The Power of Acceptance: Redefining Impostor Syndrome as a Catalyst for Growth

The layers of impostor syndrome.

While writing “The Grapes of Wrath,” John Steinbeck kept a diary to chronicle his work on the novel.

It’s a behind-the-curtain view into his creative journey and the excruciating self-doubt he experienced while writing what would later win the Pulitzer and Nobel prizes in literature.

In a moment of great doubt, he wrote the following,

“This book has become a misery to me because of my inadequacy.”

It bears mentioning Steinbeck was already a successful novelist — these were not the insecurities and self-doubt of a first-time author.

“The Grapes of Wrath” was published in 1939.

“Of Mice and Men” (one of my all-time favorites) was published in 1937 and won Steinbeck acclaim.

When I first read the line, “This book has become a misery to me because of my inadequacy.” it was the equivalent to a punch in the gut.

It struck an edge within me, one I’ve run away from far too many times.

When I was in the corporate world, I was consistently in the top 3 in sales. I received awards, plaques, trips to Hawaii — the whole nine yards.