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.

Yumeng “Judith” Zhu

As a film editor and also introvert, I often found myself alone in front of the computer, working with footage. When I first arrived in the U.S., the unfamiliar environment forced me to retreat into my thoughts, leading to self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I was trying to focus more on my job, and being positive and hard-working. Fortunately, my work soon received recognition from major film festivals, significantly boosting my confidence. These awards reassured me of my abilities and helped diminish my self-doubt. I also made a conscious effort to step out of my comfort zone. I seized every opportunity to reach out and make new friends, which broadened my perspective and provided a support network. Connecting with others in the industry and sharing experiences made me realize that many people face similar challenges. What’s more, I continuously encouraged myself. I reminded myself of my achievements and the skills that brought me here. This self-affirmation, combined with external recognition and social support, helped me overcome imposter syndrome and build a stronger sense of self-belief. Read more>>

David Sevilla

I have always felt some level of imposter syndrome and cannot say I have completely overcome it. I am someone who always tries my best, but I also understand rationally that perfection does not exist. Accepting this on an emotional level, however, is a continuous battle with myself. Though I receive positive feedback from my clients, peers, friends, etc., there’s always space for me to compare myself to others who are better or more qualified and should be doing what I am doing. When I accomplish something, I do my best to take some time to appreciate myself and the work that I’ve done. It’s very easy to quickly move on to the next thing and completely overlook the effort I’ve put in. I must constantly remind myself of the hard work and dedication I’ve put in to my business and craft and that I’m as good as I need to be for what I am doing at the time. Read more>>

Rachel Sorbet

For me, overcoming imposter syndrome was a function of simply working hard at my craft. Over learn and practice until you can’t get it wrong. It’s a simple formula that works! Read more>>

Daisy Montgomery

Many people struggle with Imposter Syndrome, but especially marginalized groups. As a woman and autistic ADHDer, I was gaslit a lot about who I am and what I am capable of. Most autistics are told that we are stupid or incapable because of the nature of our disability, and even though I was in my twenties whenever I was diagnosed, I heard a lot of those messages growing up. Sadly, for a long time, I believed those messages. I thought maybe success was meant for other people, but not for me. It took some devastating events in my life, like losing my son Jasper to stillbirth, and my living son being a victim of a crime due to being autistic, to make me realize that I have only one life – and it’s up to me to decide what I want to do with it. Do I want to be afraid that I’m not good enough, or do I want to be the example for my sons that they deserve? My sons, and other autistics, needed an advocate to educate about autism (and stillbirth), and so I decided that I would be that person. Who else would do it on behalf of my family? Read more>>

Marc J. Hawk III

I overcame imposter syndrome by giving my life to Christ and accepting Him as my Lord and Savior. Through my 23 years of life, I have recently discovered that living an honest and righteous lifestyle shields me from the effects of imposter syndrome. When I was born, my sister named me Jayshawn as a middle name, but my mother spelled it as Jayshon. To this day, my sister still spells it the former way. At school, people always called me Marc, and I got so used to being called by that name that I sometimes forget about Jayshawn or Jayshon, who represented the best parts of me: spending time with family, going to church, feeding the unhoused, visiting duck ponds, having long conversations, enjoying home-cooked meals, and being naturally and authentically myself. Ever since I was a kid, I molded myself to fit in with those around me, adopting the name Marc J. Hawk at school while being Jayshon at home—more laid-back, family-oriented, and spiritual. In the Black community, there’s a stereotype about having difficult names, so I was always hesitant to share my middle name. I felt pressured to conform to a “standard” or “acceptable” name. Read more>>

Ashley Smith

I have not overcome imposter syndrome, but I have gotten better at dealing with it. There are many times when I feel like I’m not good enough or that I am so far behind compared to my peers. At those moments, I look to my past and see how far I’ve come. That gives me the encouragement I need to keep moving forward. Read more>>

Aaron Ankrah

The key is changing one’s mindset and believing that one is totally deserving of the success worked for. Read more>>

Jen Wilson

Although today I’m confident in my abilities and have a passionate vision, it wasn’t always that way. Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a significant journey for me throughout my career. I often found myself in professional settings with executives, feeling like a child playing dress-up in her mother’s suit—an 80s-inspired tweed ensemble complete with shoulder pads and a pencil skirt. Despite evidence of my progress and growth, I harbored a persistent fear that others would uncover my perceived inadequacy. How did I overcome this? I made a conscious choice to change, to challenge the beliefs that were holding me back in life. Overcoming imposter syndrome involved reflecting on my experiences, seeking support, building a community, and practicing self-compassion. These strategies helped me recognize my worth and capabilities, ultimately allowing me to pursue my professional and personal goals with confidence and passion. Read more>>

