Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacqueline Friel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jacqueline, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome was something that seemed to take over and control me for a consequential amount of time, until I knew I needed to push past my insecurities. Overcoming imposter syndrome was a significant journey for me, one that required self-awareness, mindset shifts, and consistent effort. Initially, imposter syndrome made me doubt my accomplishments and feel like I didn’t deserve the success I had achieved because my work didn’t look like others’. However, through the following strategies, I was able to overcome these feelings and develop a healthier perspective:
1. Self-Reflection: I began by acknowledging my feelings of self-doubt and recognizing that imposter syndrome was holding me back. I love the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy”I reflected on my achievements, experiences, and the hard work to get me past my blocks. This helped me recognize that my achievements were a result of my efforts, skills, and dedication.
2. Embrace Uniqueness: I internalized that everyone’s journey is distinct, with their own set of strengths, experiences, and goals. I learned that life isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Everyone is unique in their styles, preferences, and especially their passions.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: I learned to appreciate my achievements, no matter how minor, and celebrated them as markers of my progress. Doing so not only strengthened my confidence, but also gave me something to focus on and work towards as a goal to complete.
4, Mindset Shift: I changed the way I looked at success. Rather than success being something measured by others, I reframed it as a personal and individual concept. I learned to love myself and stop comparing myself to others.
5. Support Network: I leaned on mentors, friends, and colleagues, sharing my feelings and gaining insights from their experiences. I am a huge believer that everyone would benefit from therapy, whether just an single session, or ongoing. Having someone outside of your circle you can bounce ideas off of and help you grow as a person is life changing.
6. Focus on Growth: I directed my energy towards continuous learning and skill development, which boosted my self-confidence. I believe that you’re always growing and learning, whether or not you have a ‘teacher’. The “Beginners Mindset”, where you always approach things as a beginner, so you can constantly be learning and growing, was something I focused on. I learned that to maintain this mindset, you need to let go of your judgement on yourself and know that it’s okay not to have all the answers in life.
7. Positive Self-Talk: I replaced self-doubt with positive affirmations and challenged negative thoughts as they arose. Going to therapy also really helped me create and maintain this skill. I love seeing how far I’ve come, and how resilient i’ve become.
Ongoing Journey: I understood that imposter feelings might resurface occasionally, but armed with these strategies, I’m equipped to manage them. Knowing that some things I can control and other things I cannot.
Overcoming imposter syndrome was a gradual process that required patience and constant effort. While occasional self-doubt may still arise, I’ve developed a strong foundation of self-belief and resilience that allows me to navigate these feelings effectively. Doing the work over and over again helps me overcome the obstacles with the gift of experience.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Photography has been my sincerest passion since my early years. From the first time I held a camera, I knew I had found my medium of expression. Whether it’s capturing the raw emotions of a newfound love or showcasing the strength and resilience of an individual, I am driven by the desire to create images that hold a story.
My photography style can be described as a seamless blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair. I believe that every person has a unique story to tell, and my goal is to encapsulate that narrative through the power of visual art. I approach each session with a deep appreciation for the individuality of my clients. By fostering a relaxed, comfortable environment, I am able to capture genuine moments that reflect your personality and essence.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three of my qualities that helped me through my journey would be my intuition, hard working attitude, and constant perseverance. For those starting their own journey, my advice to you would be to follow your passion and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Giving up may seem like an easy path to take, but trust the process.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m overwhelmed, I’ve learned to just take a break and go to my happy place, which for me is my garden or taking a walk in nature, and I feel relaxed and renewed. Advice I would give to those struggling with the feeling of being overwhelmed is to get rest, drink plenty of water, eat well, and do some form of exercise, for me it’s pilates and playing with my dogs. Also find YOUR happy place. It may not be the same as mine, but find some place where you shift into a positive mindset.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jacquelinefrielstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinefriel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineFrielPhotography
Image Credits
Jacqueline Friel Photography
