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.
Rob DeVenuto
I really love this question for so many reasons. Back when I started my career, we didn’t have the term “imposter syndrome”. It was simply a lack of experience. When I first heard this term, it resonated with me very deeply. I think whenever one sets out in a new direction and they view the stakes as being high, then there is a high probability of experiencing imposter syndrome. So the question becomes why you feel like an imposter? Read more>>
Caleb Bogenschutz
I think imposter syndrome is something we all struggle with at some point in our lives. There have definitely been times in college, my career, and my business where I didn’t feel qualified in what I was doing. It may sound obvious, but I think the best way to overcome imposter syndrome is to force yourself through the challenges that you don’t feel capable of. I’ve completed furniture and cabinetry projects that I was terrified of at the beginning of the process. Sometimes it’s best to just figure things out as you go. You end up learning so much during the process and hopefully remove a little bit of imposter syndrome along the way. Read more>>
Nicholas Nguyen
I don’t think I’ll ever overcome imposter syndrome. I feel like no matter who you are, you will have imposter syndrome, but at the same time it’s something that makes you work harder because you want to achieve more. Read more>>
Carol Iyer
I finally overcame imposter syndrome after completing a mastery program through Milan Art Institute. I was self taught and had been just painting what I saw for twenty years. I felt I finally had the education and the skills needed to really call myself an artist. I also learned so much about myself and how I personally manage the creative process. Read more>>
Rosie Kosinski
Settling in at my laptop to begin this feature, I wasn’t sure what question to answer from the topics provided.
So I asked my husband to pick the question.
He selected “How did you overcome imposter syndrome” in two seconds, after skimming through the list.
Raising an eyebrow at him, I said, “but I haven’t overcome it, so what would I write? Wouldn’t it be a lie?” (classic imposter thoughts!) Read more>>
Jefferson Mathis
As I’ve grown and become more comfortable with myself as a capable photographer, imposter syndrome is something that I’ve always had a problem shaking. It was never even a thought in my head until I booked my first paying job taking photos. I went from “Oh man, I love taking photos. It’s so much fun and stress-free” to “Holy s%@t! I better not screw this up or I’ll never have this opportunity again” almost overnight. Read more>>
Jet G
Imposter syndrome barks the loudest when I use music 2 tell stories. In January, I performed my first song at Junior High LA with my friend Britton Bentley. Before taking the stage, Imposter syndrome snuck up on me with whispers of “Are u prepared enough?” or “Did they choose u on accident”. I pulled myself away from that wack-ass voice by remembering “It’s not about me. This is about connecting with others. I’m a vessel.” Read more>>
Nayely Valdivia
Growing up, I’ve always felt like an outcast and had very low self-esteem, to the point where I felt like I was worthy of nothing. Because of this, I was a people-pleaser and was more focused on everyone else’s opinion than my own. Every time I succeeded in something, I still felt like I wasn’t enough. So even then, I had a hard time taking compliments because I didn’t believe them at the end of the day. And to be very honest, I feel like I just recently started to break from what people like to refer to as “imposter syndrome.” Read more>>
Chimnedum “OMEGA” Nga
Imposter syndrome is a condition that afflicts many highly motivated and high-achieving people. It is fueled by a belief that you are not deserving of earned accolades and/or that you have little to no reason to be proud of your achievements. I am a self-critical person. I hold myself to a very high standard across all aspects of my life. However, I learned that mentality can develop into a negative personality trait if left unchecked and unbalanced. I have dealt with a version of imposter syndrome in which I saw my current accomplishments as “not good enough” or sub-standard. Read more>>
Grace Thomas
Over the course of my career, there have been many times I’ve dealt with imposter syndrome. Whether it was because I was young, out of my comfort zone or taking a risk, overcoming this obstacle is something I am familiar with. Imposter syndrome can feel like a wave, crashing into you over and over again. It makes you second guess yourself, your skills, and maybe even if you are doing the right thing. Read more>>
Tiana Moneyy
Imposter syndrome fled when I realized no one in proximity to me had the mindset and/or courage to execute outside of jobs, titles, and societal trends/philosophies/ideologies. Continuing to work within social media algorithms, culture, and unrealistic aesthetic keeps you in the rat race. I’d much rather ride my own wave and watch God work on my behalf. The people around you/on your social media friends list may not be checking for you but someone will! Read more>>
Wendy Swiney
Well, if I am being honest, I don’t know that I fully have overcome imposter syndrome. As a writer and creator, one is always their worst critic. I think having a small amount of success has certainly helped to realize that my work has value. Our films and scripts have been noticed in both domestic and international film festivals. Also, the documentary we were working on in Jacksonville has been picked up by several streaming networks. Read more>>
Samira Holland
It honestly is a daily task. There are so many talented businesses that pop up daily. Social media is always showing you that you COULD be doing more. You SHOULD be posting more. You HAVE to always be “on point!” This passed month I really took a break from social media. Just being an observer but not feeling the pressure to be a participant. I was able to live in the actual moment. Focus on my beautiful loving clients that choose me every month. Read more>>
Tori Solis
I don’t know that it is possible for me to overcome the sense of imposter syndrome. The experience of wondering if my work is good enough, or if I, as an artist am worthy of any recognition or accolades is a feeling that ebbs and flows in me. The best I can offer is on days when I feel like I am a fraud, playing at the role of being an artist, I simply think “Ok, I’m an actor in a role, so what would a successful artist do today?” And then I do those things. Read more>>
Chris Wane
This was a big challenge for me at first but I think it became easier the more results we started to get for people inside the Advanced Dropshipping Academy. Once I saw people were seeing success from what we were teaching it reinforced that fact I did know what I was talking about and I was in a position to teach! Read more>>
Debra Dean, Ph.D.