Vickie (VJ) Thurston

So, I had to look up “imposter syndrome” to see if I have it! I quickly identified with some of the aspects of this syndrome, especially recently while teaching an art class for the town that I live in. Sykesville Downtown Connection applied for and received a grant to offer free art classes to our community. The classes were free for the students, but the selected art teachers were paid for their time and supplies. I was excited to be selected to teach the adult art class! I have noticed that in the realm of art and painting I do feel “unqualified” at times, because I don’t have a degree in art. In other words, I consider myself “uncredentialed”. Teaching what I am usually (notice the hesitation) able to do in my painting is wholly different than teaching it to someone else, in my mind. What are the first steps? Drawing? Charcoal? Then on to painting? I definitely felt like an imposter as I came up with lesson plans for the class. Applying to teach the class was a breeze–actually feeling qualified to teach it, despite being an oil painter for the last 30 years, was scary! Read more>>

Ana Hernandez

It’s being a journey for me, but with Check the Corner, I found that the key was to truly enjoy what I was doing and do it more because I loved it.
Instead of trying to fit into a mold or follow a pattern, I focused on being myself and embracing the things I genuinely liked.
By recommending and talking about the things I enjoyed, I was able to show my true self to others. And It was and still is liberating to let go of the pressure to conform and just be me. I feel that by embracing my individuality and finding joy in life, I was able to build confidence and overcome imposter syndrome. Read more>>

Antonia Lacerda

I’ve always been self critical, which I think every artist can relate to, but that common and manageable anxiety evolved into full fledged imposter syndrome when I entered art school for the first time. I didn’t know many other artists growing up; I was the “art kid” in the classroom, which warped my perception of my own ability. So to go from that environment to an arts university and realizing that everyone here was the art kid was a real culture shock. I saw classmates with amazing ability, some who probably could’ve gone pro after the first year, along with others that already had popular Instagram accounts and even online shops. I felt small, jealous, and embarrassed, questioning if my entry into the school was just a happy accident and not a result of my own efforts, which seemed lesser compared to others. Read more>>

Tiffany Asha

I remember when my long-time yoga mentor first attended one of my classes. I was so nervous! Before class started, they witnessed me navigating an extremely challenging student situation, which got me all wound up, and then I had to teach my mentor. That was a difficult class. I started reflecting on what I felt and why I felt that way. Why she came to my class and why she believed in me. I booked an appointment with my therapist and began working on turning the page on imposter syndrome. Overcoming imposter syndrome has been quite a journey for me, especially when teaching alongside or for my mentors. It’s taken a lot of therapy and self-reflection. Therapy provided a safe space to explore and understand the roots of my self-doubt and struggles with self-worth in those scenarios. Through this process, I’ve learned to challenge and reframe my negative thoughts and limiting beliefs about myself. That has been a real gift in my forties! Teaching with or for my mentors was particularly challenging, but I reminded myself that my mentors see potential and value in me, which is why they trust me in these roles. I also took the opportunity to learn from them, viewing these experiences as growth opportunities rather than tests of my worth. Read more>>

Tijanna O. Eaton

I wrote a jail crime memoir about my 12 arrests in three years in the early 90s called BOLT Cutters (no, it’s not out yet although I do have an agent!) and about two or three years ago I got this idea that I wanted to read a chapter a month at a rotating salon type of thing. This, of course, would happen shortly before the book came out and it would provide an amazing in-person connection, delight the audience, and produce buttloads of cash from book sales. I’d built it up in my mind and would crack myself up regularly by imagining how with each reading, the crowd would grow and grow until I needed an auditorium to contain the hordes. They’d clap nicely after the first chapter and by the time I’d read all 12 chapters, they’d be on their feet roaring, me receiving a standing ovation to rival them all. I’m a Sagittarius. We tend toward excess. So I was dating this girl (it’s always about a girl) and we went to the local kava bar one night in early 2022 where I saw “Open Mic Mondays” written on a blackboard in a green crayon-like substance. “Oooo, that would be fun,” I thought offhandedly. I wasn’t even thinking about the book but just about having some place to practice reading miscellaneous bits of writing. I’d have just come from a Monday night group called the BIPOC Writing Party, which produced two sets of reading every week and which always left me hyped up by the end. An open mic would be the perfect place to expend all that energy. Read more>>

