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 yoErin Hartu overcome self-doubt.
Erin Hart
The most honest answer is I haven’t completely. There are still days I struggle with it, and it overwhelms me. The first thing I do to battle it, is get. off. the. internet! The biggest culprit for me is comparing myself to the amazing artists I see daily. The comparisons begin and the anxiety seeps in that I will never meet the standard that I want to get to. When I recognize that I am doing that I close whatever media I am in and remind myself that my journey is the not the same as anyone else’s. They may be 10 years ahead of me an even though I always have room to grow does not mean that the growth I have gained so far is meaningless. Read More>>
Maddie a.k.a. Maddie Tha Baddie
I overcame imposter syndrome by realizing that everyone is just figuring it out as they go. We’re all human and no amount of status makes someone better than another. I also realized that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to be a creative as long as you’re enjoying what you do and create. Read More>>
Sunny Moza
Imposter syndrome, coupled with the Dunning-Kruger Effect, can certainly contribute to self-doubt. As someone who works in live events where improvisation is necessary, I understand the constant uncertainty that comes with the territory. However, I have developed strategies to overcome my self-doubt and thrive in such situations. Read More>>
John McDavid Lehman
To be honest I’m not sure I ever want to overcome my struggle with imposter syndrome…and yes it is a struggle, but it is a good struggle, it is a worthwhile struggle. I think it is quite important to struggle over your craft and your place in the world. There are so many greats in the industry that have carved out a beautiful and wonderful blueprint that I am not sure I can ever live up to and that weight, that stress is what I tap into to improve my craft, improve my art. Read More>>
Casey Broach
Imposter syndrome is something that I think a lot of people experience, especially when starting something new.
Something that yoga has really help me to develop is observing my ego and learning to be more compassionate with myself. Often, we can feel as if we have to become perfect at something before teaching others or sharing our knowledge and work. Perfection, however, isn’t always attainable, and many learn best through imperfection and failure. Read More>>
Jessica Bystricky
To overcome imposter syndrome, you have to embrace a growth mindset by reframing mistakes as an opportunity for learning and growth. To be successful in the beauty industry, it’s important to continuously keep up with new trends and to never stop learning. Along the way, I celebrated my successes and built a collection of positive feedback that served as a constant reminder of my abilities. With time, patience and practice, my confidence in the beauty industry continued to grow. Read More>>
Chloe Mackey
Thank you so much for taking time to connect with me! Imposter syndrome is something that I’ve grappled with throughout my coaching journey. It’s also a topic that my clients bring up constantly during coaching sessions. Read More>>
Grace Everett
The phrasing of this question makes it seem like imposter syndrome is something that a person can conquer once, and after that, it disappears forever. I don’t think that’s necessarily true! My imposter syndrome is certainly much milder now compared to a few years ago, but it’s still a part of my life— I’ve just grown very good at presenting myself with confidence and poise! Read More>>
Lilith Jenovax
Imposter syndrome is a tricky thing, but I personally find comfort in knowing that it happens to everybody at some point or another, and for many of us, it can come in waves. Imposter syndrome can stem from a place of insecurity and comparison, often asking if one really knows what they are doing at all or if they even deserve the things they have or to do the things they love. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “fake it until you make it,” and I think it can be applied well here. Honestly, know one knows what they are doing. We are all learning from one another and from our own life experiences, endlessly. There is growth around each and every corner. Read More>>
Xandra Hawes, MA, LPC
I love this question. I wish I had known when I started my business that feeling inadequate or unskilled would arise heavily within the first few years. Being a “real” entrepreneur means getting familiar with failure, and learning how to recover quickly when a decision leads to lackluster results. Ultimately, if you can recognize what went wrong, take in all the lessons, and recalculate your steps, you can get farther ahead if you look at the process with self-compassion and self-acceptance. Imposter syndrome is maintained by the mindset of perfection or the idea that creating a successful business means you do everything right. You will kill your business in less than a few years if you don’t see it as a learning process, and your intuition needs to heavily guide it. Read More>>
Shawn Huckins
I haven’t overcome my imposter syndrome, but I am slowly chipping away at it. I don’t know if that feeling ever goes away. I am comfortable with the fact that the majority of artists feel the same as I do, so there is a reassurance that helps me cope with being a fraud. Read More>>
Alice Hong
