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.

Nicole Goulet

Impostor syndrome is a common challenge that many professionals face, myself included. To help myself overcome this feeling, I redirect my focus back to my skills and experience; reminding myself of the training I’ve received, projects I’ve completed, and the positive feedback I’ve received from clients. Read more>> 

Mercy Lee

I believe imposter syndrome for me is something that I battle with daily. There are days I feel on top of the world and I’m like wow I’m really doing this thing and then there are days that I doubt myself and what I got myself into. Read more>>

Justin Chart

By that I feel you are asking in a world of so many musicians copying and trying to be and play like their heroes, what makes me the original that I am. Read more>>

Wei-Kang (Victor) Lin

I am a compositor working in the film and TV industry. It is very normal for me and my colleagues to feel the imposter syndrome, especially when a task is taking too long to finish or now with lack of work in the industry due to strikes, we often feel that we are not evolving as an artist and unsure whether we are really good at our work or not when so many of us are losing jobs. Read more>>

Lianna Musa

You don’t ever overcome Imposter Syndrome, you manage it better. It is your worst enemy and best friend, and learning how to live with it helps you keep striving to learn and improve.  Read more>>

Amber Blake

Imposter syndrome is a real thing many people face. For me it was to acknowledge how far I have come and grown in my own work as a creative. There is always that voice in your head saying “you are never good enough”, Read more>>

Charlese Milford

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey in itself. As an indie author, podcast host, and master life coach, I often found myself questioning my abilities and worthiness, especially when I looked at the achievements of others in my fields. However, there were a few key strategies that helped me push through these doubts. Read more>>

Nay Partamian

On a February morning I woke up when I realized today I would play my first ever pro event. The venue was visible from my window. I was in my hotel room getting ready and watching videos of my favorite female pro singles players to get inspired for the day. Read more>>

Ralph Scott

Ask anyone on the Audiobook Narration circuit. Imposter Syndrome ranks in the #1 position of biggest fears in our profession. You can have a week’s worth of beautiful Booth work. You can have 10o to 1000 books to your credit. Ultimately, ‘I.S.’ will come to visit upon you. Read more>>

Samantha Villalobos

I don’t know if I will ever be able to claim I’ve “overcome “ imposter syndrome fully. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. The best of us have self doubt at some point. The key is that in the end, you believe in yourself to move past it. Read more>>

Jen Craven

As a writer, it’s easy to compare yourself to others–other authors, other books, their success. It can really bring you down, much like a bad bout of the flu. That’s why I refer to this as “comparisonitis.” And it’s something I’m constantly reminding myself to avoid. Imposter syndrome runs rampant amongst creatives. Read more>>

Taraleigh Weathers

You know, I’ve had quite the rollercoaster ride with this thing they call imposter syndrome. Have I completely overcome it? Not quite. It’s like an uninvited guest who sometimes shows up at the most inconvenient times, bringing all its baggage. But let me tell you a little story about my band, The Middle Ages, and our recent viral adventure. Read more>>

Vanessa Branda

I’m not sure if anyone ever gets over imposter syndrome. Trying anything new is scary, but finding out you’re pretty good at whatever it is you are trying to do is almost just as scary! I think you get over it by continuing in whatever pursuit you’re chasing. You get over it by failing at the task and learning. Read more>>

Nicole Reynolds

Overcoming imposter syndrome took a few key steps for me. First, I had to believe in myself and trust that God gave me the talent to be a photographer. Having faith in my abilities was crucial. Second, finding an amazing mentor and joining a supportive photography organization significantly helped my growth. Read more>>

Erin Loughlin

Does anyone actually overcome imposter syndrome? Oh my goodness, she’s a beast! Long story short, I haven’t. In artistic spaces, and with every artist you admire online in your pocket, it’s hard not to compare yourself to others. I try and focus on my work month over month, noting improvement. Read more>>

Kristine Barrett

In my journey, overcoming imposter syndrome hasn’t been a destination, but a continuous process. Recognizing that everyone, at some stage, doubts their accomplishments or fears being exposed as a ‘fraud’ was the first step. The key for me has been to consistently invest in myself and my business.  Read more>>

Renee Jones

My husband suggested I add speaking to my skills after my book came out in 2017. “It’s a great way to connect with people who might need your help.” I was more than skeptical. I’m an introverted coach. The idea of public speaking terrified me. Who would want to listen to me anyway? Read more>>