I can’t say I have overcome imposter syndrome because it constantly shows back up in my life. With each new phase of life, I doubt I am the right person for the job. However, I see (after 47 years) that I am learning, stretching, failing, and succeeding in ways that are shaping me to be the best version of myself. Imposter syndrome has shown up in small and big ways in my life Read more>>
Emily Miller-Fitzgibbons
Imposter syndrome is like the roommate who doesn’t pay rent to live in your mind. I honestly don’t know if it’s something to overcome, but rather something to manage on a day-by-day basis.
I try to use it to my advantage like fire under my feet to inspire myself to do something new. I try not to focus on it because it can cause creativity blocks and lead to burnout. Read more>>
Lexi
to be honest I am not sure I have overcome imposter syndrome. A lot of social media is posting and sharing with people and you can get caught up in views and what others think a lot of the time making you feel like you don’t belong if you get enough traction on social media. Read more>>
Della-Kate Flower
In the entertainment business, imposter syndrome can be part of the game. It’s terrible when it happens and one hundred percent inconvenient and for some, debilitating.
I have not “overcome” imposter syndrome, but I do manage it as best as I can. When you feel as if you don’t deserve what you are welcomed to or getting from what you are doing–treat it like it’s a game. Read more>>
Kennedy Oneself
We will only ever feel like an imposter if we are sharing something that is not our own true gift. It’s common for many of us to want to share something that we find valuable, as soon as we discover it. But it’s very important that the wisdom is coming from our own true experience, and that we are sharing something that we have found value in. Read more>>
Andrea Trimble
I don’t believe in imposter syndrome. I think believe that we are all given a talent and how you utilize it sets you apart from everyone else. You have think, there are other people who have come before you to pave the way. If all of those people thought to themselves “I can’t do this because someone else is already doing it” the world would never evolve. Yes, there are plenty of bakers, but the baker world doesn’t have a me and I continuously tell myself that. Read more>>
Madison Beans
I didn’t. I deal with it on and off but as a creative you can’t let that stop you. We all feel like we aren’t good enough or like we are imposters from time to time but the power we regain for ourselves in the face of imposter syndrome happens when we push through the fear and show up anyway. Show up ready to learn, to jump in both feet, stop comparing, and regain your confidence as you go. I remind myself all the time that even when it’s overwhelming, the feeling that I am an imposter is not rooted in fact. I know what I am doing and I know I am good at it. Feeling like an imposter does not mean I am one. Read more>>
Cynthia James
Imposter syndrome revealed itself first as shyness. It was very easy for me to withdraw my energy and become “invisible.” Then, as I began to have success, I was terrified that people would discover that I was a “fake.” The antidote for that was working hard and making myself irreplaceable.
As I began to study more, I realized that I am a unique imprint. There is no one else like me on the planet. I wrote a list of my gifts and when I would apply for a position or be hired to facilitate, I pulled out my list and read it aloud. Read more>>
Sugeidy Scott
When I started my business I felt like I was a total impostor I mean I had planned parties and events before but not in a setting where it was my only and direct responsibility plus most of the events were personal for my daughter or other loved ones. I thought what am I doing and why would people trust me to do this but every time I’ve executed an event I would hear back from the clients on how happy they were and how they thought I did a wonderful job. Read more>>
Saki
Imposter syndrome is very real. Even after my big “lucky break” in 2020, when I won my first major art competition and scored a solo exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art, I felt like maybe I had been awarded those honors by mistake. Even though my friends and family supported me and showered me with compliments, I thought they were just being nice.