Imposter Syndrome is actually the story of my life, and I battle it daily! There’s always a voice in my head spinning countless “what if’s”, and I’m all too familiar with that prickly feeling that translates to “I’m afraid that I’m not good enough”. While I haven’t exactly overcome this feeling, I appreciate the opportunities in my life that push me to do something anyway, despite instincts telling me that the risk is too high. Finding the joy and the why in doing something always helps in making a daunting task more about the task itself, and less about ego. I’m so grateful for all of the great experiences I’ve had when I ignored my Imposter Syndrome! Read More>>
Mallory/Marissa Tolbert/Hercules
As food bloggers, we’re always working to overcome imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially when you’re first starting out in a new industry. Although imposter syndrome can be an ongoing challenge, we have taken proactive steps to conquer these feelings and grow in confidence. Read More>>
Justin Lewis
It’s hard to deal with imposter syndrome. I can relate, because I have it too. Sometimes I doubt that I earned the praise and success that I receive for my work. I used to feel that I wasn’t good enough, and that I had to work more and harder to validate myself. But that only caused me to burn out and stress out. I learned that I had to change my perspective from “my value is based on my accomplishments” to “I am valuable and I make things happen.” Read More>>
Ahmed Cannon
Imposter syndrome is such a powerful & toxic perception of how we artist view ourselves at times. I took 20yrs off as an artist & it was a a series of experiences in 2020 besides Covid that brought me back to art. But what I had no idea about was what was to come next! A combination of facing my anxiety, overcoming fear, self doubt, adversity, building my confidence back & allowing myself time to heal, grow & adjust got me to face not only the challenges & feelings of imposter syndrome & made me realize I’m every bit of the person I set out to be this whole time ie…the wizard of oz! Meaning I had everything I needed this whole time to overcome all obstacles, trials & tribulations. Read More>>
Farraje Dionne
Well… You ask how did I overcome imposter syndrome? I don’t think I really have overcome it. Answering this question I will have to answer another question along with it. How did I find my purpose? For years I have struggled with finding my identity. Who is Farraje Dionne Allen? From high school into my adult life I have tried to find out who I was through looking, studying and picking pieces of people I admired to make me. I cried and prayed many of nights asking why am I the way I am? It took for me to reach my forties for me to be comfortable in my own skin. Read More>>
Peter Baker
I remind myself that we live in an age where an unqualified charlatan can win the 2016 presidential election so there’s no reason I shouldn’t worry about telling people about my books. Read More>>
Kristina Hoover
I think it’s someone I still waver on, but for me, it is just something I had to learn over time. For the longest time, I didn’t share what I did with people I knew, or met. There was something weird about calling myself an artist. I only recently over the past few years started feeling comfortable talking about and calling myself an artist when someone asked what I did. It is definitely a process you have to work through. I would keep reassuring myself I was on the right path and doing what I was supposed to be doing. Read More>>
Pitango Trotoush
There is so many points in my life, where, if my life would be ended right there the person I am right now will look at the person I was right then with slightly of disappointment, That’s belief system that we have the truth in full spectrum is what make us also ignorant to other perspectives, I believe that’s what made me and keep making me a more real human is just knowing how many time I’ve been wrong and how many times I will be wrong, Read More>>
LilCee904
It starts with knowing who you are first. You realize that they can only wear the mask for so long. They start when i finish. Copycats are a form of flattery. I’m Lil Cee 904. I’m a music producer from Jacksonville, Fl. I grew up around music. my whole life. My whole family has been in and around music and entertainment as long as I can remember. I started real young playing in the band. I feel like I have a different style of producing and I work on my craft all the time. Read More>>
Chenoa Hill
This is an awesome question! Honestly, I still wrestle with the ‘Imposter Syndrome’.
It’s taken a massive amount of deprogramming of negative self beliefs, discouraging words from others and reframing from negative self talk. Read More>>
Ryan Varga
Imposter syndrome is something I think we all struggle with as creatives, especially when we are first starting out. And in some way when we start making things and putting them out into the world we are actually imposters because we haven’t gotten good yet. But the longer I’ve been a creative and surrounded myself with people who are “successful” I’ve noticed that nobody really has it figured out. Most people are learning on the fly and making it up as they go. I don’t think you can ever be 100% prepared for that big job or creative problem when it shows up. I’ve tried to be comfortable in the not knowing and trusting that I can always figure it out as it shows up. Read More>>
Theo Moore, II
Celebrate Your Wins! People who struggle with impostor feelings tend to brush off their successes. If someone congratulates you, don’t move on too fast. Pay attention to how you respond and aim to speak more positively about yourself.