Tristan Respress

When we dive into new chapters in our life, Imposter Syndrome can plague our advances. Imposter Syndrome is when an Individual does not feel like they deserve their accomplishments or success. You feel like a fraud and have a fear that others will think that you are not as capable as you seem. Even though you clearly have the credentials from the perspective of others. Read more>>

Sherly Fan

Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey for me, especially as an artist. It’s a constant battle where I strive to share my work and stories, yet I often find myself doubting if they are enough. To cope with this, I’ve learned to separate my self-worth from my work. I remind myself that my artistic path is about experiencing the world, not proving anything to anyone. Read more>>

Daniel Pico

Growing up in Wheeling, Illinois in the 80’s and 90’s Hollywood might as well have been another planet. When I went to the movies on weekends it was an event, a magic trick forty feet high and the spectacles I witnessed were not created by people… but Gods.  Read more>>

Hester Van Hooven Ward

For me, overcoming ‘imposter syndrome’ is a continuous process, or at least I hope so, if I’m doing ‘it’ right. I aim to continuously reach out of my comfort zone and stretch myself into growth opportunities both professionally and personally. Its so important, I feel, because this type of bravery and commitment to living life in this way, really shows us where we are at in regards to fears and limiting beliefs. Read more>>

Ginna Counterman

Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for many, including myself. When I started my journey into social media a year ago and picked up my first camera six months ago, I faced it head-on. Running a social media management and content creation business amplified these feelings, especially in the early months. Read more>>

Miranda Valentine

Imposter syndrome is something I still battle off and on when it comes to my writing, but I’ve learned that if you overcome it once, you can overcome it again and again. I feel like we’ve all heard the advice “your voice matters” at least once in our life, but things change when you really start to believe that. Read more>>

Talia Arone

Truth be told I had to Google Imposter Syndrome to be honest- it’s not what I thought it meant. I always thought it meant mimicking other’s personalities, traits and opinions, which maybe it kind of is. I found a definition as, “Impostor syndrome is the idea that your success in life is only due to pure luck, accidental circumstances, or someone else’s mistake, and not due to your competence, talent, hard work or qualifications.” Read more>>

Vanessa Parish

I overcome imposter syndrome by remembering that I am in this space for a reason. I know what I am doing, and I’ve accomplished my goals with support. If I am invited into a space, my value has been recognized as part of the conversation. I have to remind myself that I work hard and even downfalls are learning lessons. Mistakes do not reflect my lack of intel but are a new step to improve. Read more>>

Jordan J. Stoute

I’m not sure I ever overcame it if I’m being honest. I struggle with it everyday and because I am a perfectionist, it’s always in the back of my mind that I’m not doing everything right. The good news about being on an entrepreneurial journey is that there are lots of right ways to go about it. There’s no one right way to work for yourself. Read more>>

Travis Turner

I don’t think you ever truly get over imposter syndrome. There will always be that voice in your head that affirms all your worst fears and insecurities. I happen to have an incredible client base that keeps me focused on cooking really great food. At the end of the day, seeing my clients happy, healthy, and excited about their food is enough to keep any demons inside my head at bay. Read more>>

Ciaran Short

I haven’t and I don’t think anybody ever does. Reaching certain goals I previously fantasized about has showed me that outward success has very little impact on how I perceive myself. In the past, I spent so much time fixated on achieving something, but then when it happened, nothing changed. There will always be more to strive for, so while I certainly enjoy working, I’ve tried put less stock into external validation. Read more>>

Fiona Wang

Imposter Syndrome is very common and over the years what I’ve learnt is that so many people suffer from it, including incredibly successful and intelligent people. Personally I constantly feel as if I am not ready, good enough or skilled enough for an opportunity or experience but the way I overcome imposter syndrome is through action.  Read more>>

Elio Trevisan

I don’t think someone can really overcome the imposter syndrome. I personally just learnt how to coexist with it and use it at my advantage. I personalized it, made it a little voice in my hear: she can scream out loud some days, and be quieter other. Read more>>

Shelly Gilad

I haven’t. I still have days when I feel like an impostor. It doesn’t matter how many years of experience I have as a designer, cook, or content creator; my brain would suggest that I’m an impostor. I don’t think I will ever get over it. I would never stop questioning myself. I believe that it’s part of being an artist.  Read more>>

