Imposter Syndrome- The First Hurdle to Your Passion
Imposter Syndrome- The First Hurdle to Your Passion
The feeling of being a fraud, as being not good enough. And the fear of being found out. Every person who’s embarking on the journey as a creative has to go through this feeling of being an imposter. A fake. So, how do we overcome this feeling that is so widespread but feels specific only to us? Let’s find out in today’s blog. Imposter syndrome -the first hurdle to your passion.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the conviction that you have succeeded by accident or by luck rather than your own ability. Someone will expose you as a fraud sooner or later, no matter what you’re up to. And that you aren’t as brilliant or skilled as others believe.
Do You Have It?
Imposter syndrome is rampant… in every creative field. Writing, photography, music, dancing, arts; you name it and there’s someone who has been through imposter syndrome. They don’t trust their work and believe that they’re not good enough… even if others see their work as a success. As creators, our most valued products are our skills, our creations. That blog we spend hours writing, editing. The photos that we spend days and nights capturing. The hours of practice for the next performance. Those hours we spend on an empty canvas. It takes hard work, dedication and perseverance. And our creations become a part of who we are.
If you’re getting praises left and right but have doubts in you and don’t believe in those praises, if you’re selling your creation for cheap, if you’re hiding from exposure… you’ve definitely got imposter syndrome.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
1. Accept It
Acceptance. That’s the first step. Accept that you doubt your own ability, accept the anxiety, accept that you feel inadequate. The longer you deny it, the longer you’ll hide it. And it is in the darkness that the imposter syndrome thrives. So, bring it to the light and accept it.
Life coach Jeanine says, “Everyone suffers from imposter syndrome. What’s important is to recognise it and see it for what it really is… mind’s chatter.”
2. Talk to Other People
Talk openly about the doubts that you’re experiencing. Especially with other creators. You’ll immediately find that you’re not the only one. Almost all the other creators have the imposter syndrome. Remember, you are not alone. Everyone goes through this phase… especially when they’re starting out. Contact people who you know in your field… fellow bloggers, photographers, dancers, musicians, artists. Keep learning more and getting better and never leave your craft. Graphic designer Poskitt says, “To combat imposter syndrome, you’ll have to talk to others. Because when you realise that everyone suffers from it, you’ll see that you’re not alone.”
3. Learn from Others– Especially Competitors
Competition has both benefits and disadvantages. Make it work for you, not against you. Instead of being frustrated by the success and accomplishments of others; use them to propel yourself toward your own goals. Find motivation in the victories of others rather than as failures on your behalf. Make the success of your friends and rivals part of your own; a motivational tool.
Healthy competition is what drives the industry forward. Also, their success has no bearing on your own accomplishments or what you can achieve in the future. What they did was theirs and what you can do is yours. If you stop yourself from doing what you love because of a feeling in your head, you will have to settle for something far less than what you deserve. Learn from others, find motivation in their success and use that as a booster for your own success.
4. Look Back
Remember the first time you started? You were so excited. Every photo you took was a masterpiece. Every blog you wrote was fantastic. Every painting was divine. Then, as you gained more experience, imposter syndrome began to hit and… everything you did began to look flawed. Interior designers from Gold Coast say, “Looking back to the past really gives us a good measure of how far we have come. Whenever we’re confused, we look back at what we did in the past and compare it with the quality of our work now. The progress I see makes me feel better… always.” Take a break. Go back into the memory lane and see how far you’ve come. Look at your first creations… those “masterpieces”. Then look at the recent creations… Here’s what you’ll find. You HAVE improved massively. This is your progress. Don’t let the imposter syndrome stop you. Life is an ocean of constant improvement. If you’re not improving, you’re wasting your time. If you’re not pursuing your passion, you’re wasting your life. Go out there… share your art. Share your passion. Share your creation.