There have been moments in my life where I would brush off a major accomplishment and move to the next thing on my checklist not realizing that I was robing myself of pivotal moments to boost my confidence and value. This behavior stems form my constant battle with “survivors’ guilt” being raised in a poor and violent environment in Anniston, Alabama. Read More>>
Veronica Ortiz
I have been interested in art since I was a kid, it is something I have always gravitated toward, but I do still get imposter syndrome. It is seldom that I do feel like an actual artist, but I do love tattooing and painting so that is what keeps me going, and not worry so much about those thoughts. I believe we all do have these thoughts, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t do me any good. If I listen to them I wouldn’t do what I love, so I just do what I love regardless of the negative thoughts. Read More>>
Imp
I don’t think I ever truly did overcome impostor syndrome! I’ve managed to convince myself that I’m some sort of trickster that has managed to fool everyone who thinks I’m skilled whenever impostor syndrome kicks in, which is somehow more satisfying than the times where I actually accept my skills. Read More>>
Zoe Liu
I will spend more time doing what I love and what I am good at, rather than focusing on the feeling of success. Stay strong inside and don’t be afraid of outside judgment. Read More>>
William Karstens
I never have. The internet and social media is full, literally full of people who see, frame, capture better, technically, artistically and outcome wise. Lacking any formal training, and to an extent having a disdain for traditional methods, I’ll forever be an imposter. Read More>>
Laura Bladen
I didn’t know what imposter syndrome was until recently, I may have read about it somewhere or heard it on T.V., I’m not sure, but when I did, it totally resonated with me. I thought that what I was feeling was unique to me, I had no idea it had a name and that others were experiencing it as well. That in itself was a huge relief. I wasn’t alone. Read More>>
Hal Rochkind
What a great question. Imposter syndrome is a real thing. It is primarily the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external, objective ways. They say time heals all wounds and I would say the same for overcoming imposter syndrome. When I first started at Rochkind Insurance in 2009, it was a chaotic time for me personally. I had moved home from Austin where I lived and worked for 10 years because my father had a debilitating stroke and lost his ability to speak and walk. Read More>>
Tamika Carlton
It takes time to overcome imposter syndrome. It really is about making adjustments in your daily life to build an unbreakable confidence in yourself. From building healthy habits to learning, growing, and evolving consistently to having people in your corner that know who you are and constantly remind you of your greatness. I’ve also learned that when the idea of imposter syndrome attempts to impose itself on my reality, I have a direct understanding that the feeling equates to discomfort. Read More>>
Dorian Southall
I try to recognize and acknowledge my accomplishments by taking time to reflect on my achievements and recognize that I have earned my ongoing success through my skills, knowledge, and hard work. I also write down my accomplishments and refer to them when self-doubt arises. Read More>>
Alison Wisneski
As a woman working in beer without a traditional brewer’s background, I feel imposter syndrome nearly daily! However, I remind myself often that everyone has to start somewhere, I deserve to be in this space just as much as anyone else, and my approach to beer is different and may make the industry better because of it. I don’t brew the beer, but I sell and market the beer well because I share the story of each beer we make. I am a part of how it received its name, I helped create the packaging, and I know our brewery’s story and mission better than anyone else. Read More>>
Black Girl, Brown Girl Books LLC
Imposter Syndrome is real and has Black and Brown women, we’ve often doubted our questioned our place in professional settings. The funny thing about imposter syndrome is that you only experience it when in fact you’re successful and doing well. The literal definition of imposter syndrome is “the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external, objective ways. Read More>>
Joshua Miller
I don’t think I have fully yet! We are attracting leaders from across multiple countries with decades of experience who believe in our company and want to help, which is great but can be intimidating. One thing I’ve learned however, is to trust your own instincts and to not let anyone, even a well seasoned titan, guide your vision. We got this far because we thought differently than the ones already in the industry. If you let that intimidation take hold you’ll lose your disruptive spirit and follow along with the old guard you were trying to overturn. Read More>>
DANNY BADER
I’ve come to understand imposter syndrome is the product of a few things: comparison to others, questioning your message/content and focusing on any negative feedback you receive.
A major blessing for me was years ago when I was delivering a workshop in Cleveland for Progressive Insurance and a woman came up to me after class and told me the loss of her 12-year old daughter several years prior. I expressed my sadness and offered encouragement. She smiled, hugged me and said, ” It’s okay. After hearing you I feel for the first time I can move on. Thank you.” Read More>>
Olivier Duperval
Ha! What a great question… I think everyone deals with imposter syndrome from time to time and it can be an ongoing process to over come it.
