Self-doubt and imposter syndrome have stopped far too many talented folks from going for their goals and reaching their true potential. Our hope is to host conversations that inspire folks to overcome imposter syndrome and help others as well.
Tyler
To be honest, I don’t think it’s ever something you truly overcome. I deal with it daily, I just have to remind myself that it ultimately is just me comparing myself to others and that’s the worst thing to do. Everyone has a different journey, a different path that they’re on and I have to take a step back and tell myself that I am no different and I cannot be perfect even if I try my hardest. Read more>>
Abby Berg
I started my business during a season of life where I was not happy with my job, my mental health was suffering and in general I was feeling lost. I desperately needed to find a way back to myself. I’ve always struggled with having negative voices in my head telling me different things like “you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve this, you don’t know what you’re doing, what if it doesn’t work out?” This can be crippling when trying to do new things and it’s not always easy to over come – especially when trying to muster up the courage to start a business. Read more>>
Zemo Zheng
That’s a really great question, I think every entrepreneur experiences imposter syndrome at some point of their career. Even right now, I just called myself an entrepreneur, I relived a five-second imposter syndrome. It’s all about the mind set. I used to think that one day, when I have made something of myself, I will overcome imposter syndrome, but does that day ever truly come? Read more>>
Courtney Fretwell
I think imposter syndrome is something that doesn’t necessarily go away, you just build more confidence within yourself. That’s how it’s been for me, at least. When I first started podcasting, I was super bothered by imposter syndrome. I didn’t call myself a podcaster. I even minimized what I did or how the show was performing because of it. But as the years went by, I started to feel more confident and comfortable. I also try to put things into perspective and celebrate how much my show has grown in the last few years. Read more>>
Mandy Green
Ever since I was a child I enjoyed singing and writing songs, but I grew up playing sports and my parents didn’t value music as much. When I was a senior in high school, I started playing acoustic guitar and really enjoyed it, but I always felt like I couldn’t compare to others who came from a musical family or who had been doing music for years. So, I focused on what I excelled at during that time, which was playing volleyball. Read more>>
Monique deville
When I was a young adult, I often felt lost and directionless without a deep interest to motivate me. It was difficult for me to stay motivated and avoid negative self-talk that was common in the generation I grew up in. However, I was able to overcome these feelings of imposter syndrome by embracing a growth mindset. Read more>>
Rachel Stein, LPC, LCDC
It was a grueling process over the last few years! I definitely lived out the Dunning-Kruger effect, which is essentially “the mount of stupidity, valley of despair, and rise of wisdom”. When I started my career I was a well educated therapist but very naive professional. I learned some hard lessons through those “stupid years” – some my own fault and many out of my control. Read more>>
Sophia Johnson
Personally I don’t know if I’ll ever overcome imposter syndrome, and I’ve heard artists that I admire and look up to express similar sentiments. I’ve only been working in the industry for a couple of years now and only had great experiences with clients I’ve worked for which definitely helps. I think over time, however, you start to feel a little more confident in your ability to achieve what the client wants. Read more>>
Stoney Keeley
It was a process, and in short, I just worked my way through it. In a sense, I just ignored that voice in the back of my head telling me “you don’t belong here,” and pushed through. Eventually, your body of work speaks for itself, and it led me to bigger opportunities. Through that, I like to think I earned the respect of people who are currently where I want to be in the future. People see that, and that respect is what finally made that little naysaying voice in the back of my head shut up. Read more>>
Demi Michelle Schwartz
As an extremely creative person, from being a songwriter to an author, imposter syndrome is something I definitely had to overcome at the beginning. Though I don’t experience this much anymore, I still do from time to time. In a world full of creative talent, it’s sometimes difficult to believe I deserve some of my accomplishments, though I’ve worked extremely hard for them, because I know there are countless others out there trying just as hard as me. Still, I’ve grown to embrace my moments of success and have found a sense of belonging in my various creative industries. Read more>>
Austin Cannon
I don’t know if it’s possible to fully overcome imposter syndrome, but I do think it’s possible to manage it in a way that works for you rather than against you. It took the majority of my professional life so far to realize I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. I’m no longer concerned with being the best music producer in the world, my goal is to serve the artist I’m working with to the best of my ability. Read more>>
Kaitlin French
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a female entrepreneur and influencer can be a challenging task, but it’s definitely possible. Here are a few strategies that might help: Read more>>
Jacqueleen Munoz
It’s really tough to completely get rid of the nagging voice that says you’re undeserving, that somehow you’ve tricked everyone around you into believing you’re something you’re not. First and foremost, I think taking care of one’s mental health is the best way to deal with it. It’s a lot easier to ground yourself and build confidence if your mental and physical health are in order, and vice versa! Read more>>
