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.

Shelby H.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been no easy feat and to be honest, while few and far between, I still have moments of self doubt. When you’re creating a new path for yourself while following what you’ve been called to do it’s tough to not to feel like an imposter. Read More>>

Sarah Johnson

I wouldn’t say that I have overcome imposter syndrome, but I have certainly gotten better at navigating it. Comparison is a given as a photographer, and I am my WORST critic, by far. Read More>>

Sidney Briley Jr

If i’m being honest. I still struggle with this. Overthinking and over critiquing my own working thinking that i have no business being in this field.  Read More>>

Tatyana Hughes

I wouldn’t say that I have overcome imposter syndrome because I believe it comes in waves and small doses from time to time. I think it’s more apt to say that I have found a way to manage my imposter syndrome. Read More>>

Alison Mullings

For me, imposter syndrome vanished when I just admitted I wasn’t an expert. I love interviewing actors, and creators and some have very impressive resumes. Read More>>

Cat Coley

When I first began sharing my story, it was purely for personal healing. I never imagined that my words would resonate so deeply with others. At the time, storytelling was a way to navigate a difficult period in my life. Read More>>

Kymm Clark

I was an adult when I learned what impostor syndrome was. I read the definition and thought nothing could be more clearly me. Read More>>

Megan Robinson

I feel like imposter syndrome is never fully overcome. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I just think even the most successful people on paper sometimes doubt their abilities or achievements. Read More>>

Brody Rotzoll

In all honesty, I do not believe “imposter syndrome” is something you want to overcome. (If you do, I feel you are stagnant and not progressing) Read More>>

Sam Posthumus

The secret is that I don’t overcome it. I’m amazed every time someone purchases anything from me. People pay will for my art? What multiverse am I in? Read More>>

Jamessina Hille

I was raised to be a corporate woman – my father owned a construction business and my mother was a self professed ‘domestic engineer’ raising three children and creating an environment in which one could literally hear the laughter and joy in the walls of our home. Read More>>

Ella Strickland

As someone who wants to both make a living in a creative field and continue being creative in my personal life, I think about imposter syndrome a lot.  Read More>>

Floyd Jones

Overcoming imposter syndrome was not an overnight shift for me; it was more of a gradual unfolding, where I had to come to terms with who I truly am and where I belong. Read More>>

Jeff Strand

I’ve been writing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Though I do have a non-fiction book available (THE WRITING LIFE: REFLECTIONS, RECOLLECTIONS, AND A LOT OF CURSING) the rest of my 60+ books are fiction. Read More>>

Jodi Zeramby

Since I was a latch-key, neglected little girl, I watched others. I watched people interact: I watched them succeed, I watched them fail, I watched them coast along and try hard, and use others and assert themselves. Read More>>

Chisto Healy

I don’t share this with other authors and the answer as to why coincides with the answer to one of the other questions in the possible list which was where does your resilience come from. I was horrifically bullied and developed anxiety at a young age. Read More>>

Jane Handel

As a perfectionist, I’m not sure imposter syndrome is something I’ll ever fully overcome. In launching my business, and tackling the many firsts that come along with the entrepreneurial lifestyle, I worried initially that imposter syndrome would rear its ugly head. Read More>>

Lucas Im

Imposter syndrome is something I’ve faced at different stages in my life, particularly when taking on new challenges or stepping into unfamiliar settings. Read More>>

Marc Pierre

I struggle with imposter syndrome daily—I think anyone who puts something out into the world is bound to question themselves. For me, this daily battle is really about worth and value. Read More>>

Anna Warren

Honestly, just doing something, whether it’s life changing or not! I’ve had severe anxiety for as long as I can remember, so when it came to my photography, imposter syndrome wasn’t a new feeling. Read More>>

Elizabeth Vansant

I think imposter syndrome is something I’m still having to fight when it comes to my work as a music therapist. Because I work in a field that is still relatively unknown, I sometimes feel as though I need to present myself in a way that fits into a box that parents or caregivers might expect. Read More>>

Josiah Degraaf

I’m a fantasy novelist who’s publishing my debut novel this year: a magic school story told from the teacher’s perspective. I grew up loving magic school stories as a teen. Read More>>

Kim Gross

My journey with imposter syndrome started when I was just 10 years old. I auditioned for the lead role of Snow White in a school play, fully believing I could sing and dance. Read More>>

Isaac Reeves

I think it’s an everyday thing. It’s an everyday cross that I have to carry, essentially. And I think no matter what level of success that you get in life or in your career, there’s always going to be some amount of imposter syndrome that you feel, just in my opinion. Read More>>