The turning point in me overcoming imposter syndrome was getting feedback from total strangers. At first I was totally surprised and didn’t even know how to accept a compliment, but as the praise kept rolling in, I started to feel that my success was more and more real. Read more>>
Lauren Erwin
Lauren, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Jodi Mason
I overcome it by understanding that people are listening to me for something different. I have listened to other podcast for ideas on how to edit my style or flow but I cannot turn into them or people would just go listen to whomever I listen to instead of listening me. I do things different from the podcast I listen to so that I do stick out from everyone else. I have a weekly Florida Man story to remind people that while Florida is beautiful and fun…. It’s still wild and crazy most days. Read more>>
Jasmine Jackson-Lewis
Great question! Because, I believe that impostor syndrome is a condition that all business women have suffered from. In the beginning, your anxiety is high. You want to see results and you learn quickly that your dream(s) will not resonate with people as quickly as you would want it to. Read more>>
David Robinson
Starting off in my field, the sense of having to prove yourself was overwhelming. The truth is that there is a bit of imposter syndrome perhaps in any entrepreneur and I am no different.. The world is changing so rapidly that there is always something new to learn in my field. However, the solution for me has become to work my way through my insecurities. Read more>>
Courtney Petrin
Imposter syndrome was something relatively new for me. I never experienced that feeling in my previous career in Clinical psychology. I went to college for many years and it felt like a stamp of approval; like yes you’re ready to do this; you are qualified. With becoming a designer and having no formal training at all; it was the complete opposite for me. I did not have any esteemed professors telling me I was qualified or several degrees saying I’ve earned this title. Read more>>
Asia Latrice
I am actually still working through it. It’s definitely a hard thing to overcome. I know in talented and have the ability to get where I want to be and reach those goals. I also have to remind myself daily that I belong and deserve everything I have and will receive because it is for me.. Read more>>
Neal Aronowitz
Overcoming imposter syndrome for an artist is a significant personal journey that requires self-reflection, perseverance, and a shift in mindset. For any creative individual, it’s not uncommon to grapple with self-doubt and question the legitimacy of your artistic abilities. The challenge is to conquer these internal struggles and embrace your identity as an artist. Read more>>
Joey Hauss
The sentence “The only people who don’t suffer from imposter syndrome, are imposters” has been very helpful. The explanation is that if you even have to ask yourself am I being an imposter disqualifies you from being one, since real imposters don’t even have to ask themselves. They know they’re faking it. The other thing that has helped me overcome this is just surrendering to service. Read more>>
Eno Umoh
Honesty it was very hard at first. I feel like as an entrepreneur or even in any field of work you tend to feel like you really don’t know what you’re doing and you doubt yourself all the time. But I came to realize that I’m not alone everyone feels like this. This is kind of humbling and I think we all need to be a bit humble to be great. Read more>>
Curtis Brown
I overcome imposter syndrome by reassuring myself that I have come far from when I started. I used to criticize and tell myself that I haven’t done enough, that I should be further along in my success than I am. All that changed when I stopped comparing myself to other businesses and focused on the journey and past goals I’ve achieved. I started to look at my business as a blessing and realized how many people wished they had the success I’ve accomplished in just a few years Read more>>
Karinna Fischer
If I am being completely honest, imposter syndrome is something that I still struggle with from time to time. I believe it is a common struggle for any artist, and even more so now with social media being such a heavy influence in our world. It is too easy to compare ourselves to others when we have been trained to only see the “good days” plastered on a screen. I try my best to focus on the work that I do, how it makes me feel, and the feedback that I receive from my guests. My clients play a big part in my confidence behind the chair, and I am eternally grateful for their loyalty and support. Read more>>
Catherine Berra
I just turned 60. I’ve worked since I was 13 and have always incorporated writing into my career. Writing poems has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl and a fascination with the written word has always been at the forefront of my writing journey. After almost 20 years in the Washington, DC area, I returned to Colorado to assist my aging parents and during the change in pace, the change in environment and change in circumstances, I finally came to a quiet lull wherein I was able to stop and make the decision to begin writing in a creative space. Read more>>
Ephraim Riggins
In my room, I decorate my walls with places that I’ve been and things that I have achieved. Quotes, notes and pictures. It’s a constant reminder that I’m not just doing nothing or that I’m really who I am; that I have lived and am still alive. We leave records of our lives in small things like fliers or lanyards, or that one ticket we bought to an epic show. Those things became a way to document my history and my journey. In this world of “what have you done for me lately” and instant gratification, it’s essential to not let yourself get swept away by tomorrow. Inevitably, tomorrow will become yesterday. Those physical reminders connect my past to my present and inform my future destination. Read more>>
Alexandra Faith
Imposter syndrome is REAL and it sucks. The only real way I’ve found to combat it is to create! Creating is in our DNA as artists and its important to use it as a tool to fuel our passion. I am a certified makeup artist in Atlanta, GA. Read more>>
Angeline J. Pedrosa
As a makeup artist with over 10 years of experience, overcoming imposter syndrome was a journey of self-discovery and constant growth. At the beginning of my career, doubts crept in, questioning my abilities and qualifications in this competitive industry. However, I learned to paint a new picture for myself by focusing on certain aspects that helped me develop the necessary skills and overcome those challenges. Read more>>
Jamie Day
Imposter Syndrome is a reminder for me that I am a work in process. Maybe I always will be. The fear that I’m not really who I say or think I am goes deep. How many of us have childhood wounds from being accused of bragging or thinking too highly of ourselves? It’s like those closest to us believed they had to keep us small, almost diminishing our potential, to keep us safe. And that fear is legitimate. Human history indoctrinates us with the narratives of striving for greatness and then being punished for having the audacity to think we could achieve success. Read more>>
Joey Wiz
That’s a great question. I don’t know if I’ve ever been able to truly overcome it as much as manage it. The “fake it ’til you make it” mentality can be overwhelming if you feel like you’re in over your head about to drown. When I’m feeling at my most insecure, I find it best to take a breath and remind myself that I have no need to compare myself to others, or their knowledge, or their accomplishments. Read more>>
