Turn Impostor Syndrome into Authentic Self-Expression
Most of us can relate to having a moment when we feel inadequate in our creative pursuits. Sometimes we might fail to internalize our own success and sheepishly attribute any progress we’ve made along the way to pure luck, or sometimes we may even feel undeserving of the recognition we receive from others. When I say most of us I mean about 70% of the population, because that’s how high the estimate is for people who suffer from impostor syndrome–myself included. This mental state can best be described as feeling that we are not intelligent, deserving or talented enough to succeed.
I admit it, I have a hard time internalizing my own progress. Often, the dismissive words “I could’ve done better” or “It wasn’t my best” come to mind when I’m done with my creative work. I genuinely fear doing mediocre work and being called out for it. Those who suffer from the dreaded imposter syndrome know how crippling it can be. It can make a relatively straightforward task seem like the hardest thing in the world. It stifles creativity and at its worst, it prevents us from getting any work done. It’s a feeling not just exclusive to creatives and artists but to many other disciplines. The great news is there are tools for getting over your imposter syndrome.
Here are 5 different ways to turn impostor syndrome into Authentic Self-Expression.
1. Trust your abilities
If you’re just starting out on your creative path have some faith in your abilities, they will take time to develop. Find out what your strengths are and begin by developing those then move onto your weaknesses. Learn to be O.K. with working even when you aren’t completely certain your work is headed in the right direction. Often, the work you produce when you feel uncertain may surprise you.
“I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’” — Maya Angelou, Author, Poet and Civil Rights Activist
2. Stop asking for permission
It’s tempting to need some sort of validation from someone we respect but the truth is we don’t need other people to validate our work, the only permission we need in order to accomplish great work is your own. If the question ‘why should I do this?’, comes to mind, then think about these words:
“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” — Neil Gaiman, Novelist
3. Set goals that help you grow
If you know the areas that you need to work on set goals so you can continue to refine them, record the progress so you can see the improvement. Become aware of what you need to work on and set goals for yourself. Write them down. Think about them. Study them. Talk to others who have made it through similar issues. Track your progress to reaching your goals, you’ll be a happier/more creative/more productive you. Counteract The self-doubt with self-awareness through self-reflection.
“Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it.” — Salvador Dali, Surrealist Painter
4. Manage expectations
Setting the bar high is actually a great thing, but don’t let your expectations prevent you from taking off. It’s hard to accept a mediocre performance because we look at the work we perform as a reflection of our value/creativity/intelligence. But sometimes, those feelings can prevent us from executing unless we see it as being “perfect.” As we previously discussed, trust in your abilities. In some cases, time permitting, let yourself get through the job/project completely first and then revisit it to change and refine. In other cases, perhaps prioritize what is most important in your ideal and tackle them sequentially.
“Critique by creating.” — Michelangelo Buonarroti, Sculptor, Painter, Architect
5. Acknowledge the feeling and move on
Feeling the fear is natural, it’s there to protect you but in order to do your best work, requires that you have the courage to work through it.
“There’s nothing wrong with fear; the only mistake is to let it stop you in your tracks.” — Twyla Tharp, Dancer, Choreographer
Turn Impostor Syndrome into Authentic Self-Expression was originally Published on evrystep.com February 9, 2016 by Gary Fabian and Erika Cummings
