks for reading, see you next week!
Anthony Faria
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