After landing a highly prestigious position at a company with a great reputation, I spent the first months thinking that every person I spoke to, worked with, or passed on my way to lunch knew I didn't belong. I thought I would be found out at every turn. This added to an already stressful transition. Only gradually did evidence from positive interactions with others chip away at my self doubt. I never truly believed that I was as capable as my peers, but then again they were some of the most intelligent people I've ever met.

Truthfully, I'd rather face perpetual self doubt than be overconfident. People who consider themselves exceptional usually turn out to be under delusions of grandeur and the truly gifted are often surprisingly humble. Wanting to catch up to the latter group creates the drive that keeps me learning new skills rather than coasting.