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.
Mariel Cunningham
For the first few years in business I had the feeling that my success was a fluke. Whilst I was making some big sales I worried deep down that each sale might be my last. Many businesses aren’t profitable in their first few years and here I was turning a profit immediately. This was my first company and I was figuring out things as I went. In 2021 I saw a big shift where Porter & Pearl made an annual revenue of over $3M. At that point I started to feel like I was actually good at this and had found my calling. Read more>>
Tristan Cappel
I think it’s very common for every artist, musician, or in general, any professional to feel a sense of imposter syndrome in our lives. The progress we make in our artistic and professional lives can be hard to gauge when you’re in the driver’s seat, so to speak. It’s hard to see your growth day to day, so when you’re placed in a situation that feels like it’s beyond your self-image, you get a sense of imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Jessie Redd
Imposter syndrome is something I have dealt with my entire life. Growing up, I had a hard time finding my true identity. My mother is Japanese and Irish and my father is Black and Native American. My parents split at an early age and I grew up in two completely different households. I didn’t necessarily look like my mother’s side of the family, or my father’s. I remember playing on my dad’s block in elementary school and a girl from down the street asked me why I “talked like a white girl?” This was the first time I can vividly remember questioning my identity. Read more>>
Santiago Bukovsky
In the early stages of my career, I felt like an imposter all the time. I studied chemistry in college before teaching myself filmmaking from YouTube and practicing with my iPhone. When I got the opportunity to be an assistant director on a feature film, I had only done it once before on a small commercial. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I thought if I messed up I would never work on another movie again. Read more>>
Daena Title
It’s the difference between what is your passion and what is your dream. Your dream might be to be included in a great museum, and if you fall short of that, then you might feel at any moment, that you are an imposter and not a “true” artist. But if you know your passion is doing the work, then feelings of inadequacy or “imposter syndrome” can’t take that transcendence and joy away from you. But it is an ongoing chore to keep the two separate. After decades of work, those voices still crop up on me at every series’ end or every time I don’t work for over a week. Read more>>
Mariam Kamara
As a passionate resin artist with three years of experience and a dedicated Clinical Advisor for an education-based company during the day, my journey is a harmonious blend of artistic creativity and professional expertise. Reflecting on my experiences, I acknowledge the common thread of imposter syndrome that wove through both realms, challenging my sense of belonging in the worlds of art and education. Read more>>
Melissa Vogel
Title: Confronting Impostor Syndrome: Melissa Vogel’s Unfiltered Journey Navigating the twists and turns of life is like trying to find your way through a maze blindfolded. Impostor syndrome can creep in, casting doubt on our every step, especially when you’re the one people look to for guidance. Leading a community, coaching others, and sharing insights on podcasts can create the illusion that you’ve got it all figured out. But let me be real with you—it’s not always as seamless as it seems. Read more>>
Conrad Jon
You have to make yourself realize that people are Apple and oranges. The more you compare yourself to the person next to you, the more you create a divide. You have to have your own tunnel vision. Don’t measure by success because it often comes in spurts. Instead I try to measure on productivity. Am I doing something to better myself and my craft? If so then i am succeeding in my book. Read more>>
Shericia Hodge
It’s been a journey, for sure. So, you know every time I reach a new milestone, I think to myself, “Wow, did I really just do that?” And then, of course, there it is… some self-doubt kicks in and I start to wonder am I qualified for this, and do I really deserve it? I have found myself time after time needing to do some self-talk. I go over my accomplishments in my mind to remind myself that I worked hard for every single bit of success that came my way. It wasn’t handed to me on a silver platter; I earned it. I’ve had to dig deep and acknowledge that, so yeah, I do belong here and reality check – I hit that milestone because I am in fact qualified! Read more>>
Dr. Normanie McKenzie Ricks
Imposter Syndrome is debilitating! I feel an extreme obligation to speak about this. What it amounts to is FEAR…. Fear that “I’m not good enough” “I’m not smart enough” “I’m not pretty enough” and “I don’t speak articulate enough.” The damaging thoughts go on and on for most individuals who have reached a point in their lives, careers, or journeys where they may be “exposed” on a grand stage. My advice is to OWN IT! Read more>>
Judy San
How did I overcome imposter syndrome? It was a bit difficult in the beginning of my business because I kept asking myself what am I doing and why am I doing this? There are so many other makers doing the same thing and are so much better. But having a solid support system and believing in my work changed everything. People tell me all the time that they love my product and they are quality products, so I believe in my work and overcame imposter syndrome because I can do anything once I put my mind to it. Read more>>