Trina Quirindongo
Through life we are faced with multiple hurdles. At each stage we are challenged to their provide, develop and produce more. Imposter syndrome I’ve learned is based on limitations I’ve set on myself. I overcame imposter syndrome by understanding that my vision of who I aspire to be is worthy of me living out unapologetically and without the fear or the criticism because the criticism will always be there. Read more>>
Helen Medlin
You know, the truth is, most of the time, I’m winging it – and I own that! Read more>>
Heather Ramirez
I am a natural person. I have been raised to appreciate authenticity. There is nothing like being oneself! In a world of “sheeple”, be the herder. There are so many paths in life. Always choose the least traveled. Always question authority and find a way, even if they say there isn’t one. I don’t believe in life giving lemons, rather we are given lemonade. That is to say, it starts with your frame of mind. Read more>>
Tansu Philip
As an Indian-American actor, Mindy Kaling has always been on my radar as one of the few sources of representation in media. So, it comes as no surprise that I’ve followed her career and journey closely for my whole life! She made the following comment on imposter syndrome that has always stuck with me: I don’t feel imposter syndrome and the reason I don’t is that I work so hard. Read more>>
Kelli Chandler
Whew…………this a tough one, and a real issue. I find it fascinating when I talk with business owners who never deal with “imposter syndrome.” There are people born and raised knowing they were made to be the boss. Others prefer to stay worker bees. I fall somewhere in between but with a strong opinion of how I want my practice to run. Read more>>
Francesca Eales
I don’t think overcoming is really the answer to impostor syndrome. I know as a society we are perpetually trying to “fix” ourselves but I really think sometimes we just need to lean into it. I might not ever feel like I have it all together or feel like I know what I’m doing. And honestly that’s OK. We are all doing our best and sometimes I mess up. Read more>>
Bobby Dimovski
I still haven’t! It’s an ongoing process to try and gauge who I am and how I stack up to my own expectations. Like most other business owners that I know, I am my own harshest critic. It’s tough to see through that criticism sometimes but what has helped more than anything is continuing to work on my listening skills… Read more>>
LaKisha Mosley
I don’t think we ever overcome imposter syndrome. Most of us, especially black women, find a way to quiet that voice and keep going. When imposter syndrome creeps up, I question it. Whatever that thought is, I question its validity and process through it. I may journal, take a walk, or meditate. Read more>>
Chelsea Sule
I love this question. As a freelance artist, I feel like I have to overcome imposter syndrome on an almost daily basis in a new way. I’m definitely still working on it, but I’m truly starting to feel like I absolutely deserve to be where I am, and everything else my future holds. The first time I heard this term was when I was reading the book Presence, by Amy Cuddy. Read more>>
Esther Flint
Imposter syndrome is an especially treacherous thing for creatives. At the start of my artistic journey, I never considered I was holding a space I shouldn’t, that I wasn’t qualified enough, or that others had better work. Part of that is because as a child I was so enthralled with my own endeavors, whether flower photography or painting, that I wasn’t worried about measuring up to everyone else’s art. Read more>>
LINDSAY ANASTASIO
I love this question! The imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey, so a dream support team is crucial. I am surrounded by coaches, trainers, friends, and personal development/spiritual teachers… who normalize the human journey, and we start to see we are all imposters! What does anyone know about life? Read more>>
Keisha LaRoux
I don’t think anyone suddenly overcomes imposter syndrome; it’s a constant struggle for self-validation. I think the best way to overcome it is by not comparing your journey to anyone else’s and remembering that whatever you decide to create is a valid form of expression. Read more>>
Dr. DeAvila Ford
I overcame imposter syndrome by challenging myself to do two things: Learn to fail and learn to fail quickly. Imposter syndrome is rooted in the need to be perfect and the fear of failure. With almost ten years in the mental health field, I know I cannot avoid failure, nor should I want to. I get just as much from losses as I do from my wins. I do not have to be perfect to be successful. The quicker I get something wrong, the quicker I learn from those mistakes. Read more>>
Alexis Junge
Honestly, I don’t think we ever really do overcome imposter syndrome. I think it’s important to understand that everyone experiences imposter syndrome at some point and in different ways. Even the most successful people in the world struggle with it, learning to recognize and deal with imposter syndrome differentiates those from being successful or not. It can feel very isolating but it helps knowing that we aren’t alone. Read more>>
Justin Muzack
The way I have overcome imposter syndrome is believing God sent me there to fulfill his purpose. I learned after working in various industries and work environments that I have the gift of personability and building community among strangers. I learned to lean into that and make the most out of every situation. I also noticed everywhere I went, I became an asset. I always remember that even if I feel awkward or out of place at the moment, I will eventually shine my light in the room I’m in. Read more>>
Maceo Tendaji
