This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move forward on your journey towards reaching your full potential. We hope the stories and lessons below will help you overcome self-doubt.
Jazz And Jess
For us, imposter syndrome is a bit of a revolving door. As our listens per episode ebb and flow we go in and out of a confidence/imposter syndrome space. If our listens are lower one week, we may start to doubt ourselves, but it always bounces back. All we truly want and luckily we do have, is a fiercely loyal and dedicated fan base. One you can absolutely count on no matter the size. Read more>>
Angeline Carrillo
Honestly, I am not sure that this is something you ever fully “overcome.” I believe it is something you have to continually work on throughout your journey. When I started the company, what I fell back on was the quote: “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” Since then, it has been people. For a long time it was a dear friend who had the gift of encouragement and reminded me of my worth all the time. Read more>>
Paige Nethers
Overcoming imposter syndrome in my career as an artist has been a deeply personal journey marked by perseverance and self-discovery. I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship nine years ago while expecting my first child, aiming to balance my passion for art with the joys of motherhood. Initially, I grappled with doubts about my talent and worthiness in the competitive landscape of the wedding industry. Read more>>
Jamie Pomeranz
I think it is completely normal for artists to struggle with Imposter Syndrome, and if I am being completely honest, I don’t know that I will ever be 100% over it. There is so much talent in the world, and with everyone’s best highlights posted on social media, it’s easy to forget that our peers are putting their best foot forward publicly and likely have similar insecurities. Read more>>
LaCreme
Oddly, I never knew the term “imposter syndrome” was a thing until about 2 years ago. As a child, living in Queens, Ny, I always love art and self expression. Whether I was playing with makeup, hair or getting the dollar pack of pressons from the bodega, I always liked to be creative. Definitely enjoyed having my friends allow me be creative on them for nail and makeup ideas. Read more>>
Vincent Postle
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been quite the journey, especially in a field as creatively demanding as videography and photography here in New Orleans. Working both for Tulane University and Elephant Quilt Productions has provided me with invaluable experiences, but it’s also brought to light the challenges that come with mental health struggles. With a visual medium, your work is on full display. Read more>>
Laura Bell
I spent most of my life not believing that I was really dealing with imposter syndrome. Until one day my counselor showed me that I was carrying that around and the signs that I was. SO, I started on a journey of practicing some simple steps. Read more>>
Jessica Sellenberg
I don’t know that imposter syndrome is something you ever fully get over — the temptation to compare yourself and think you’re not “the real deal” is always in the background. My best friend and I co-host a crochet podcast called The Crochet Baes and we actually dedicated an entire episode to imposter syndrome. Something we discussed that is a big help to me is simply the act of putting a name to the feeling. Read more>>
Samantha Dorisca
I have always been a firm believer that purpose and confidence comes from God. I am not searching for my value from those around me. As long as I am operating from a place of purpose, I feel like I belong in the rooms that I enter, the people I converse with, and the opportunities I am blessed with. Read more>>
Alethea Tyler
First things first, I wouldn’t say I’ve *overcome* imposter syndrome because with every new level of business I hit, there’s a new wave of fears to work through. When I started my biz, things like showing up on Instagram triggered the hell out of my imposter syndrome and now I rarely blink twice about posting. Read more>>
Karolina Larion
Growing up, I was always a perfectionist due to my classical ballroom dance background. This mindset eventually bled over into other parts of my life. When I started acting, I felt like I had to unlearn so many things and let go of old habits in order to find more freedom. Read more>>
Shawna Rodrigues
I think the most valuable buffer against imposter syndrome is community. That is one reason I created a podcast network, rather than just editing podcasts or creating courses folks could buy. The support we get from each other inside of our network fuels each of us. If we are to move the dial on the number of women hosting podcasts, women need to feel supported on this journey and they feel that in community. Read more>>
Rebekah Varghese
How have I overcome imposter syndrome? The truth is, I haven’t. Truly, I don’t think I ever will, at least not completely. When I first started my career, I would look up to filmmakers, producers, and directors that I admired and think about how I couldn’t wait till I was that far along and just as confident and competent as they were. Read more>>
Arianna Barton
