Six Things To Do When Imposter Syndrome Hits…
Do you ever feel that you don’t measure up? Do you ever feel that your success and skills are not deserved or that you are not worthy of the title or income you have? Do you sometimes feel that you are one big fraud and that one day someone is going to burst in, point at you and shout, ‘See her? She’s a complete phoney!’
The older I get, the more I realise that MOST people (creative or not) get hit by a nasty dose of ‘imposter syndrome’ from time to time. It can breed all kinds of insecurities, anxieties and, at its worst, even complete paralysis. The condition can hit anyone, at any time; high achievers and perfectionists are particularly prone to it. It still takes me by surprise when I get struck by it - even after so many years of making art.
Here’s six things that help me to fight it and get me back on track:
Call it out. Recognise it for what it is when that barrage of negative self talk comes streaming in.
Talk back: Instead of listening and believing your thoughts that might tell you, ‘I’m not good enough’ and ‘I shouldn’t be here,’ start talking back. Talk back with evidence and facts, citing some of your achievements and successes.
Keep going. This is probably the most important one of all! If you waiver and give in to those voices, then you are likely giving up doing something you like and are good at. Just take the next step forward. Even a teeny tiny one. Build momentum again.
Replace the self doubt with a growth mindset. Acknowledge that you are not perfect - no one is - and you still have much to learn. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, and that it’s normal to feel insecure and doubt yourself sometimes.
Confide in a friend or therapist who can provide you with a supportive and empathetic listening ear. They also might help you to identify where the self-doubt came from in the first place and how you can be better prepared to fight it next time it happens.
Remember that it will pass. Recognise that Imposter Syndrome can leave as easily as it came in.