Charlie Karnage

Honestly overcoming it was really simple and it really doesn’t effect me at all anymore, The trick is to make sure to value originality and never copy anything, most artists that suffer from it secretly are copying tattoos completely or they are copying specific parts of other peoples are and “putting their own spin on it” which is just plain lazy..people like that deserve to feel like an imposter because they are when compared to actual artists, Read more>>

Chantée Christian

Imposter syndrome is a tricky concept. It’s a state of mind where doubts and insecurities cast shadows on one’s accomplishments and capabilities. I like to describe it as a dance between insecurity and security. There are varying opinions on its origins, and the term is often misused but resonates with many, myself included. I like to think of it as a both and, not an either or. I’d be remised if I didn’t say the term imposter syndrome gives me hives. The term “imposter syndrome” can feel misleading, as it implies something is fundamentally wrong, which isn’t true. Having doubts and thoughts of insecurity is common AND absolutely normal. With that being said, I haven’t completely “overcome” imposter syndrome. Though I’m not in the same place I was when I started my career, I still question if I belong in certain spaces. I constantly remind myself that I am worthy and deserving. I focus on the facts rather than my emotions or the stories I tell myself. I strive to be the truest version of myself, investing in my personal and professional development, understanding that I am a work in progress. Awareness, acceptance and authenticity are key to managing most challenges. By authenticity, I mean being true to who you are and how you show up. I know first-hand what it feels like to be in what seems to be a battle of your inner thoughts and reality. Below are five steps I use and recommend to my clients to manage imposter syndrome: Read more>>

Sophie Kissin

I didn’t! It never goes away. But I’ve gotten better by constantly practicing putting myself put there. I force myself to post on social media consistently and email my list (because those are the people who truly DO care about me and my work— they elected to hear from me!). Self-doubt is my biggest obstacle for sure. I have the skills to make the jewelry, and now, after 8 years, I have gained significant know-how in how to run a business. I still hover over the “publish” button all the time on an Instagram post and think, “I can’t post this! No one cares! This is embarrassing!” The key is to do it anyway. It’s a muscle you have to keep flexing to stay strong. Read more>>

Amy Weits

Imposter syndrome is something I know a lot of photographers struggle with, and I have struggled with it plenty myself over the years. It can be so easy to see what others portray their life is like on social media, maybe they’re always traveling, shooting the coolest weddings, have thousands of followers, etc. It can be easy to get in the mindset that your worth is related to the amount of followers you have or how many likes you get. You can see so much beautiful work online that it is easy to compare yourselves to others and think “I’m not as good as they are,” “I’m not as good of an artist,” etc. I think it will be something I am always battling with to an extent, but after 5+ years being a photographer full time and working with hundreds of couples I have confidence in my work and my abilities. It didn’t happen over night. There was plenty of trial and error, practice, continuing education courses, that eventually lead to me feeling confident in my abilities. Expertise comes with years of experience, I can go into any lighting scenario or event space and know that I can still take great images that will portray my couples stories. Read more>>

Hannah Chapplain

Imposter Syndrome has been one of those, “God that was awful, but I’m happy it happened” experiences in my life. To say I have completely overcome it would be dishonest, but I have been able to identify it and subdue it over time, with a lot of effort and perspective. One of the driving factors in the moments I have successfully overcome imposter syndrome has been to use one of my own crippling roadblocks against myself – fear. I truly believe that something so powerful as fear can be redirected to propel a person further than they would anticipate. I recall the last two times that I’ve been in Nashville to songwrite; the first trip down, my imposter syndrome was in full force, and I was near petrified to go into my first cowriting session. I had the shakes, I froze up, I was nauseous, and felt like I completely didn’t belong there. The result of this was that the session did not go the way I had hoped for myself, which only really assured any imposter syndrome I was sitting with. I had wholeheartedly embraced the implications of the negative feelings that swarmed afterwards because the reality was that, I was used to those feelings. At least if I felt them, I could tell myself that I was right all along and that I didn’t belong in the industry. I was used to psyching myself out, at ostracising myself. It was far more comfortable to live in that pre-programmed mentality than to challenge it. Read more>>

