Understanding Imposter Syndrome As A Creative

During my curating days, I used to hear extreme self-doubt from artists I looked up to and admired – little did I know that they were experiencing Imposter Syndrome. As a creative, it is crucial to know what this is and how to address it as soon as possible.

Do you identify with any of the signs and symptoms?

What is Imposter Syndrome and Why Does it Affect So Many Creatives?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their skills, abilities, and achievements and feel like frauds despite evidence of their competence. Those who experience imposter syndrome often believe they don’t deserve their success, that their accomplishments are due to luck or external factors, and that they will eventually be exposed as frauds. The term “imposter phenomenon” was first coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, and since then, the condition has been widely recognized and researched.

Imposter syndrome affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their background, age, gender, or profession. It is common among high achievers, such as students, academics, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs, who feel like they are not good enough, despite their achievements. It can also affect people who are new to a job or field, as well as those who have been in their profession for a long time.

There are many reasons why people experience imposter syndrome. It may stem from childhood experiences, such as feeling like they didn’t meet their parents’ expectations or being compared to others. It can also be a result of cultural or societal messages that emphasize achievement and success, and where failure or mistakes are stigmatized.

Perfectionism, anxiety, and fear of failure are other common factors that contribute to imposter syndrome. Additionally, when individuals are in situations where they are underrepresented or feel like outsiders, they may feel like they don’t belong or that their achievements are not valued.

Research suggests that imposter syndrome is relatively common among creative people, including writers, artists, musicians, and actors. This may be due in part to the subjective nature of creative work, which can make it difficult to feel confident in one’s abilities.

Signs and Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome: How to Identify It in Yourself

Imposter syndrome can manifest in various ways, and the signs and symptoms may vary from person to person. Some common signs that may indicate that you are experiencing imposter syndrome include feeling inadequate, self-doubt, fear of failure, feeling like a fraud, and not being able to internalize your achievements.

You may find yourself constantly seeking validation from others or feeling like you are never doing enough to meet your own standards. You may also have a fear of being exposed as a fraud, which can lead to a reluctance to take on new challenges or opportunities.

Another common symptom of imposter syndrome is perfectionism. While striving for excellence can be a positive trait, perfectionism can be a debilitating trait that can lead to procrastination, fear of taking risks, and anxiety. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you might also need to read about creative block and the unexpected signs of being creatively blocked. You may set unrealistic expectations for yourself, feel that you must always be working, and struggle to delegate tasks to others. You may also be critical of yourself and your work to the point where it negatively impacts your mental health and well-being.

Some common feelings associated with imposter syndrome include:

Feeling like a fraud
Believing that one’s success is due to luck or chance rather than their own abilities
Having a fear of being exposed as a fraud or incompetent
Feeling inadequate compared to others
Minimizing or discounting one’s own achievements
Striving for perfectionism or being overly self-critical
Avoiding challenges or new opportunities due to fear of failure
Overworking or over-preparing in an effort to avoid being exposed as a fraud.

If you are experiencing imposter syndrome, you may find that these feelings are persistent and affect your ability to enjoy your accomplishments, take on new challenges, or feel confident in your abilities. If you think you may be experiencing imposter syndrome, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional who can help you work through these feelings and develop strategies for managing them.

Is Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome the same?

Perfectionism and imposter syndrome are often linked, as both can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Perfectionists tend to set very high standards for themselves and may believe that anything less than perfect is a failure. When they inevitably fall short of their own expectations, they may feel like they are not good enough or that their accomplishments are not legitimate.

This can lead to a vicious cycle, where perfectionists set even higher standards for themselves in an effort to prove their worth and avoid being exposed as fraud. However, this can ultimately lead to burnout and feelings of overwhelm, which can exacerbate imposter syndrome.

Perfectionism can also contribute to imposter syndrome by making it difficult to accept compliments or acknowledge one’s own accomplishments. If a perfectionist believes that anything less than perfect is a failure, they may struggle to accept praise or recognition for a job well done, as they may believe that they could have done better.

It’s important to note that not all people with imposter syndrome are perfectionists and not all perfectionists experience imposter syndrome. However, these two issues can often be intertwined and can create a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety. If you are struggling with perfectionism or imposter syndrome, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional who can help you develop strategies for managing these feelings.

Common Triggers for Imposter Syndrome and How to Avoid Them

There are several common triggers for imposter syndrome that can lead to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. One of the most common triggers is receiving criticism or negative feedback, especially if it is unexpected. This can cause individuals to question their abilities and competence, even if the criticism is not valid or warranted. To avoid this trigger, it can be helpful to remember that everyone receives criticism and that it is an opportunity for growth and improvement. If you are wondering how exactly to do that, read ‘Leveraging Criticism To Grow And Become More Productive‘

Another trigger for imposter syndrome is the fear of failure. Many people who experience imposter syndrome feel like they have to be perfect in order to be successful, and the fear of failure can prevent them from taking risks or pursuing new opportunities. To avoid this trigger, it can be helpful to reframe failure as a learning experience and to focus on progress rather than perfection.

I wrote an entire post about Overcoming Fear Of Failure including a powerful Fear-Setting exercise by Tim Ferris

Comparison to others can also be a trigger for imposter syndrome. When individuals compare themselves to others who they perceive as more successful or talented, they may feel like they don’t measure up. To avoid this trigger, it can be helpful to focus on personal growth and progress rather than comparing oneself to others. It can also be helpful to remember that social media and other forms of media often present an idealized and unrealistic view of other people’s lives and accomplishments.

