Is Imposter Syndrome Real?
If so, how do we know if we have it?
I know it’s real. I suffer from imposter syndrome as I’m a fraud. Here I am writing as if I have the skill, as though I have a background in creative writing, or at the very least was an outstanding English student.
Nope, none of the above do I possess, so where do I get the nerve to write a weekly blog and publish on Medium?
I want to write. I enjoy writing. It brings me satisfaction and pride that I have taken on a new challenge in the Third Third of my life.
That is until the moment arrives to pull the trigger and Publish.
The self-doubt descends on me — who do I think I am? The other writers are far superior, more clever, and certainly more intelligent and talented than I. Imposter Syndrome is the fear that you will discover I haven’t a clue what I’m doing.
According to the website MedLife:
Imposter Syndrome is an emotional and mental state where an individual refuses to give credit to their own hard work and talent for their successes.
I gather my courage and chutzpah and hit Publish. I rationalize that I have accomplished far more significant and more daunting undertakings than publishing a little article online. What’s the big deal, anyway?
Still, the insecurity and doubt linger.
As Seth Godin says in his book; The Practice — Shipping Creative Work:
I feel like an imposter often. That’s because my best work involves doing things I’ve never done before.
Ok, so there we have it. Writing is new to me. Yes, I’ve been writing every week on my blog for over two years, so that should give me a bit of confidence. My readers there are primarily friends and very accepting.
Medium feels like the big time in comparison, and I see the followers, claps, and comments other writers are collecting, which feeds my insecurity.
Still, as Seth states — this psychological syndrome slams us when we attempt to do something new. At least I’m not alone. I’m in good, nay — excellent company!
Maya Angelou has been afraid people would realize her scam. Meryl Streep feels she is not beautiful and is a character artist. Tom Hanks says he feels like a conman. Dr. Margaret Chou, two times head of WHO, is surprised people consider her an expert!
Regrettably, the imposter syndrome is not fussy when or where it will strike. It wallops me when I’m attempting a new collage or painting. This particular creative endeavor is where I am most vulnerable. I’ll give the credit for this encounter with the syndrome to my dad, who was a professional artist for a time. He made it clear I did not have any talent in this area. Of course, I believed him; I was an innocent child.
Eventually, I decided the hell with his opinion and dipped my brush, and began to paint. I was in mid-life at this point — having been successful in parenting, careers, and such, still the imposter appeared.
I forged on and am proud of quite a few pieces I created; imposter be damned.
If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends) ‘Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?’ Chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death. — Stephen Pressfield.
That is the best news. Precisely what we doubters need to hear and remember. There is a possibility believing we are the real deal may boost our self-confidence in our chosen field, knowing we are genuine innovators.
I’m sure reading these uplifting quotes won’t convince us overnight that we are authentic writers, artists, chefs, potters — however, this is undoubtedly a jumping-off point to believing we are bonafide and legit.
Give yourself deserved credit for venturing forward in your chosen craft. Silent that imposter by continuing to deliver your goods. The world is waiting.
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