How did you overcome imposter syndrome?

We’ve got some of the most incredible artists, creatives and entrepreneurs in our community and we are constantly shocked by how prevalent imposter syndrome is. So many incredibly talented folks are haunted by self-doubt by a society that often tells you not to think too highly of yourself, but in order to have the strength to take on big challenges and make meaningful change in the world you’ve got to believe in yourself and so we wanted to create a space for conversations around overcoming imposter syndrome.

Nadia Fortini

It would be a lie to say I overcame it. I probably never will. However, I learned how to change my mindset into “fake it till you make it”. There is simply no point in giving power to your imposter syndrome. Whatever you think you don’t deserve, clearly someone else does, otherwise you wouldn’t be given this opportunity. Read more>>

Sarita Covington

Launching Upper Manhattan Forest Kids in the vibrant Harlem community, where I aimed to provide outdoor education inspired by Danish forest schooling, was simultaneously exhilarating and intimidating.  Read more>>

Mylea Hardy

I have always struggled with feeling “not good enough” and the fear of being “found out.” What happens when they find out I’m not good enough? What happens when they find out I actually don’t have any talent, skill, etc?” were questions that I struggled with immensely until quite recently.  Read more>>

Georgui Kassaev

Imposter syndrome is a common challenge, and while I can’t claim to have completely overcome it, I’ve developed a robust strategy to navigate through its impact. The key for me is grounding myself in facts rather than succumbing to negative self-talk. Read more>>

Stephen Abdul

I would have to say that I overcame this progressively but effectively. For years as a kid, I was taunted and ridiculed for the clothes that I wore and the life that I lived. Even through out high school, I was plagues by the temptation of seeking to be someone that I know I was not.  Read more>>

Laurena White

Overcome? I’ve never been an imposter and therefore I have had nothing to overcome. I’ve worked consistently and diligently at my craft and have deserved to sit at EVERY table to which I have been invited (including the table I created).  Read more>>

Victoria Hill

I overcame by believing who God called me to be. I knew in my heart I had the power of influence and knew God wanted me to use this power to make an impact. I can’t make an impact trying to do what everyone else is doing. Read more>>

Jennifer Barden

Most people suffer from imposter syndrome to some degree. It can manifest in your work, social situations, when you’re learning a new hobby, taking a stab at a new personal endeavor, etc. Imposter Syndrome seeps into your psyche and asks you, “Who the heck to you think you are?” Read more>>

Susan Bohl

Most people suffer from imposter syndrome to some degree. It can manifest in your work, social situations, when you’re learning a new hobby, taking a stab at a new personal endeavor, etc. Imposter Syndrome seeps into your psyche and asks you, “Who the heck to you think you are?” Read more>>

Joel Chadd

The more I write & the more I continue to play these songs, whether at a live concert or in the privacy of my studio, I’ve come to understand that this is my deepest connection to myself. It is my truth and the way I find peace with life & all of it’s beautiful joys & sorrows.  Read more>>

Charity Godfrey

The way I am able to overcome imposter syndrome is by living through my values. Value driven living has taught me that if I know who I am through what I believe, I will not feel that I am not worthy of counseling clients.  Read more>>

Bethany Prendergast

Honestly, I don’t! Imposter syndrome is a daily battle. Especially in an arts school setting, the comparison to others is inescapable. I was coming from a career in higher education where I was one of a handful of people in a creative role.  Read more>>

Nick Alimonos

I can’t say imposter syndrome ever truly goes away. It’s a feeling that changes daily, like a pendulum; there are days when I feel very confident, like I am destined for greatness, and days when I fear I am deluding myself, that nobody will ever consider me a genuine author, at least, not an author whose books can be placed on the shelf with the greats of the past. Read more>>

Laura Forsythe

Imposter Syndrome is a constant battle in two industries that are generally oversaturated with people of such varying experiences. Most of whom have much more experience than I, really. I would say that one thing that I’ve heard and that resonated with is:  Read more>>