I have just recently learned the meaning of “imposter syndrome.” I have definitely always struggled with the feelings of it but never knew that those feelings had a name. I can’t say that I have fully overcome imposter syndrome but I take steps all the time to help over come it, along with the help of an amazing support system! Being a singer/songwriter is a very fun yet taxing endeavor. You have to be vulnerable, but tough at the same time. Read more>>
Allison Easterling
I’m not sure anyone ever fully overcomes imposter syndrome. Even after 13 years of doing this, there are still times I have to remind myself that this is real, the business will continue to thrive year after year, and people will keep booking. Read more>>
Akua Robinson
To be honest, I don’t think that I have overcome imposter syndrome. I don’t think that it’s something that you can overcome, however, I think that you can manage it when it occurs. I manage my imposter syndrome in two ways. Read more>>
Mary Ann Hughes
Imposter syndrome was a term I learned when going through self-development courses and trainings after my divorce, when I was taking courses to become a divorce coach, so I could serve special needs families going through challenges that I had experienced and overcome. Read more>>
Andrew Jacobson
Overcoming imposter syndrome is about getting experience and doing the work. My journey took me from working in restaurants, to selling cars, and then telecommunications. Then, I started my career in financial services at 23. After six years of working as a financial advisor, I attended law school during the pandemic. Read more>>
Daniel Gingras
When I first started practicing massage professionally I was very anxious to know what my clients thought, because I wasn’t sure if I was good enough or if I had done it correctly. I would check the reviews at the place I worked once a week to make sure that I hadn’t received negative feedback. Read more>>
Dee Sader
Imposter Syndrome is a hard one. I think we all go through it. But me especially. As I never went to school for fashion. Im self taught. I learned everything through YouTube and shadowing colleagues along the way. Some days I think I don’t deserve how far Ive come, but Ive learned experience comes in diff shapes and forms. Read more>>
West Foglia
I’ve realized, that for me, imposter syndrome is really the result of comparing myself to others. And you know what they say about comparisons? The thief of joy. Unfortunately, I think it’s human nature to get caught comparing yourself to others though. It’s far too easy, you know? Especially when it comes to money, skillset, or even Instagram followers. Read more>>
Sam Hirschmann
Doing. You just got to get yourself to do it. Then sit back and see how you actually can do it and you are worthy of sharing your gift(s) to the world. It’s definitely a muscle that needs to be worked and won’t be strengthened until you do it. I think so many of us sit on our gifts we have to offer the world because we’re paralyzed by the fear of what others will think and the classic thoughts of “who am I” and “who will care.” Read more>>
Jordan Roche
For the first year and a half of my business I had a LOT of self-doubt surfacing in the dreaded “imposter syndrome”. I was riddled with thoughts of not being good enough, feeling like I needed to constantly be learning to be qualified. Obviously, continued learning is great and something we should all strive for, but I couldn’t move myself forward at the same time. I felt like I needed to keep doing in order to be. Read more>>
Willow Winters
Imposter syndrome is prevalent in the arts but especially so for indie authors. There was a stigma – and still is in some circles – about being indie rather than with a traditional publisher. I remember how I used to think, back in my first year when I first became successful hitting the top 100 of all Amazon, that Amazon was going to find out I wasn’t a “real” author. Read more>>
Godriguez
I have struggled with imposter syndrome throughout my artistic career and one of the ways i keep it at bay is to always be creating things that i love and staying true to myself and making the art I care about. Having the knowledge to defend my work–f necessary–to me is one of the biggest aspects of thwarting imposter syndrome and having the ability to answer any questions about my art is what keeps it at bay. Read more>>
Maiysha Clairborne
The first thing I had to do to overcome imposter syndrome is to recognize it as an experience rather than a syndrome. The syndrome implies permanency and makes it more of something to overcome. Seeing it more as an experience de-pathologized it and led me to lean in with curiosity. Read more>>
Crysta Al-Qallaf
I’m not sure if I will ever 100% over come imposter syndrome. I’m human. Sometimes on my best days I can have an intrusive thought about my businesses success. Even when we have been operating since 2017. Read more>>
Angie Monko
I don’t know that we ever overcome imposter syndrome entirely, to be transparent. I grew up in a home with domestic violence where my dad took out his rage on my mom. My dad was also very hard on himself; he taught me to seek perfectionism by challenging me to make straight A’s (not one A-) in 8th grade and earn $500. Thus began my career of over-achievement and seeking his approval. Read more>>
Alina Lavrova
Let’s be clear – I haven’t conquered the impostor syndrome. I’ve learned to coexist with it, to live with it without constant struggle and resistance. It’s a part of me, and denying its existence would be foolish. So, what is the impostor syndrome? Perhaps you think it’s the fear of failure or disappointment. Read more>>
