What's the Worst That Can Happen?
Name the true worst case, then hunt for evidence against imposter feelings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time to result
- ~days to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 83%
This is a two-move reset for imposter syndrome. First, when the panic rises, ask literally what is the worst that can happen and follow it to its end: usually you make a fool of yourself, feel bad, and are still alive, still recoverable, still able to have a good life. Naming the true ceiling shrinks a vague dread to something survivable. Second, treat the imposter feeling as a claim to be tested: look for evidence for it, then write down all the evidence against it, and nine times out of ten you find you are not an imposter. If the exercise does highlight a real gap, you deal with it by preparing. It works because the mind is negatively biased and regresses to a vulnerable inner-child state under pressure, and evidence on paper counters that bias. Alex used it before presenting to the Prime Minister in Number 10.
Origin
Extracted from Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal. Alex George describes using it throughout his medical career and before presenting his mental-health findings to Boris Johnson at Number 10 Downing Street.
Core principles
- 01The mind is negatively biased as a protective mechanism
- 02Under pressure we regress to a vulnerable inner-child state
- 03Naming the real worst case shrinks it to something survivable
- 04Almost everyone feels like an imposter, even the highly skilled
- 05Evidence beats feeling when you actually write it down
How to run it
- 1
Catch the feeling
Notice the imposter panic as it starts to build, ideally before you walk into the room.
Pro tip The feeling often comes on just before high-stakes moments; expect it.
- 2
Ask the worst case literally
Genuinely ask what is the worst that can happen and trace it to its real end, not a catastrophised one.
Watch out This is not a throwaway 'I don't care'; you actually name the true worst outcome.
- 3
Confirm survivability
Recognise that even the worst realistic case, making a fool of yourself, leaves you alive, recoverable and able to live a full life.
Pro tip You end up roughly where most people already are, which is fine.
- 4
Normalise the feeling
Remind yourself that almost everyone, including highly skilled experts and consultants, feels like an imposter at times.
Pro tip Recalling a skilled colleague who admitted the same feeling defuses it fast.
- 5
Weigh the evidence
Look for evidence you are an imposter, then write down all the evidence you are not. Usually the second list wins.
Pro tip If a real knowledge gap shows up, close it with focused preparation.
Watch out Do not use it to become an egomaniac; aim for 'good but not perfect, still learning'.
In the wild
Sitting in Margaret Thatcher's room presenting mental-health findings to Boris Johnson, Alex felt panic rising. He asked himself what's the worst that can happen: at most he is in the room for half an hour, worst case he never returns, and he survives. That reframe let him deliver.
→ He presented his coalition's findings despite acute imposter feelings.
Common mistakes
Trying to erase imposter feelings entirely
Alex argues fully removing self-doubt would make you an egomaniac; the goal is perspective, not eradication.
Skipping the written evidence step
Feelings persist if you only think about them; writing the evidence against being an imposter is what shifts the belief.
Is it for you?
Best for
Anyone facing high-stakes moments like a talk, a new role or a big meeting who freezes with self-doubt.
Not ideal for
Situations with genuinely catastrophic, irreversible stakes where careful risk analysis is required.
From the transcript
“I always say to myself what is the worst that can happen”
“look for evidence for the fact your imposter then write down all the evidence of the fact you're not”
From the episode
Dr Alex George: How To Strengthen Your Mind & Build Mental Fitness
Dr Alex George