How to Survive (and Thrive) While Freelancing with Imposter Syndrome: Part Three
Welcome back to this four-part series on surviving and thriving while freelancing with imposter syndrome! If you’re just now joining us, you can get caught up with post number one and post number two.
Now that we’re all up to speed on what imposter syndrome is, how it manifests, and why it seems to target us freelancers, we can get to the good part: Thriving while living with it. I’ve spoken with fresher freelancers, seasoned veterans, and those of us somewhere in between from every industry imaginable, and I’ve curated their very best advice on how to usurp imposter syndrome and bloom in spite of it.
Trust me, you do not want to miss this info. But before we get started, make sure to sign up to the right to get the next (and final!) post in this series right in your inbox.
Ready? Let’s do this.
How can freelancers thrive in the face of imposter syndrome?
Everybody’s different, so what works for one person might not work for another. That’s why I’ve compiled advice from all kinds of freelancers on how to resist falling to the I’m-not-good-enough-to-do-this trap. In this post, we’ll look at why you should keep reminders of your successes, continue to learn and grow in spite of your fear, journal, and flex your creativity muscles. And watch out for the next post, in which we’ll discuss, among plenty of other things, the dreaded task of setting your rates as a freelancer.
But for now, read on for some sage wisdom (from other freelancers, of course) on defying and rising above imposter syndrome.
Keep receipts
When imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, you can fight back against it by returning to your triumphs and successes and reminding yourself of how far you’ve come. It’s not always easy to remember every single accomplishment, so keep receipts. Make lists of things you’ve overcome, challenges you’ve risen to, and victories you’ve celebrated. Keep client testimonials and compliments on your work in a document on your computer and return to it whenever you need a boost.
“I’ve started to counteract every negative thought or feeling by reading testimonials from my clients and those who are in my tribe. It’s a good reminder to see other people’s words to help you see how awesome you are! Because… let’s be real. We don’t always believe in ourselves like we should. I have emails, screenshots, etc. I keep them for those down moments.”
Maleeka T. Holloway, award-winning publicist and owner of The Official Maleeka Group (The OMG)
It’s brilliant in its simplicity. Whenever you receive a kind word from a client or a testimonial that makes you beam with pride, keep it in a sort of swipe file and return to it whenever you need a reminder of the value you offer, like when a client turns you down due to your rates.
Never stop learning
The most obvious way to overcome the feeling that you’re inadequate at your job is to continually educate yourself on how to do it. I’m not saying you should have your nose to the grind every hour of the day (that’s a recipe for burnout). But you should find ways to master your craft and sharpen your skills that will increase your confidence, making it easier for you to handle imposter syndrome when it crops up.
“Take comfort in feeling like an imposter! Why? Because it means you care. And when you care, you’re more likely to do your best — which means you’re more likely to do a great job. In terms of getting over that feeling, though (because it is rather unpleasant), I recommend making sure you’re properly trained to do the job you’re offering. That will give you the confidence you have the knowledge you need. Then, over time, you’ll gain the experience of applying that knowledge to real-world projects. And gradually you’ll prove to yourself that you can DO this, and do it successfully.”
Sophie Playle, fiction editor at Liminal Pages
Be honest with yourself (without being cruel) about where your biggest gaps are, and find resources to help you bridge them. Whether it’s a blog post, a book, or a course, invest time and money into yourself. Because you’re worth it.
One important caveat: While it’s essential to feel confident in your own knowledge and abilities, it’s just as essential to know that it’s okay not to know something. Really. We all want to position ourselves as experts; after all, that’s why clients choose to work with us. But it’s crucial to realize that just as knowledge is essential to being an expert, so is giving yourself room to grow and learn.
“You’re not going to know the answer immediately to every question. Imposter syndrome often comes from the fear of being caught not having the answer — and sometimes (lots of times probably), you’re not going to have the answer, but that’s okay! There’s a first time for everything. The best people I’ve ever worked with are those who have the confidence of saying “I don’t know, but I’m going to go and find out and let you know”. The best clients are the ones who recognize that a considered answer is better than an immediate one.”