Mishila Ashlyn
I don’t believe I have overcome imposter syndrome. I’m not sure that I ever will. Some days are better than others. I will feel super confident about my skills and then you see someone else’s work who is better. There will always be someone better however, it’s part of what inspires me to keep going. I’ll Just keep creating until I don’t feel it any longer. Read more>>
Gayle Fuller
The moment I overcame imposter syndrome is the moment my life changed. I was stepping Into my power as a healer, a guide and a teacher but I was dreaming bigger and knew I could expand more yet I kept feeling like I was hitting a wall. I would meditate, do energy healing and work on manifestation but nothing was moving or happening. I felt very stagnant but my soul knew I was capable of so much more and it was my hearts desire to somehow break through. Read more>>
Dr. Lori Manns
Self-doubt and unworthiness are feelings indicative of imposter syndrome that can happen to anyone regardless of education level, background, or work experience. Like many people, I have experienced self-doubt and unworthiness at different times throughout my career. However, to keep those feelings at bay, I recognized that comparison is the thief of joy and happiness. Read more>>
George Strasburger
I felt imposter syndrome before I was aware that it was “a thing”. I was in the process of submitting my work to art centers for solo exhibits. I considered it a long shot proposal. One curator wanted a zoom interview to discuss my work. My zoom skill were rudimentary, but I also realized that my interview skills also left something to be desired. In the interview I opted for modesty and downplayed my efforts citing my skills and vision as being limited and naive. Read more>>
Rachel Stelter
These days with social media at our fingertips, there’s an endless sea of others to compare ourselves to. Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize when that comparison game is starting to get the better of me. Instead of focusing outwards on what others are doing, I refocus inwards. What projects am I most excited about? What areas of my business am I focusing on? What have been my big wins of the year? Read more>>
Larry O’Connor
Imposter syndrome is a natural assessment born of desire to compare oneself to others. I have done my job for 20 years on each side of the Mississippi River. So I am guessing I am not faking it. I could still say I am an amateur who made a living despite mediocrity. Or not. Imposter syndrome is just a matter of opinion. The opinion isn’t useful unless you do something with it. Read more>>
Autumn Pruitt
I overcome imposter syndrome through action. It would be easy to let the voice in my head lead me to believe that I’m not the kind of person who can run a company or give a speech or open another location, but a bias toward activity changes things. The “who do you think you are”s of life begin to get quieter when I have a track record to compare them with. Read more>>
Raquel Mastrangelo
I honestly don’t know if anyone ever gets fully over imposter syndrome. I think it’s kind of like being in a bad mood or having a negative outlook on the situation. Imposter syndrome encompass feelings of doubt, fear and uncertainty. Everyone has aspects of their career that they feel confident and comfortable with doing but when a new client or a unique project comes along there is always a hint of imposter syndrome in the back of my mind. Read more>>
Sterling Hampton
You don’t really overcome imposter syndrome. The thought of doubt always approaches in every new experience. I think what changes is the amount of tangible evidence that is piling up in the form of achievement that suggests that voice in your head is wrong. After some time passes and said evidence becomes more and more compelling, you have no choice but to accept that your reality is excellence…at least I hope this is the case. I’m still building that pile of evidence. Read more>>
Steve Rampton
I don’t think any artist ever fully does. I have to remind myself that I’ve been making a living drawing my cartoons and caricatures full time and that people like the work enough to keep hiring me. It’s like a constant pep talk every morning. Read more>>
Justin Nucum
I have been in business for 8 years now, coaching and training clients to get to their health and fitness needs. Ever since I started, I have always felt levels of imposter syndrome because I would look up to many great athletes and coaches thinking that I am not as great as them..OR that it will take me years before I can get to that level. Read more>>
Carlos Briseno
Board Games and Brews started 4 years as a way to document what I was playing and drinking. I quickly found vibrant and diverse online communities for both board games and craft beer, two loves of mine. Both were so welcoming to me, and I’ve made some online friends that I communicate with regularly. Read more>>
Breanna Carroll
The more and more I talk with and read about those who are successful in business, I find the commonality in facing imposter syndrome. This was definitely prevalent when I was just starting out in my business, and still rears its head from time to time, but I have a new awareness surrounding it. I see it for what it is; a mindset that is trying to keep me safe and comfortable. When I feel myself growing and expanding in my work, imposter syndrome is typically what follows. Read more>>
Rachel Gibbs
I must admit, I still struggle with overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Sometimes I still second guess my abilities. I believe sometimes I am too humble and because of that, I dumb down my accomplishments even though they are a big deal. I think that comes with the territory of being an entrepreneurship especially when you develop services and products that you know your audience needs but they are hesitant to buy in. Read more>>