Danny Gorman

Imposter syndrome is something that I have lived with for most of my life, and I would be lying if I said I have completely figured it out. It is that creeping, nagging voice that wakes me up in the middle of the night to tell me that I am not good enough, that I am a fraud, and that everyone is going to find me out.  Read more>>

Raz

I think I’ll always experience some form of imposter syndrome, whether it’s tackling a large-scale mural for the first time, designing, or illustrating for a big-name client. I often find myself wondering, “Can I do it? Will it be good enough?” As an artist, I believe we tend to be our own harshest critics, holding ourselves to much higher standards than those around us do. Read more>>

Rosie Moore

Imposter syndrome is extremely common in the science field, and as a woman in a high-level career who embraces a very feminine appearance, I often find my capabilities questioned. Women aspiring to high-ranking roles frequently face different standards, where attractiveness is presumed to be incompatible with competence until proven otherwise. Read more>>

Rahmah Albugami

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a significant part of my journey as a Clinical Director at Makin Wellness. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I’ve faced my share of self-doubt, especially when stepping into leadership roles and guiding a diverse team of mental health professionals. Read more>>

Emma McCabe

I don’t know if I believe that anyone ever fully overcomes imposter syndrome. I think it may even be good to have a little bit of a mindset of “how did I get here?” because it helps you to remember the work and gratitude behind success. I think for me I have a strong sense of confidence of this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing. Read more>>

Bryan Byrd

Comparison is the thief of joy. You overcome the feeling of being an imposter by authentically being yourself but also recognizing the small wins and things you are doing as building blocks to bigger goals. We live in a time where people want to not just see the big shit but also the process… ain’t no faking in making daily deposits to your grind Read more>>

Kim Dankoor

I have not overcome it yet, especially in the context of academia, but I am on my way. It is less prevalent than a few years ago. A few things have helped me in this process. First, noticing that I am definitely not the only one. The more conversations I have with peers, the more I realize that we are all just trying to figure it out. Read more>>

Ruby Ash

Throughout my career as a graphic designer I’ve always dabbled in illustration. In my final year project, student magazines, corporate tech jobs, and design agencies I was constantly looking for any opportunity to incorporate illustration into my projects as a way of doing what I loved without the pressure of feeling like I had to own the name “illustrator”.  Read more>>

Lory Hagopian

Self-doubt tends to appear at every turn! It’s essential to recognize these feelings and then shift the situation to our advantage. For me, small actions made a big difference: asking clients for constructive feedback helped me grow as both a designer and a business owner, and celebrating my successes boosted my confidence.  Read more>>

Michelle Bast

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey that many of us face, and I certainly have had my share of it. In fields like medicine or aviation, the path is often clear-cut, with extensive memorization and training by repetition. You know that after so many hours of study and practice, you’ll be equipped to perform your role.  Read more>>

Mitch Lazorko

Imposter syndrome is something I have struggled with my entire life, and it’s something I have to continue to keep in check. If we back up a little bit to my early 20s, for a period of time I was a professional guitarist.  Read more>>

Rose Shotz

Overcoming imposter syndrome as a photographer has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. A few key steps that helped me were, 1. Embracing Continuous Learning: I accepted that photography is an ever-evolving field. Instead of comparing myself to others, I focused on improving my skills and knowledge. Read more>>

Adi Shakti

I firmly believe that the visions we hold are divinely planted by the DREAM GIVER, destined for us to bring to life. These dreams don’t emerge from nowhere; they are intentional and purposeful. Especially when we hold a grand vision, it is crucial to act with integrity, continually refine our skills, and seize the opportunities to serve in greater capacities.  Read more>>

Tera Lynne Fister

First of all, those are some pretty damn heavy handed questions y’all got there in your panel discussion there. I see where this is going – Let me grab another coffee real quick. As far as I can tell, and who the am I, over coming imposter syndrome seems to be rooted in my self worth. Read more>>

Jordan Alexa

I’m not sure if I can claim to have completely overcome imposter syndrome. However, before embarking on my journey to relentlessly pursue my dreams, I realized that overcoming imposter syndrome begins with a choice.  Read more>>

Lauren Glading

Imposter syndrome is such a tricky thing. It tends to pop up just when you’re about to step into something new and exciting, like your Ego’s way of keeping you safe by holding you back. When I feel that doubt creeping in I remind myself it’s just a fear-based response, something ancient and deep-rooted in society. Read more>>

