Recognize and Challenge Imposter Syndrome

You may have heard the phrase used among creatives, imposter syndrome. For many creatives, this is common, although we may not call it this. Naming this behavior is important because if you don’t, it can hold you back from reaching your highest potential. For this post, I will be speaking to creatives and artists specifically. I will be covering what imposter syndrome is, signs that you may have it and how to change this behavior. By the end of this post you will have tools for your tool kit so you know how recognize and challenge imposter syndrome.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

In essence imposter syndrome is specific messaging of the inner critic. The inner critic is about fear and that fear questions our value. The inner critic, or negative thinking, irrational thinking, automatic thinking focuses on what we are not. If you do not first have awareness of what imposter syndrome is and how it is affecting your creative practice, you are unable to make changes.

Imposter syndrome is thinking that you are not qualified enough for your craft. It is believing that you are going to be found out as a fake or phony.

How to Recognize Imposter Syndrome

I will outline four clues that you may be dealing with imposter syndrome.

Questioning Your Competency

This will show up repeatedly. There is no connection made between your ability and the hard work you did to get to where you are. There is a lack of recognition of your effort and knowledge.

Berating Performance

You pick apart and focus on everything you did wrong, while disregarding the good. Perhaps you are quick to shrug off a compliment. You replay the negative over and over in your mind. This self talk is filled with criticism and disbelief in your true ability.

Worry About Being a Fraud

You have a constant fear that someone is going to pull back a curtain on your ability and see that you have no talent or right to be where you are.

Overachieving

You work harder than you need to and fail to have an awareness of this tendency. Even though you work hard and perform to the best of your ability, you still feel like you didn’t do enough. You may be a perfectionist even though you do not identify with that label.

As you start to recognize what the imposter sounds like, where and when it shows up, you will be less surprised and more prepared for what to do next. Then you will be able to move through making necessary adjustments to your inner critic quicker.

How to Challenge Imposter Syndrome

Start questioning core values – Keep what fits and challenge what doesn’t. Ask yourself why you are hanging onto these values and are they really yours or someone else’s? Check out this post, Core Values are the Foundation for Goal Setting Success to determine yours.
Talk to someone to address mistaken Beliefs (Inner Critic)
Find an accountability partner
Stop playing the comparison game – Challenge yourself like you would a friend when you think someone else’s work is better than yours.
Remind yourself that feelings aren’t facts (This is a great affirmation to practice.)
Learn how to reward yourself
List past successes that someone else may help you identify

If accomplishing tasks on this list seems too hard or complicated to figure out on your own, I got you. With my help, you can get help you challenge the belief that you not good enough, trained enough, talented enough to put your work out there.

A Tool to Combat Imposter Syndrome

Even as you read through this tutorial, you may be doubting your ability. Can I do this? Is it too hard? What if I mess up?

I know I can help you as I have been where you are. I held back for years sharing my creations because I was constantly worried that others would call me out, revealing my lack of talent.

As creatives, you and I can be held back due to negative thinking. It might look like comparing your ability to others or not having the confidence to pursue your creative talent or putting your creations out into the world.

Is that you? Have you ever found it difficult to cope with imposter syndrome, your inner critic, fear of failure, perfectionistic tendencies, and being hesitant to share your work?

If your answer is yes, I have a Free resource for you. It’s just a click away!

If you would like to test out what getting help to challenge imposter syndrome would look like, check out the video below to learn more.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about imposter syndrome and how it can apply to your journey. If you have liked what you have read, please share the love with a comment or a pin. Thank you!