Katrina Carter

In the heart of adversity, where shadows loom large and the past is a relentless echo, one woman’s journey stands as a beacon of resilience and transformation. Having navigated the harrowing paths of abandonment, molestation, and domestic violence, she confronted not just the external world’s brutality but the internal chasms of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.  Read more>>

Mary Alys Foutz

“The 2022 Marvelous Mouse Travel Agent of the Year Award goes to… Mary Alys Foutz.” Those words had me in shock and disbelief as I walked on stage to accept my award. I was completely humbled that my colleagues had voted for me.  Read more>>

Addam Agderian

I don’t think I ever did. A lot of my success was driven by my insecurities. It was reflected in my work that I was trying harder, and did not take anything for granted. If I felt insecure or nervous about something, it showed that my feelings were real and genuine…and people see that. People can spot a phony! Read more>>

Neha Raman

During my journey, I realized that imposter syndrome is a common hurdle that many individuals face, including high achievers. I found that the key to overcoming it was to adopt a mindset of “fake it till you make it” while also embracing confidence-building strategies. Read more>>

Aman Adlakha

I find this to be a very relevant question as it pertains to my creative journey so far – Until a few years ago, I was regularly writing and creating new short films without much thought as to what people would think. And it was freeing. It allowed me to pursue my curiosities and create without much fear. But that all changed in 2020. Read more>>

Brittany Rosette-Jones

I actually haven’t overcome imposter syndrome. What I am constantly doing is learning new skills to cope with my the feelings that come about when we experience imposter syndrome? For me, I started questioning why I felt like an “imposter”? Read more>>

Jennifer Nowicki

I overcome my imposter syndrome, ok not fully overcame, but mainly overcame imposter syndrome, when I achieved some really impressive milestones. I literally represented the US tea industry in two world tea conferences, was the first person from UWGB (my alumna mater) to be a semi-finalist in the Draper Competition, won an international award for one of my teas, and was part of the WIN Cohort at Babson College.  Read more>>

Anya Shevchenko

I first heard about the imposter syndrome in college while getting my Theater degree. I didn’t know what it was before but once I heard the definition, I knew I had it. It always seemed to me that I didn’t deserve what I had, I didn’t deserve the fame and the bookings that I got, that I didn’t belong. Read more>>

Alexa Flores

Imposter syndrome is the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external, objective ways. **As I grew into my place in this industry, I had reoccurring NIGHTMARES about being at parties and events and people not knowing who I am or asking why I was even there. Read more>>

Kelly Bennett

Imposter Syndrome is like bad breath, anyone can get it; almost anyone can get over it; but there is no long-lasting cure. The only time I do not have Imposter Syndrome is when I am head-down immersed in a project. So how do I overcome: Do my work. Read more>>

Bella DeLain

I am not sure I will ever get over impostor syndrome, though whenever I get a wave of doubt over an aspect of my life, I always take a break and tell myself that there are so many other people out there at different points in their life, career, etc., and that I am just at my point in my own journey.  Read more>>

Sam Mbonu

I was able to recognize my accomplishments while banishing the negative thoughts in my mind which hinders my progress mentally. I also realize that no man is an island of knowledge so with the help of others, I leaned on their support while setting a realistic expectations of myself. Read more>>

Marla Hannig

There are a million nutrition coaches out there–literally. I decided to make it a million and one when I hit the age of 50. Yup, fifty. I decided to combine professional certifications with my thirty years of experience to help women understand the truth about weight loss, exercise and good health.  Read more>>

Nelli Gordox

Positive attitude, studying and putting all the knowledge into practice. We all are beginners first until we become masters. I remember feeling shy to announce to my followers on my personal blog that I decided to become a photographer. I definitely had imposter syndrome back then and felt so grateful when couple of my first clients took a chance on me and hired me as their engagement photographer. Read more>>

Tiffany Campbell

I have learned to focus on my progress rather than perfection. I make time to celebrate my achievements. I understand that making mistakes is a part of learning and growth so I embrace it. Read more>>

Krista Bennett DeMaio

I wanted to be a magazine editor ever since I was a little girl. I remember well-intentioned family members and friends telling me that it would be a hard field to get into and that I may seek something else. But I was determined.  Read more>>