Cheyenne Corin

Simple answer is I didn’t. I still struggle with this everyday even as a “successful news reporter.” I’m not sure if this is anything anyone completely ever overcomes, but I do think there are ways you can suppress it. I think the most important thing is to acknowledge when you have imposter syndrome and confront it. Read more>>

Erin Zhang

I have not, and probably will not ever fully overcome imposter syndrome. I think it’s okay and realistic to always have a little bit of lingering imposter syndrome. The anxiety of questioning whether or not you are capable of objective external success helps drive your internal attitude to constantly critique your own abilities to being better, which then naturally translates into an even higher standard of exception. Read more>>

Dasha Lebedev

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey for me. As a 33-year-old woman who has spent her entire career in the tech industry, I often felt like I didn’t belong. I was once called the least techy person working at a tech company, which only reinforced my doubts.  Read more>>

Dennis Connors

Imposter syndrome is inevitable. Social media has changed the entire landscape, and for most people now, it’s something that has always been around instead of something that people came to discover. It used to have novelty, but there was a switch somewhere that made comparison and inadequacy permeate through the mind. Read more>>

Selena Ivette

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a significant challenge and one of my greatest accomplishments. As I continue to develop my skills and gain new experiences, I often find myself caught in the cycle of imposter syndrome once again. The most rewarding part of this journey is learning how to cope with it. Read more>>

Suoye Dominic

Imposter syndrome can lead to mental break down,i over come it by having self confidence and surrounding myself with a supportive network of fellow artists. We share our experiences,celebrate each other’s successes,and also when I look back at the process of how I got to where I am today. It keeps me grounded and motivated. Read more>>

Bianca DiMillo

It wasn’t easy to get over. Especially as a woman. I kept waiting to hit certain milestones with the expectation that by then I’d finally believe in myself & my skillset. That moment never came. But at a certain point in my life I realized everyone experiences imposter syndrome, even people who look so confident from an outside perspective. Read more>>

Alison (Ali) Perry-Davies

Like most things in my life, I seem to experience things in layers. I did not learn to doubt myself through a singular experience. That came layer by layer, doubt by doubt. Sometimes, through things that happened “to” me, that created a fear or a doubt. Sometimes, through happenstance or situations, and I invited in self doubt. Read more>>

Adam Giriunas

Overcoming imposter syndrome was one of the biggest challenges I faced on my entrepreneurial journey. When I first started Ace Consulting Digital Marketing, I didn’t have many clients or a dedicated team like we do today. I had no backup plan; this venture was all or nothing.  Read more>>

Rashida Bolden

Does a creative ever really overcome imposter syndrome? For me, the battle is fought and won in waves. With each success of a completed painting or the wrap of a tv show or movie I feel like I’ve finally done it. Like I’ve proved to myself and my peers I was successful and I belong in that space. But, then the niggling thoughts and feelings of will I sell this painting?  Read more>>

Dru Davis

Imposter syndrome was by far one of the hardest things I had to learn how to deal with when first starting my creative journey. It’s easy to see what other successful creators are doing and think “I should start doing that too”.. but no! Read more>>

Leimmi Zhang

I’ve learned to overcome imposter syndrome by transforming my fear into ambition. After completing my undergraduate studies, I often found myself comparing my abilities to those of more seasoned professionals who had been in the field for decades. Read more>>

Dakota Smith

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a significant part of my journey. As a young mother of two, a Navy corpsman, and a professional juggling multiple roles, it was easy to feel overwhelmed and doubt my abilities.  Read more>>

Kerry Constantino

I am mostly self taught as a photographer and for years I felt like I had no business taking work or charging money to do photos. Then, I realized that there are photographers who have all of the formal training that still have imposter syndrome and still feel like they are figuring things out all the time and that was really eye opening. Read more>>

Kevin Gruen

I have the belief that imposter syndrome is a somewhat accurate depiction that all of us (including artists) have often when starting our careers or becoming full-time performers because the simple truth is that we haven’t had the experience or time to become nearly as good as some musicians working in the industry for decades.  Read more>>

Timi Gleason

Imposter Syndrome I’m going to be a Young 75 soon! I’ve been very bold and gutsy with my life, so until just recently, I would not have said that I feel like I have suffered from Imposter Syndrome. I was a “fake it ‘til you make it!” type. And even though I succeeded, I have struggled with some feelings of confusion about my success. Read more>>