Jenifer Martinez
You never really do. Have you ever seen that episode of Star Trek where Picard and Kimberly can read each other’s minds? There’s a moment when she asks where they should go and he says “That way.” and starts walking. And she looks at him and tells him since she can read his mind she KNOWS he has no idea where he’s going. Read more>>
Hannah Wentworth
That is such a great question! Imposter Syndrome was such a real thing for me when I was first starting my business and creative career. I always felt as if my gifts and talents were not as unique or understood as others were. I was unsure of how to talk about what I loved to do and why it was my passion. Even though I was working hard, I felt as if I didn’t deserve to be successful. Read more>>
Monica Garcia
I consider myself an accidental entrepreneur. Years ago I took a photography class at a community college and when the course finished the instructor pulled me aside and said I should continue on to the intermediate classes. For a long time it was just a hobby but then one day someone handed me an envelope with money and I realized I could actually make a career out of doing what I loved. In 2016 I chose to be the woman who went for it. Read more>>
Camille Durr
For the first two years of running my business I didn’t feel like I was doing enough. I questioned myself by holding myself to impossible standards, my inability to say no to requests I knew I shouldn’t take on at the time, and failing many times at things I thought should be easy but weren’t. I thought that I was Superwoman and I could do it all but I quickly came to learn I couldn’t and that’s when the Imposter Syndrome set in. Read more>>
Sherrie Austin
I wouldn’t say I have fully overcome imposter syndrome. What I will say is that I do each new task afraid. I constantly remind myself how i overcame each new chapter of my life. Being a mom at 18 years old, a new registered nurse–now in the game 26 years. Your first time is not that good, but practice makes permanent. Read more>>
Dr. Jennifer Reed
Taking a chance on myself and my passion was the first step in figuring out my values, purpose, what was important to me, and how I wanted to live my life. When starting something new, you have a clean slate, one that is full of opportunities yet overwhelming at the same time. It’s so easy to get distracted with what “everyone else is doing,” especially when you don’t know what you want for yourself. Read more>>
Bobby Brader
I have not. Imposter syndrome is a close pal! Controversial, but I believe that a healthy dose of this condition is good for ambition and staying “above the curve.” The day it magically goes away, should that day ever arrive, will be a scary day, as I’m not sure that I’m ready to enjoy a high level of success, internally. I always want to feel like there is a better way, that I could have done more! Read more>>
Allen Hinds
well I think “role playing” is good and fine at the beginning.. when we were kids we used our parent’s fireplace shovels as microphones, because the handle looked like a microphone to us…. so nothing wrong at the beginning.. as well as back in the 90s ..we were all chasing the latest trends, and we figured if Larry carlton or robben ford and something, a guitar or an effect , that if we had one as well we might be that much closer to being successful.. Read more>>
Krishna Lyles
Imposter syndrome is something that anyone can experience. I feel that those who decide to pursue a career in the creative industry, unfortunately experience this on a higher level. Overcoming imposter syndrome for me is a ongoing fight from project to project that I approach. Honestly, because my work is shared with the public so often I have to talk myself up every time sharing a big project. Read more>>
Mark Kuroda
It’s intriguing how prevalent this term has become in recent years. Personally, I’ve always had a clear understanding of my goals and my position in relation to them. I tend to view my career as a narrative composed of three distinct chapters. The first chapter began right after I graduated, when I ventured into the world of wedding photography. The second chapter saw me immersed in the world of commercial photography for various advertising brands. And presently, I find myself deeply engrossed in the realm of filmmaking. Read more>>
Zion McKnight
Imposter syndrome for me is a feeling I felt when I felt inadeuqate. When I first got into photography I was simply doing it for fun. As I continued to grow in it I began connecting with other photographers/ talented individuals that actually studied photography or had some sort of background with the medium. Hearing these peers use photograhy terms and discuss different principles very much made me feel inadequate and insecure in my art. Read more>>
Kasey Orr
The feeling of imposter syndrome seems to be familiar to a lot of small business owners. It can be scary putting yourself out there, doing something out of your wheelhouse and wondering if people are going to tell you to get back in your lane. But that is where growth happens! I feel this way occasionally, usually when I’m doing something new. I remember having this feeling when I released my first course. This is what helps me figure it out. Read more>>
Thomas Reale
Well, to be very honest; it is something that I still struggle with at times. But I continue to put myself out there all the time. In terms of my photography, I am constantly shooting and showing my work wherever and whenever I can and have found people who enjoy and connect with my style. Read more>>