Claudia Matos

Imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming and draining, a common experience among many professionals. When I started my career, imposter syndrome was a constant presence, causing me to doubt my decisions.  Read more>>

Taylore Graves

I truly believe that imposter syndrome is a major issue across every industry, but especially with individuals who are starting their own business. You are constantly wearing so many hats and the truth of the matter is that no one person is an expert in every single field and/or industry.  Read more>>

Cassell Archinuk

With photography, imposter syndrome is definitely a real thing! Since we are in the age of social media, and there are so many ways to share your work, which can be seen by many people, It is definitely something I struggled with at the beginning of my photography career mainly because I wanted to see what other people were doing. Read more>>

Dawn Ricci

From a young age, I sensed I had unique gifts to offer the world, including profound intuitive insights and a connection with Spirit. However, I often dismissed these feelings, partly because others labeled them as mere products of an overactive imagination. Read more>>

Liz Rundorff Smith

I don’t think anybody feels confident 100% of the time but I’ve found that if I push myself to find work and relationships that align with my goals I am able to feel more authentic in the way I’m living. I guess part of aging is realizing that you can’t make yourself into somebody else so you really have to learn to accept who you are and give yourself grace.  Read more>>

Chelsea Oats

This is something I constantly deal with. Even though I am running a successful business with one employee,amazing clients and just purchased my second unit, it still creeps up. Some times I let it get to me, but if I look back to where is started and see what I have created, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes.  Read more>>

Shea Smith

What helped me overcome imposter syndrome is the realization that everyone experiences it! The only difference is, successful people don’t let those imposter thoughts stop them from moving forward. When those thoughts come up for me now, I acknowledge them and use them as a reminder that I’m growing and about to level up! Read more>>

Carlos Rodriguez

The imposter syndrome will always be a factor within anything I do in my music, mostly because I have a really big fear of failure, but also because I want my music to be loved and accepted by everyone who hears it. Read more>>

Angelique Alcaraz

In this age, we are constantly bombarded with images and stories — more so than ever before. I saw an estimate that Americans consume an estimated 11.8 hours of information per day. That is most of our waking time and opens a HUGE door for comparison, especially when everything online is so picture-perfect. Read more>>

Stella Velon

I don’t think you ever overcome imposter syndrome. You learn to live with it and to face it head on. It’s like courage. Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the ability to face your fears and to keep going. Read more>>

Ali Mohammed

In addressing how I’ve tackled imposter syndrome, I’ve taken what might be seen as an unorthodox approach, but one that has proven deeply effective for me. I see imposter syndrome not as a hurdle to be circumvented through self-deception or avoidance, but as a potent motivator and a tool for personal and professional growth.  Read more>>

Maria Laura Rainer

Impostor Syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a “fraud,” despite having evidence of their competence. Those experiencing this syndrome believe their success is due to luck, or that they’ve deceived others into thinking they’re more intelligent or capable than they actually are.  Read more>>

J.L. Hancock

When I was ten, my older brother was assaulted in a park near our home. My grandparents didn’t want the same thing to happen to me so then enrolled me in the martial arts. I had an instructor who taught that every time you step into the ring, you need to learn to be an egotist, and not be egotistical.  Read more>>

Brana Dane

I still have imposter syndrome. As a model I get a lot of attention based mostly on my looks which are God-given. It’s difficult to overcome imposter syndrome completely because of all the adulation I receive on a daily basis.  Read more>>

Elizabeth Tucker

I think imposter syndrome is more prevalent than we acknowledge. The challenge is two fold: We don’t really talk about it so everyone assumes the ‘other person’ really is THE expert. And when we start out we seem to have to pretend we actually do know what we are talking about even though we don’t have nearly as many answers as we want. My family called me an artist well before I thought of myself as an artist. Read more>>

Dina Drew Duva

Your mindset is everything. You can study, train, work hard – but if you don’t believe you can do something – well, you can’t. The one thing that separates those who do and from those who sit on don’t is MINDSET. Whenever I have one of those moments when I think – “Who the heck do you think you are?”  Read more>>