Gwenn Leatherman, DNP-BC

After graduating from Nurse Practitioner school in 2016, I initially struggled with imposter syndrome. To overcome these feelings, I sought out mentorship and began working with two experienced providers. Their guidance and support were invaluable in helping me build my confidence and clinical skills. Read more>>

Aaron Schmit

Certainly, Aaron. Here’s a narrative on how you, Aaron Schmit of Schminati Exclusive Artwork, overcame imposter syndrome: Overcoming imposter syndrome was a significant milestone in my journey as an artist and entrepreneur. Read more>>

Chris Murphy

The short answer: I haven’t. I’ve just gotten comfortable with the idea that I don’t have to know everything about everything I do. I don’t have to be the best, or an expert, to also be good at something. Read more>>

Natalie Reyne

It took me several years to fully realize and embrace that I am an artist, and no one else can define that for me. To overcome imposter syndrome, I actively participated in various exhibitions and events, even those where I felt almost certain I wouldn’t be selected.  Read more>>

Jamese Wiley

The infamous imposter syndrome. Come to think of it, do any of us really overcome it? Or do we all come to terms with the fact that we do not have to “belong” somewhere, but rather we can be effective anywhere! Read more>>

Johanna Taylor

I have rejection sensitivity, so I created a folder on my computer called “Nice Things,” where I keep screenshots of compliments, good-news emails, fanart of my OCs others made, etc. So now when my imposter syndrome tells me I’m Bad at Art/Comics/Writing/etc, I can pull up evidence to the contrary. Read more>>

Stacy Brown

Impostor syndrome is something I think every small business owner experiences. When I first got into the wedding industry I struggled with this a lot. Although I’ve had tons of experience planning events/conferences and even had hands on wedding planning experience, I still felt like I was an imposter in my field. Read more>>

Kimberly Teebagy

Imposter syndrome is everywhere and it’s something that pretty much every human has felt at least one time in their lives, and most of us have felt it many more. Growing up in a small town I didn’t see many “successful” people, not to say people were not successful in their own ways, more so that people were content with taking a job as a waitress or working in a mill for their entire lives and just settled. Read more>>

Estefania Rodriguez

Overcoming Imposter syndrome is a constant battle with your ego and the expectations you have of yourself. I often find myself in the midst of wonderful experiences and life changing opportunities that have often felt unreal or even underserved. There is always anxiety that comes with success.  Read more>>

Courtney

Imposter syndrome is a real thing and I’m sure a lot of photographers have it. It has taken a while to realize that my photos are good enough and I’m good at what I do. Once in a while I will still feel that way but with how my business has grown and hearing how much my clients love their photos has been helping me overcome my imposter syndrome. Read more>>

Mary Piasecki

When I first started looking into becoming a doula it was overwhelming. And I didn’t feel capable of walking along people I had never met. But the more I learned about birth and the more births I attended the more I realized people just want to be heard. Sometimes birth is unpredictable and that’s ok.  Read more>>

Cathi Graf

Transferring from a division II golf program to a division I program led me to experience imposter syndrome like I had never felt it before. Why did they recruit me? Am I good enough to play on this team? What if I do not prove myself? Read more>>

Brian Hoang

I never overcame imposter syndrome. I think different people overcome it at different stages in their career and I certainly haven’t reached my stage yet. I once spoke to a fully established artist who has found a lot of success through his work at DC and Image comics and he told me he still doesn’t feel like a legitimate artist. I still have a long way to go for myself. Read more>>

Laila Hazel

I think overcoming imposter syndrome requires a combination of self-awareness, self-compassion, and strategic coping mechanisms. For me, the first step is acknowledging that imposter syndrome is a normal experience that many successful people face. It’s not unique to me, and it’s not a reflection of my abilities or worth. Read more>>

Jennifer Nowicki

Ultimately I overcame imposter syndrome (not completely, but mainly) when I represented the USA tea industry for two world tea conferences in China. Not immediately, but it was slowly realizing I am knowledgeable and an expert in tea.  Read more>>

Travis Harden

Imposter syndrome is something I often come across working in the arts industry. Seeing other photographers and filmmakers work often leaves me wondering why I’m not working as much as them, or questioning if my work is as good. Read more>>