“Ugh, I hate this. What am I even doing?”
“Who do I think I am?”
“This is so bad. I should just give up.”
“Why am I even trying?”
We’ve all said variations of this to ourselves at least once in our lifetime, probably accompanied by a strong urge to throw whatever you were working on in the trash. It often lurks in the shadows, that nagging feeling of self-doubt, of never being as good as another. In today’s post, I will try to explore the imposter syndrome phenomenon in the context of creative pursuits, focussing mainly on writers.
To deal with imposter syndrome, we first need to understand what it is. Imposter syndrome refers to the persistent feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt despite there being plenty of evidence of competence and achievements. This psychological pattern was first identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, primarily in high-achieving women, but it is now recognised as affecting people across all demographics and professions. It typically manifests as the belief that one’s success is based on luck or deception rather than a genuine ability. However, it seems to be more prevalent among creative individuals, most likely due to the subjective nature of artistic work. This subjectivity is what can intensify feelings of self-doubt. Emerging writers who are new to the craft may feel less than adequate compared to established authors. Even successful authors with many accolades under their belt may fear that their past achievements were flukes or they might fear that they cannot reproduce their previous successes, facing the expectations of their audience.
Writers in particular often grapple with self-doubt and fear of being exposed as frauds, despite their accomplishments and talents. They often downplay their accomplishments, dismiss positive feedback as false, and fear being exposed as untalented or fraudulent.
To address the imposter syndrome effectively, it is important to recognise the common signs and symptoms. In general, these may include, but are not limited to:
- Dismissing achievements.
People struggling with imposter syndrome often downplay achievements, attributing them to external factors instead of recognising their own abilities.
- Fear of failure and judgement.
They may be plagued with anxiety over potential criticism and/or rejection. This can lead to self-imposed pressure and a heavy reluctance to share written works.
- Constant comparison.
Writers experiencing imposter syndrome may continuously compare themselves to others, feeling unworthy when they perceive themselves as less than others in their respective fields.
- Overworking and perfectionism.
At the heart of imposter syndrome lies the paradox of perfectionism. A relentless pursuit of perfection, striving for flawless prose and impeccable storytelling with each word written. While this drive can be an excellent motivator, it can also be a double-edged sword, leading writers to constantly doubt themselves and never feel satisfied with their work. Many people, including writers, believe that only flawless work can prove their worth. Their fear of failure can become paralysing, preventing them from taking risks and embracing the creative process fully.
So, now onto the million-dollar question, how do we overcome this very annoying thing called imposter syndrome? While it can be deeply ingrained and challenging to overcome, several strategies can help us navigate these feelings and even reclaim our confidence in our creative process.
- Acknowledge your feelings.
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to recognise and acknowledge its presence. Recognise that feelings of self-doubt are common and that you are not the only one experiencing them. By acknowledging these feelings without judgement and criticism, we can begin to disarm the power our mind has over our creativity.
- Recognising your accomplishments.
Develop a habit of acknowledging and celebrating achievements, no matter how small or large they may be, whether it is finishing a chapter, receiving a nice comment, or a simple like on social media or even getting published. Keep a record of positive feedback, awards, or milestones to remind yourself of your talent and progress. Every milestone deserves recognition.
- Reframe failure as growth.
Instead of focussing on your perceived shortcomings, embrace mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Understand that even renowned authors face rejection and setbacks, and it does not diminish their worth as writers. Adopting a growth mindset focussing on continual learning and improvement, and embracing the journey of becoming a better writer rather than fixating on the end result, is far more productive than battling against your imagined shortcomings.
- Practise self-compassion and self-care.
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same kind of kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges. Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of the creative process and it is okay not to have all the answers. Prioritise self-care activities that recharge your creativity and well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, walking, meditation, or gaming.
- Surround yourself with supportive peers.
Try to connect with fellow writers or other creative people. Join writing groups or workshops and start having conversations about imposter syndrome. By surrounding yourself and sharing your burdens with like-minded individuals who can offer empathy, encouragement, feedback and perspective, you will find you are not alone in feeling the way you do. As we say around these parts; “gedeelde smart is halve smart” - Shared sorrow is half sorrow.
- Set realistic goals.
Break down your goals into small and manageable steps. By setting achievable goals, you can build up your confidence and maintain your motivation. Breaking down your goals also prevents you from overworking and overstretching yourself. Preventing the creation of a negative mindset in which “the imposter” can thrive. And don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way.
So in conclusion, imposter syndrome is quite a common struggle for many creative people, but it does not have to hinder and definitely does not have to define your journey. By understanding the nature of it and implementing practical strategies, we can cultivate a healthier mindset and navigate these challenges together. Which in turn will open back up the enjoyment of practising their craft with confidence and resilience.
Remember, you, your voice and your unique perspective are incredibly valuable. You can make a meaningful impact with your words, embrace your talent, nurture your creativity and try to let go of self-doubt. The world needs more unique voices.
If the feelings of imposter syndrome persist and significantly impact your well-being and productivity, consider seeking support from a therapist or a counsellor who specialises in working with creative minds. They can provide you with coping strategies, tools, and techniques to help you manage and overcome these challenges.