Matthew Knight, Chief Freelance Officer at Leapers
Journal
If you’re like me, you’ve started and stopped journaling more times than you can keep track of. But if you find yourself in the grasp of imposter syndrome, you might try giving it another shot. Turns out, there are a lot of benefits to journaling — and you don’t have to be a gifted writer to reap them. This isn’t the time to showcase your exceptional wit and wisdom. This is the time to open up and honestly examine yourself.
“Try to journal. Even if it’s just a Word document you use to brain dump and delete later, journaling is a great way to understand your imposter syndrome. The more you write, the more you start seeing your thought patterns and recognize all the ways you’re being too hard on yourself. Sometimes I’ll type a paragraph of panic before a sales or client call, asking myself “What are you so afraid of?” and “What’s the worst that can happen?” Usually, my “worst-case scenario” is so outlandish, it’s actually funny when I read it back to myself. Anxiety has a way of taking control over you, but when you give yourself a little bit of space to reflect and be in your own thoughts, it can work wonders!”
Karonica Paige, freelance copywriter
All you need to begin journaling is a pen and a piece of paper (or a blank screen) on which to untangle your thoughts. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Write every day
Well, maybe not every day, but the more you work at making journaling a habit, the more it will benefit you. Try to write at the same time each day for the sake of consistency. Set an alarm if you need a reminder, but don’t forget to cut yourself some slack if you miss a day (I’m looking at you, perfectionists!).
Don’t think, just write
Don’t waste your time sitting there with your pen hovering just above the paper, waiting for inspiration to strike. Starting writing in a stream of consciousness, letting the thoughts flow through you without restraining or challenging them, or worrying about minutiae like word choice and grammar. You’ll be surprised by the volume of words that escape you, and it won’t take long for a pattern in your thinking to emerge.
Your musings don’t have to fill pages upon pages, either. Sometimes all it takes is a few lines (or even a single sentence) to really get to the crux of the matter.
Incorporate writing into a routine
Do you have a bedtime routine that you could squeeze some therapeutic journaling into? What about a morning routine? Try inserting your journaling time into a routine that is already solidly established, and it’ll be easy to keep the habit up. Plus, imagine the positive outcomes of clearing your head just before falling asleep or first thing upon waking.
Get creative
A lot of us work in creative industries, so of course when I say “get creative,” you’re probably thinking I’m already creative for hours upon hours at a time! How much more creative could I get? But stay with me — there’s a lot of difference between doing creative work and being creative if your work is exhausting you instead of inspiring you. And while some of us wrestle with that more than others (and that’s okay!), we could all use a little more creativity in our lives.
“I read once that humans are creative creatures. ALL of us, even though we think in terms of “so-and-so is a creative person” and “I’m not at all creative”. Turns out, if we don’t have a creative outlet we are denying ourselves a critical part of our happiness, and this just means creating things; it doesn’t have to be art. It can be building buildings, cooking, baking, sewing, writing, decorating, etc. I am SO much happier when I am able to write, or doodle, or just think creatively about a problem on a daily basis.”
Laura West, freelance analytics and strategy consultant
But why is using your creativity such a powerful force against imposter syndrome? Two key reasons: It’s all about reframing and seeing tangible results. Giving yourself the space to be creative allows you to compost ideas more effectively because the essence of creativity is problem-solving. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to make your cake fluffier, your writing sharper, or your photographs more balanced, you’re thinking hard on how to solve a problem, and it just might lead you to answers in other parts of your life, including work.
The other reason that creativity helps kick imposter syndrome is that you get tangible results when you make something. When you create, not only are you doing the world a service by adding more beautiful and wonderful things to it, but you’re also giving yourself proof of your value and worth (as if that wasn’t already totally apparent, which it should be). Each time you create something, you fight back against imposter syndrome by providing yourself with internal validation of your skills and abilities by having something to show for it.
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Phew. That’s a lot of munitions to put in your arsenal against imposter syndrome, but stay with me — there’s more to come soon in the thrilling and climactic conclusion of this series. If you haven’t already, read parts one and two, and then follow me to get the fourth installment directly (in which we’ll discuss *gulp* setting rates).
And, of course, share with me in the comments your experiences with imposter syndrome and what you take refuge in when it makes you feel like you’re insignificant.