Jake Santiago

When I first started Alaric Radio I had people saying “This guy cant be for real” and similar sayings. Now Ive past my 18 month mark and local and national bands are happy that i promote them for free. I am a Idaho state non profit so I do run everything off donations. So it can be a bit rough sometimes because of funding. But luckily I have an excellent business partner who is equally as motivated with me on shining a light on our local artists as I am. Since inception I have made social media advertisements with bands giving it a bit of a retro feel to some of them. I happily represent all aspects of music but most specifically the metal heads and punks. Especially punk. After a while people started to understand that I don’t have any intentions other then making all of our brands stand out and more importantly put Boise more on the map then ever before. Thats the goal anyhow. Read more>>

Shaina Longstreet

I feel like imposter syndrome is the foremost struggle of entrepreneurs, and for many years I was not immune. Then I had a coach explain to me that the only ones who don’t struggle with imposter syndrome are ACTUAL imposters. So the mere fact that I was struggling with this meant that I WASN’T an imposter. That simple mindset shift changed my thoughts about myself, my business, and how I showed up. My mom always says “You don’t have to be the best, you just have to do your best.” and my best, my all, has led to a pretty incredible business that fuels the life I want to lead. I still struggle with this feeling, but that means that I’m legit, and that keeps me going! Read more>>

Lychelle Ragland

I can’t say I’ve overcome imposter syndrome, but I refuse to let it overtake me. Every day, I must consciously decide not to allow the thoughts of not feeling as if I am doing enough, a fraud, or not being the person I say I am to overtake me. What I will say is that one of the things that helped me not be overtaken by imposter syndrome is therapy. Therapy allowed me to get to the root of why I felt as if I was never doing enough and had to overcompensate. I truly encourage anyone who battles or even may think that they struggle with imposter syndrome to seek therapy so that they, too, can get to a point where they will not fall victim to it. Another great tool was learning how to view myself as God views me—realizing that He loves me simply because I am enough and not because of any work I could do. Read more>>

Amanda

I still experience imposter syndrome sometimes, especially when new opportunities are offered to me. For example, I am a creator on a cooking app with some amazing home cooks and chefs. When I saw their content and cooking skills, I questioned whether my traditional Mexican home cooking would be good enough for my audience. The very first time I got asked to do an ad for a brand, I doubted my abilities to be on camera. One thing that has helped me overcoming this is engaging with and seeking feedback from my audience through comments and direct messages. Even in person in conversations with people who watch my content, hearing their positive comments about my work and how much they enjoy my content confirms that I can be in this space. Connecting with other content creators has helped me tremendously. Exchanging ideas and supporting one another and knowing that it’s something we all deal with helps. Lastly, tracking my progress is amazing! Comparing my new videos to my older ones really shows me how my skills have improved. Analytics that help me track growth metrics is always a great confidence boost. Read more>>

Lori Stanley Roeleveld

Early in my days of imagining I am a writer, I frequently wrestled with imposter syndrome. Then, while attending a writers conference, I was in a workshop with a the woman who had founded the conference. At the time, she was in her seventies and had written over 60 popular novels. The instructor asked us each to write a description of a room and then brought the mic to several writers to read theirs aloud. When she began to read she suddenly faltered and announced, “Ugh, it’s terrible! I’m not a writer!” That moment, for me, was worth the price of the conference. It was then I realized imposter syndrome is almost a part of the writer’s job description. It’s vital to learn to accept it may never go away but learn to manage it and recognize it, not as a threat, but as an affirmation that you’ve likely found your calling. One way I manage it when it begins to paralyze me is that I drive to the library or a bookstore. Then, I imagine all those writers suddenly appeared in the room with me. What I know is that I’d feel way out of my league with many of them but there would also be many who would leave me wondering how they managed to get books on these shelves. Then I remind myself, why shouldn’t I be one in this crowd? Why shouldn’t one of my books earn a place here? And, I go home and write. Read more>>

Alli Harvey

It was about mid-interview when the relief hit. “I’ll let you in on something,” Steve, the cohost of the Art Box Podcast, said. “Most of our guests don’t feel terribly comfortable identifying themselves as artists. That person over there – he’s the true artist, but not me, is kind of how it goes.” I realized I’d quietly felt this way for a long time. Here were my reasons for wondering if I was a fraud: – My painting process is from photo references. Surely “real” artists paint from plein air, memory, or whatever mysterious and exotic artistic inspiration. I once had someone come up to me painting in front of the Mobile Studio and walk away, seemingly disappointed, when they realized I was painting from a photo. I tried to laugh it off and let it go, but it stuck with me. – I paint to invoke awe. At an art opening I once hosted, a random attendee commented that he could “see the darkness in my paintings”. My college roommate and I later had a field day with that comment, the joke being that the darkness in my paintings was in, like, the contrast of big puffy clouds. There is no subversion in my art. My Big Comment and Contribution as an artist is simply that I think each of us and the world is a better place when we have access to and can connect with awe. So I paint what I find gorgeous. …not what I find “dark”. This feels, at its best, meaningful and worthwhile. In my lower moments, I wonder if I’m shallow. Read more>>

