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Educated people Quote by Austin Kleon

“You might be scared to start. That’s natural. There’s this very real thing that runs rampant in educated people. It’s called “impostor syndrome.” The clinical definition is a “psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments.” It means that you feel like a…” quote by Austin Kleon
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““You might be scared to start. That’s natural. There’s this very real thing that runs rampant in educated people. It’s called “impostor syndrome.” The clinical definition is a “psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments.” It means that you feel like a phony, like you’re just winging it, that you really don’t have any idea what you’re doing.””

Austin Kleon

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Creative Life, 2019

People often doubt their competence despite evidence of success, a feeling known as impostor syndrome.

In simple terms: Doubt despite success.

Key Takeaway

Recognize achievements, challenge self‑doubt.

Themes

self‑doubt achievement psychology confidence impostor syndrome

Mood

anxious reflective

Type

motivational psychological

When to use this quote

  • job interviews
  • public speaking
  • new projects
  • leadership roles

Key Concepts

Impostor syndrome self‑validation growth mindset

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence of your success can you list?
  • How can you reframe self‑criticism?
A Different Perspective

Self‑doubt can persist even with external validation.

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