I’ve only had small phases of imposter syndrome throughout my life. I’m usually good at staying true to myself but recently I felt myself falling into a place where I felt like I had to portray a certain image. This year in particular has been filled with extreme highs and drastic lows. At the top of the year, I premiered my short film, “Paralysis,” at a historic movie theater and it was practically sold out. Read more>>
Emmy Denton
Imposter syndrome is a funny thing. It’s often felt when we see or are surrounded by other high-achieving (i.e. successful) individuals. We doubt our ability, intellect, skills, and even accomplishments. But why? Why does the success of another, change how we see ourselves? This is a question I came face-to-face with myself when I took my business full-time in 2022. Read more>>
Bad Talents
I’m going to be completely honest with you: I don’t think any creative professional has ever totally overcome imposter syndrome. As an artist, your entire identity and self-worth is wrapped up in your work; you’re exposing yourself in a way that most other people never have to do in their jobs. That being said, I’ve learned some practical tools to keep the negative voice in my head at bay, at least long enough to get myself to move on and move forward. Read more>>
Ethan Ziemba
Imposter syndrome is something that I think most creatives have to deal with, especially those that tend to overthink their process or value pushing themselves in more challenging directions. The key for me was not immediate, but involved coming to terms with my talent through self and outside validation while still valuing criticism, and knowing when those feelings are pushing me to create something even better. If you only ever have feelings of imposter syndrome, you’re resigning yourself to withholding your full potential. Read more>>
Weslie Lechner
I don’t really think imposter syndrome is something you overcome. At least not for me. Instead, it’s something that I’ve just learned to live with, acknowledge, and then do the thing I want to do anyway. Over the last year, I went from writing on the side and working for someone else full-time to quitting my job and taking the plunge into full-time freelance writing. Read more>>
Joshua Calhoun
At times imposter syndrome creeps up like a dark shadow, I overcome imposter syndrome a few ways. Whenever I second guess myself and my talent, I always think about the distance I’ve came from and the personal triumphs I’ve grown past proves that I’m deserving of my blessings. The right song as well will do it to in my opinion. Read more>>
Jaylen Corbin
One of the most important things I’ve learned in recent years, particularly throughout my journey at CCS (College for Creative Studies), is that almost every person is capable of feeling like an imposter within their respective field. Many friends of mine that are widely considered to be extremely talented have consistently expressed this overwhelming feeling of being an imposter. Read more>>
Elisa Johnston
This is my fifth article on imposter syndrome. You’d think by now I’ve tackled this issue, but I think the imposter syndrome is a monster that morphs and changes as your life does. Read more>>
Kelsey Brandon
Imposter syndrome is something many entrepreneurs and professionals face, and I have certainly encountered it during my journey as well! There were several steps that I had to sit back, reflect on and take. Read more>>
Char Modelle
I don’t look at imposter syndrome as something to overcome. I think of it as a signal. When I feel like I am not good enough, worthy enough, smart enough, or whatever it may be causing me me to feel these emotions surface…I know I need to pause and recalibrate. Read more>>
Michelle Schneider
believe one of the most dangerous things to our success is the stories we tell ourselves. The mind is a powerful thing, but it’s not always our friend. As a creative, it is easy to look around and say, “That person is more talented than I am” or “That person knows more than I do.” They say comparison is the thief of joy, and it is absolutely true. Read more>>
Linsley Schneider
I’m not sure I will ever completely overcome imposter syndrome in this industry. This is such a common struggle among photographers. There are so many outlets where we can do and both get inspired, and unfortunately also not feel good enough or like we are actually a professional in the field. I have spent years on my career feeling like I am just playing and pretending to be a photographer. Read more>>
Johnmark Hendrix
It took quite a while. I feel at times that I still battle with it. Ultimately, when I hunkered down and finally started creating more consistently, the work ethic showed and it gave me more pride in what I was making. Im also lucky to lean on some family and a few friends with relative success in the music industry to give me a little slice of reassurance when I need it. I’m so grateful for that. Read more>>
Katelyn Alberts
In my experience, overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey. The more you level up, the more tables you’re presented with – and it’s up to you to keep reminding yourself that you deserve to sit there. Read more>>
Trish Boyle
Imposter syndrome is defined as doubting one’s skills, talents, or accomplishments. Read more>>
Tatiyana Canady
This can be such a tough mindset to overcome, but it is exactly that: a mindset. Choosing to work in a highly saturated industry can be very intimidating. One of the best pieces of advice I got when I was a new esthetician working in my first spa job was to “exude the confidence until it actually comes.” This was a nicer way to say “fake it til you make it” but it made perfect sense. I had the knowledge and credentials, but I needed my potential clients to know that. Read more>>
Nia Marie
Imposter syndrome is something I’ve struggled with my whole life and truthfully, I don’t think I have overcome it. It’s something that evolves over time and always knows when to pop in at the most inopportune moments. But in learning that, I’ve learned to live with it. I’ve learned to let it go in one ear and out the other and to take it with a grain of salt. Read more>>