Holly Payberg-Torroija

I overcame imposter syndrome the moment I got honest with myself that the external yardstick I was using to tell myself I didn’t measure up, wasn’t even my yardstick. For 25 years I was an indie writer/producer in Hollywood with what I now call never-enoughness disease. No matter what I accomplished, it was never enough, always comparing myself to that next big box office darling. Each time I reached a milestone that my younger me could have only dreamed of, I would move the goal post. The result was that at each level I reached, I felt like an imposter because, for e.g., “maybe I had written/produced and starred in 3 of my own webseries, but I hadn’t worked on a network show yet.” So I would show up to pitch meetings with this attitude of “I’m probably not good enough” written all over my being. Needless to say that resulted in me not being the best advocate for myself in an industry where confidence can be almost everything. I would love to say that I got over it and became a great advocate for my projects, but I didn’t. It wasn’t until I left Hollywood and started my writing coaching business, the thing that has given me more joy and fulfillment than all my previous pursuits combined, that I was finally forced to see the problem. I saw that even in my coaching practice, even in the face of continuous evidence of the difference I was making with my students, I was still employing the ole “yeah, but” technique against myself. And this was unacceptable. Read more>>

Dani Michael

Overcoming imposter syndrome in my specialized field of aesthetic medicine has been a profound journey of self-discovery and authenticity. As a board-certified nurse practitioner, I constantly strive to balance the artistry of beauty enhancements with the integrity of my profession. I’ve learned that my dedication to continuous learning and ethical practice defines my legitimacy more than any fleeting doubt that we all may have from time to time. Each patient interaction reaffirms my commitment to honesty and transparency, reminding me that my skill set and compassionate approach are invaluable. Embracing my journey, acknowledging my insecurities, and channeling them into opportunities for growth have been pivotal in silencing the whispers of imposter syndrome. I’ve come to realize that my passion for enhancing natural beauty and empowering individuals is not just a career but a calling—a calling I honor with unwavering authenticity and professional integrity every day. Read more>>

Sarah Wood

There are so many people out there who want to tell you how hard it is to start a business or run a successful business. A lot of the people giving you this advice have never done it themselves. I had wanted to start a business for 10 years, but I was scared that I didn’t have what it took to do it on my own, I would watch others in the industry and always think to myself “I can do that!”. My husband always supported and believed in my ambition and once I stepped off that ledge I didn’t look back. I still have days where I wonder if I will be able to scale to what I see others doing, but I always remember that the first step is the hardest. If you can take that first trust fall and realize its going to be OK; You may never go back. Read more>>

Tim Muangkeo

I am one of the many people who picked up photography as a hobby during the pandemic, and I’ve certainly felt the weight of imposter syndrome along the way During the lockdown, I came across a quote that stuck with me: “If you did not pick up an additional skill or learn anything new, you did not lack time but discipline.” Motivated by these words, I found myself exploring the outdoors more as everything started to open up. I picked up a camera and began taking photos around Seattle, eventually venturing into the wilderness of Washington. One day, one of my photos went viral on Instagram. Overnight, I was inundated with questions about my camera settings, editing techniques, and composition tips. Suddenly, I was the go-to person for amateur photographers seeking advice. At the same time, I was still learning and seeking advice on how to improve my own skills. Meeting other local photographers in Seattle often made me feel like I was barely keeping up and didn’t quite belong in their ranks. A pivotal moment came when I went to shoot the Milky Way in Bend, Oregon. Along the way, I met a fellow photographer, and we talked about gear, shot compositions, and the life of a photographer. We exchanged contacts and went our separate ways. The next morning, I received a DM on Instagram from him, praising my photos and offering encouragement. To my surprise, he was a well-known instructor for amateur landscape photographers. His words gave me a sense of belonging and confidence in my abilities. Read more>>