For me, it’s come from leaning on Jesus to get me through uncomfortable situations and seasons that I’m in. I know I’m not perfect nor will I ever have it all together but if HE puts me somewhere that I don’t feel ready for, then it’s up to HIM to give me what I need to succeed. Read More>>
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee
Overcoming imposter syndrome in my personal journey required me to stop believing that I was not deserving of the success and opportunity afforded me. The most important step in this process was for me to evaluate my methods of personal validation. Too often, I sought the validation of others to confirm and affirm my thoughts, experiences, and personal sense of value. As a result, the biases and fears of others became the lens through which I viewed the world and myself. Freeing myself from those biases and fears opened the door to me realizing my own value and ultimately overcoming imposter syndrome. Read More>>
Tainabelle “Bellez” Joseph
Imposter syndrome is one of those things that can really consume you if you don’t consciously and actively confront it. That’s EXACTLY what I do whenever I get intrusive thoughts that try to make me believe I am not good enough or undeserving. I know I am more than enough and that I belong in every room that I step in to, as long as God opened that door. I continuously remind myself that I am exactly where I am SUPPOSED to be and that my worth isn’t measured by how much more or less I am “accomplishing”, than my peers. Read More>>
Kelley Finley-Urbania
I remember when I first started designing cookies and cakes and thinking I was pretty good, then looking at others’ social media and feeling pretty defeated. I told myself a year from now you are going to be so much better. I kept repeating that to myself, but I also invested in learning through classes and continuing education. I researched the tools bakers used to achieve better results, traveled to conventions, and watched videos. Along the way I had to remind myself that everyone has a beginning, and your journey is not defined by the first step, but by how far you have come. I had to change my mindset at times when progress felt slow, or my best ideas and intentions didn’t always go smoothly. Each failure was an opportunity to learn and improve. Read More>>
Janelle Holter
As the Founder and managing partner of TVLA YOGA, a yoga business based in Boulder, Colorado – you probably expect me to start by saying the cliché phrase “yoga changed my life.” Heck, I could argue the phrase “Yoga is my life.” (and has been, for the better half of my existence on this planet)…
I could list all the impactful ways it supported me during my entrepreneurship journey to this very moment, here and now. The thing is – you don’t want that interview. You don’t want to be sprinkled with “bliss bombs of abundance” and “glowing visuals” of me smiling upside down defying gravity and how that translates to my good fortune. Read More>>
Marci Lundy, DOM
If there’s one thing I’ve never struggled with, it’s confidence. In phases of my younger life, that confidence, and at times, over-confidence got me into a bit of trouble at times, as I certainly felt invincible.
Now, here is the real kicker.
Naturally, as I got older, focus and maturity helped me to understand and grow into my intended path. Generally speaking, this is ideal. However, I’ve had individuals that clearly seemed much more delighted in my growing pains than actual, meaningful growth. Read More>>
Melissa DeMers
It’s so easy to be persuaded by the ideas of this world and everyone around us, especially in the photography industry. At times it feels like there is not one original idea.
I tend to think outside of the box. I’ve always been a creative thinker. Do I get sucked into trendy reels on Instagram? Sure! Do I allow that to define who I am? No.
Coming up with creative ideas for photo sessions or poses challenges me. I have always been pushed by a good challenge. I strive to do this in my business as well as my personal life. Read More>>
Erica Rascon
Imposter syndrome is an inevitable part of being an entrepreneur, especially if your specialty requires ongoing education and personal development. With every new skill learned and all new information gleaned, it may feel “too new” to share. Without self awareness, we can get stuck in a trap of learning more and more to prove ourselves, but then feeling that we still haven’t learned enough to make a positive impact. We might hold back our gifts and not share what we know because we don’t feel like we’re experts yet. This is a disservice to ourselves, our clients, and our prospects. Read More>>
Jessica Browne
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a significant journey for me, especially during my transition from being an executive chef to becoming a beauty influencer/content creator after losing my job during the pandemic. It was a challenging period where doubts and insecurities often crept in, but I found several strategies that helped me overcome those feelings and embrace my new career path. Read More>>
Mike Hewlett
Imposter syndrome can feel very real and present and daunting. Many of us struggle with it, and we all can understand it to some degree. I would say that it is something my band and I talk about every now and then, we recently got some exciting news about some upcoming shows that we cannot yet share, but will soon, and though these are goals we’ve had for years, finally being asked to play certain places and finding yourself on those stages can be really good for your confidence but it can also leave you questioning how you got there and if you “deserve” it. Read More>>