How Imposter Syndrome Affects Performance and Personal Growth

Imposter Syndrome can have a significant impact on one’s performance and personal growth. It can cause individuals to doubt their abilities, which can lead to procrastination and avoidance of challenging tasks. This can result in a decreased sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, leading to a negative cycle of self-doubt and underachievement. In addition, individuals with Imposter Syndrome may not seek out new opportunities or challenges, fearing that they will not be able to succeed, which can limit their personal growth and development.

Furthermore, Imposter Syndrome can impact individuals in their professional lives. They may hold back from sharing their ideas, believing that they are not good enough or that their opinions do not matter. This can lead to missed opportunities and prevent them from advancing in their careers. Imposter Syndrome can also lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and burnout, which can have a detrimental effect on one’s mental and physical health.

Overall, Imposter Syndrome can be a major obstacle to achieving personal and professional growth. It is important to recognize and address these feelings of self-doubt in order to overcome them and reach one’s full potential.

Famous Creatives who have struggled with Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a common experience among creatives and artists, and many prominent figures have publicly discussed their struggles with it. Here are a few examples:

Maya Angelou, the celebrated poet, author, and civil rights activist, once said, “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.'”

Tom Hanks, the Oscar-winning actor, has said, “No matter what we’ve done, there comes a point where you think, ‘How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?'”

Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook and author of the book “Lean In,” has discussed her own experiences with imposter syndrome, saying, “There are still days when I wake up feeling like a fraud, not sure I should be where I am.”

Tina Fey, the comedian, writer, and actress, has also opened up about her struggles with imposter syndrome, saying, “The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of, ‘I’m a fraud! Oh God, they’re on to me! I’m a fraud!'”

Practical Steps to Build Self-Confidence and Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Overcoming imposter syndrome takes time and effort, but it is possible.

Here are some practical steps you can take to build self-confidence and overcome imposter syndrome:

Recognize your accomplishments: Keep a record of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This can help you focus on your strengths and remind you of your capabilities.
Challenge your negative thoughts: Identify the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your imposter syndrome. Ask yourself if they are rational and accurate or if they are just self-doubts. If they are irrational, try to reframe them in a positive light.
Seek support: Talk to someone you trust about your feelings of imposter syndrome. They may be able to offer encouragement, perspective, and support.
Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is essential to building self-confidence. Exercise, eat well, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that make you feel good.
Set achievable goals: Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate your accomplishments. This can help you gain a sense of accomplishment and build self-confidence. (Habits, Systems & Routines For Improved Creativity (according to the PROS)
Learn new skills: Take courses, attend workshops, or read books to learn new skills. This can help you feel more competent and confident in your abilities.
Embrace failure: Failure is a natural part of learning and growth. Don’t let it discourage you or define your worth. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Remember, building self-confidence is a journey, and it’s okay to have setbacks along the way. With practice and patience, you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals.

Using Mindfulness and Self-Compassion to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Mindfulness and self-compassion are two powerful tools that can be used to overcome imposter syndrome. Here are some practical tips on how to use these tools:

Practice mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This practice can help you develop a greater awareness of your thoughts and feelings and help you notice when imposter syndrome is starting to take hold. By becoming more aware of these thoughts and feelings, you can begin to challenge them and develop a more balanced and realistic view of yourself.

Practice self-compassion

Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness when you’re struggling. This is the opposite of the self-criticism that often accompanies imposter syndrome. To practice self-compassion, try to talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend who is struggling. Offer yourself words of encouragement, acknowledge your efforts and successes, and be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned.

Challenge your negative self-talk

Imposter syndrome is often fueled by negative self-talk. To overcome this, it’s important to challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if they are really true. Are you really a fraud, or are you just experiencing self-doubt? Can you think of evidence to support the idea that you’re capable and competent? By questioning your negative thoughts, you can begin to see them for what they are – just thoughts – and not necessarily an accurate reflection of reality.

Cultivate a growth mindset

A growth mindset is a belief that you can develop your abilities and skills through hard work and dedication. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset, which assumes that your abilities are fixed and unchangeable. By cultivating a growth mindset, you can begin to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as threats to your competence.

Celebrate your successes

Finally, it’s important to take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. This can help you build confidence and develop a more positive view of yourself. So take a moment to pat yourself on the back when you accomplish something, and remember that you are capable and deserving of success.

Support Networks and Resources for Managing Imposter Syndrome

Managing imposter syndrome can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking support from others can be very helpful in overcoming imposter syndrome. Here are some support networks and resources that can assist you:

Therapy or counseling

A licensed therapist or counselor can help you work through imposter syndrome and develop coping strategies to manage it. They can also help you identify underlying issues that may be contributing to your imposter feelings.

Support groups

Joining a support group with others who are going through similar experiences can be very helpful. These groups can provide a safe space to share your struggles, offer advice and support, and help you feel less alone.

Coaching

Working with a coach can help you set and achieve personal and professional goals, build self-confidence, and develop coping strategies to manage imposter syndrome.

Mentorship

Finding a mentor who has experienced imposter syndrome and overcome it can be invaluable. They can provide guidance, support, and encouragement as you navigate your own feelings of inadequacy.

Online resources

There are many online resources available for managing imposter syndrome, including articles, podcasts, webinars, and online communities. These resources can provide information, support, and practical tips for managing your imposter feelings.