Alfonso Aguirre

I would be lying if I said I’ve never experienced imposter syndrome. Self doubt is a very common feeling to experience, and I would dare say that it’s even more common when you choose to pursue a career in the arts. You are being observed meticulously, and there are so many voices, opinions, criticism (both constructive and destructive) – so it can be hard to decide which are the right ones to pay attention to. When I started acting, the problem I had, as many new actors do, was that I wanted to do a good job. I was too focused on making sure my audition or scene ‘looked good’. That is a beginner’s way to approach acting. And it’s okay – it’s a starting point. But as I continued my training, I learned that what I had to focus on was on living truthfully in the moment and just completely diving into it. If you do the work of understanding the scene and your character, the rest will eventually fall into place. So when you stop caring about how it looks and you focus on being present, that’s when the magic happens (and it actually ends up looking good!). After you finish an audition, that self doubt can creep again, because you want to make sure you did a good job, of course. So the best thing to do to overcome it is by preparing as much as you can, being present in the moment, listening to your scene partner or reader, and then just letting go. If you put in the work, you just have to trust it. If the role is for you, it will come to you. Do not stress about it. Just have fun and let go. Read more>>

Sharon Emmerichs

I’m not sure I have! However, the success of Shield Maiden went a long way to boosting my confidence. As much as I realize much of getting publish depends a LOT on luck–finding the right agent, getting your manuscript in front of the right eyes at the right time, etc.–I finally felt like a real writer when I held my book in my hands for the first time. The most important thing, however, are the readers. Of course I know that no book is going to be for everyone, and I always maintained that if only one person read and loved my book, then I would be satisfied. When it was first released, I held my breath, waiting to see how it would be received. And when I started getting tagged in reviews on social media, and people started tweeting about it and making tiktoks and instagram posts about how much they loved it, I realized my impostor syndrome was just my own brain telling me lies. I still struggle with it sometimes. When I’m asked to speak at a library or teach a creative writing class, my first instinct is to think, “Oh, I’m not sure I can do that.” But then I realize there is a reason they are asking. I stiffen my spine and actually do it.

Francesca Tyndall

I think imposter syndrome is something everyone experiences at some point in their life with a skill they are trying to develop. For me and my nutrition coaching business, it was the constant thought of “do I really have what it takes to help other strength athletes achieve their goals when it comes to nutrition?” I’ve always been someone who constantly seeks out opportunities to learn more about nutrition. With a masters degree, and 3 certifications, I’ve always wanted to make sure I am well educated and the best equipped to help my clients. I had my “aha” moment while I was taking the RP Strength nutrition coaching certification. I remember I was sitting on the couch and while doing one of the modules, I realized that what it was trying to teach me, I already knew. This is when I realized that I have a lot of knowledge and skill to be able to help a strength athlete through their nutrition journey, and that gave me the confidence to push the imposter syndrome aside and start thinking of myself as a successful coach and business owner Read more>>

Julia Goldberg

I’m not sure imposter syndrome is something one can ever overcome. I know it’s not the answer people want to hear, but that’s been my experience. Over time, I have accepted that it’s a feeling that comes and goes, and knowing that allows me to sit with it. Just because you feel something doesn’t mean it’s true, and feelings pass, so I just wait it out and focus on what I can control. Most often when I get imposter syndrome it’s because a challenge or an unpleasant situation has come up within my business. It feels awful when things aren’t going well, especially as a person with perfectionist tendencies. The first priority is to resolve the issue and move past it as quickly as possible. Procrastination or avoidance, while natural defense mechanisms, never help. Second, as much as negative feedback or failure can sting, it’s also a gift, pointing you directly to areas you need to work on to improve your craft or services. If I am feeling like an imposter for lack of skill, maybe I’ll take an online course to learn it. If a client interaction didn’t go well, or I didn’t win a project I really wanted, I may turn to colleagues for insight or read articles or a book that addresses the topic. Taking action can help give me a sense of control, and to restore feelings of hopefulness and confidence. It can also help distract me until imposter syndrome passes. Read more>>

Danielle Knight

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a transformative journey for me, deeply rooted in my connection with my clients. I realized that perfection is not a prerequisite for guiding others; rather, authenticity and empathy are what truly matter. Embracing the understanding that I don’t need to be entirely healed or perfect to be effective allowed me to shift my focus from self-doubt to the meaningful relationships I build with my clients. This connection became my anchor, reminding me that my role is to support and guide, not to be flawless. The passion that fuels my desire to help others became my compass, reassuring me that this drive exists for a reason and is a testament to my purpose. Read more>>