Wanda White
With the help of a therapist. I struggled with feelings of insecurity and not enough. I second-guessed everything I did and it got to the point that I stopped doing things out of fear of what others would think. I also had to understand and recognize what it was when it was happening. I realized that was a block keeping me in my shell. Read more>>
Kailah Winston
In all honesty I haven’t overcome imposter syndrome. This is something that I struggle with on frequently, leaving me questioning my work, which drives me to ensure I am continuously learning and improving my skills. I do have to remind myself that as I look over my portfolio my photography is only for my client and I. Read more>>
Big Brody Ode
Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing process. I work in the music industry. I feel like a lot of the music is reflective of people I really know and experiences I’ve really had but my peers don’t come from the same background. I feel like I came into the industry with my head held high to make changes and time will kind of humble you and make you question whether you’re capable of what you set out to do. Read more>>
Seril James
I think diving into unknown spaces can be a difficult thing for many people. This absolutely held true for me when I had the idea of launching my own jackfruit chip brand. Imposter syndrome hit me at day one… Read more>>
Ty Osborne
For me imposter syndrome is something that I have always dealt with due to the rapid increase of attention in my work from early in my career and early in life. I always get those moments where it doesn’t feel real or maybe that I don’t deserve the success I have had so far. Read more>>
Robin Conrad
I have to start by saying I don’t think I’ve overcome imposter syndrome…it’s a work in progress! I’ve moved in a lot of different spaces (dance and choreography; academia, and now novel writing!) with highly qualified, motivated, amazing people. There’s often an impulse to compare my work to everyone else’s and then freak out, finding all the faults in what I’m doing (pretty typical imposter syndrome stuff). Read more>>
Sofia Fernandez
Overcoming imposter syndrome is about realizing that everyone, even the biggest celebs, started from the bottom. Believing in yourself is crucial. When I question why I’m on social media or doubt if my audience cares, I remind myself that I’m good at this for a reason. Even if my confidence falters, I fake it till I make it, staying authentic and relatable. Read more>>
Denys Shapoval
Imposter syndrome is something I’ve definitely grappled with, especially in the early stages of my career. One pivotal moment was when the dream to shoot a travel show in Asia started to take shape. It had been a long-held aspiration, fueled by a deep love for exploring diverse cultures and landscapes. Read more>>
Guga Carvalho
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a filmmaker and photographer from Brazil, now living in the US, was a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Initially, the transition to a new cultural and professional landscape brought about a heightened sense of self-doubt. The comparison to established artists in the vibrant filmmaking and photography communities of both Brazil and the US intensified the feelings of inadequacy. Read more>>
Carla Hoch
I don’t overcome imposter syndrome. I just go ahead and do whatever it is anyway. We’ve given the idea of imposter syndrome far too much power. First, I’m not sure it’s a syndrome so much as a something almost everyone will face at some point in their life. Read more>>
Birdie Brennan
I like this question because I felt that I suffered from imposter syndrome in the beginning. I was thinking about starting a professional organizing business in 2000 in Ohio. There was no “Professional Organizer” class or school. I would share my ideas with friends and acquaintances and get blank stares back. Read more>>
Debi Bradshaw
It’s a lifelong journey and I wouldn’t say I’m completely over it. I have good days and bad days but now, when something doesn’t turn out the way I envisioned, I don’t beat myself up like I did when I was younger. I believe age helps as well as being in tune with who you are. Read more>>
Zachary Feemster
Failure is a key component to success. Instant gratification is not. Once you figure out what doesn’t work the rest flows naturally. Read more>>
Erika Ryann
By allowing myself to be human. Nobody is born knowing everything. It’s okay to make mistakes and it takes time to learn. Read more>>
Nancy Sargent
I burst out laughing when my mentor told me she wanted me to teach an online class on spring tying! Seriously, what made her think I could teach an advanced upholstery skill to others. I mean there are so many others with more talent and experience than I, I’d be the laughing stock of the upholstery world! Read more>>
Brittney Alexander
Navigating imposter syndrome has been a recurring challenge throughout my seven-year journey as an entrepreneur. The reality is, overcoming imposter syndrome entirely might be an elusive goal, but the good news is that it can be effectively managed. As a business owner I often grapple with this phenomenon, given the inherent vulnerability of the entrepreneurial role. Read more>>