Esperanza Solar

Truthfully…I’m still working through this almost every day but I’ve gotten into the mindset for the last few months that I REALLY have to give it my ALL, I have to be consistent and assertive with pursuing the things that make me feel joyful and fulfilled. Read More>>

 

Jazz Benitez

I’m not sure I have technically over come imposter syndrome, I think it’s more that I’ve taken the Elizabeth Gilbert approach to it. Read More>>

Mckayla Kaardal

Imposter syndrome is pretty wild in the entrepreneur world! It’s so easy to see other’s online and compare yourself! Where your focus goes, your energy flows is such an awesome way to look at business! I have learned to focus on my growth instead of where others are. Read More>>

Molly Shellenberg

Imposter syndrome is something I’ve definitely wrestled with as a creative business owner, especially in an industry as personal and detail-oriented as stationery design. Read More>>

Johnny Blayz

I overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on results. Seeing the impact of my work in videography, marketing, and now Ikigai Media helped me trust my abilities and stay confident. Read More>>

Jo Yo

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome mostly has to do with building resilience against the thoughts that caution you from moving forward. Read More>>

Zacharij Martin-ned

I overcame imposter syndrome by consistently showing the people the difference between the real and the fake. Read More>>

Alexia Abarca

I overcame imposter syndrome in photography by consistently practicing and improving my skills, which helped build my confidence over time. Read More>>

Andy Schneider

This is a big question, so forgive me if my answer spills into an unsolicited essay 🙂 First off it may seem strange that someone who fits each and every criterion of privilege to the point of being a living caucasian cliche would feel any sense of being an imposter, especially having spent most of their life in suburban Seattle. Read More>>

Angie Nordby

Overcoming imposter syndrome while opening Ardor Salon came down to trusting my experience, embracing my role as an educator, and staying committed to my vision. Read More>>

Eric Chang

Honestly, I don’t think the feeling of imposter syndrome ever goes away. In a creative industry, there is always someone who can be better, more dynamic, or more cutting edge. Read More>>

James Nelson

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey, but a few key strategies have helped me manage it effectively. First, I learned to recognize when those feelings were creeping in and remind myself that they are common, even among highly skilled professionals. Read More>>

Lauren Goldman

This is a great question. I used to second-guess every decision, wondering if I was really the right person to be doing this—but then I realized no one has it all figured out. Read More>>

Marva Bailer

I have always been drawn to action and opportunity, not hesitation. From launching entrepreneurial ventures at a young age to managing a health club at 17 and being the only woman in a band, I stepped into roles with curiosity, determination, and the mindset that I belonged. Read More>>

Meghan Hunter

I question whether “overcoming imposter syndrome” is actually my goal and instead like to think of those feelings of insecurity as being opportunities for self inquiry. Sometimes, there’ might be valuable information in those feelings of insecurity if we’re open to doing some digging. Read More>>

Yuliia Arzumanova

How I Overcame Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is something that all creative people are familiar with—the feeling that you are never doing enough, that you don’t deserve what you have, and that you are constantly “not enough.” Read More>>

Dr. Krista Jenney, Pt, Dpt

Overcoming imposter syndrome in my journey involved several key steps. Firstly, specializing in pelvic floor physical therapy during my schooling required rigorous training and a deep commitment to learning. Read More>>

Ginger Galloway

I was at a reading for an anthology that my work is in and one of the other readers, a woman who just earned her doctorate degree and had a list of other accolades was next up to read. Read More>>

Ashley Bustamante

I would say overcoming imposter syndrome is not a “one and done” type of scenario. Chances are it’s something an individual will face on and off again throughout their career. Read More>>

Lana Shevtsova

When I moved to Florida as an immigrant, even though I had studied English my whole life, speaking it fluently was a big challenge. Read More>>

Natalie Dolan

I think it’s less about overcoming it and more about gaining perspective. As I’ve grown as a musician and a collaborator, I’ve often found myself wondering if I deserve to pursue this career. Read More>>

Nejra Jerlagic

This is definitely something I am still working on. We are all very different and special. On a bad say, I like to remind myself that even my heroes feel like this sometimes. I mean Taylor Swift, who is one of the biggest performers in the world has a whole song where she calls herself “Anti-Hero”. We all have these thoughts and that the only way to push through is to focus on individual growth and the art you’re making. Read More>>

Embracing Risk

Embracing risk is one of the most powerful things anyone can do to level up

Perspectives on Where and How to Foster Generosity

Core to our mission is building a more compassionate and generous world and so we

Stories of Overcoming Creative Blocks and Finding New Paths to Creativity

“The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old