Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Why do ambitious “strivers” so often feel they haven’t truly earned their success? Harvard behavioral social scientist and author of "The Happiness Files" Arthur C. Brooks argues that self-doubt is usually evidence of healthy humility—not incompetence—and a clear contrast to the overconfidence of “dark-triad” personalities. Brooks shows executives how to reframe imposter feelings as diagnostic feedback, then “lean in without giving in” by targeting the specific skills and knowledge gaps those feelings reveal, turning discomfort into a disciplined catalyst for growth.
For more insights on leadership, success, and workplace well-being, explore Arthur's new book, "The Happiness Files", a curated selection of essays from his popular column in The Atlantic: amazon.com/dp/B0F4MFQ6VN
More by Arthur Brooks: arthurbrooks.com
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Why do ambitious “strivers” so often feel they haven’t truly earned their success? Harvard behavioral social scientist and author of "The Happiness Files" Arthur C. Brooks argues that self-doubt is usually evidence of healthy humility—not incompetence—and a clear contrast to the overconfidence of “dark-triad” personalities. Brooks shows executives how to reframe imposter feelings as diagnostic feedback, then “lean in without giving in” by targeting the specific skills and knowledge gaps those feelings reveal, turning discomfort into a disciplined catalyst for growth.
For more insights on leadership, success, and workplace well-being, explore Arthur's new book, "The Happiness Files", a curated selection of essays from his popular column in The Atlantic: amazon.com/dp/B0F4MFQ6VN
More by Arthur Brooks: arthurbrooks.com
Books, tools, and more: store.hbr.org
Follow us:
hbr.org
linkedin.com/company/harvard-business-review
facebook.com/HBR
twitter.com/HarvardBiz
instagram.com/harvard_business_review
Sign up for Newsletters: hbr.org/email-newsletters
#HarvardBusinessReview #YourCareer #Career #Job #Work #Business #Harvard #HarvardBusinessSchool
Copyright © 2024 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved.
