Imposter Syndrome and How to Overcome it

Many authors don't feel that they are real professionals and that they don't have a right to be respected for their work. They may believe that they are not really authors or writers for a variety of reasons. This is called imposter syndrome and the pattern of self-doubt may lead you to worry that someone will discover you’re a fraud and that you don’t deserve the success you’ve earned. That is no matter how much evidence there is that you’re successfully navigating your life, writing, jobs and relationships, you may hold onto false beliefs that you're not as capable as others think you are.

Imposter syndrome is a most debilitating syndrome. It makes people feel vulnerable and denies them self worth. Sufferers have a fear that the people around them are going to figure out that they don’t know what they’re talking about and that they will be exposed as a fraud. Although imposter syndrome isn’t a true medical diagnosis, it’s characterized by increasing levels of self-doubt and negative self-perception. Rather than believing in or appreciating their own achievements, someone with imposter syndrome tends to attribute their successes and self-worth to external factors like luck, random chance or good will.

As a result of this it is important to tackle imposter syndrome head on and monitor your internal dialogue. I recommend a simple exercise of asking yourself how you might support a friend who minimizes their accomplishments and then applying the same supportive language to your own narration. Another way of saying this is to be kind to yourself.

Also bear in mind that if you don’t trust your own feelings about your writing, I recommend enlisting other people. Sharing your impostor feelings with others can not only reduce loneliness but also open doors for others to share what they see in you. This is a selfless act as it allows you to support other writers who feel the same way. You'll be amazed how many do!

You should reflect on your efforts, but external, concrete reminders are also important. For example, if you receive an email with positive feedback, save it or print it. Or if a reader leaves you a good review or a friend compliments a piece you have written, note it, diary it and give yourself the credit awarded by the third party.

Also I suggest that you let go of perfectionism. To do this you don’t have to lower the standard of your work but adjust your standards for success can make it easier to see and internalize your accomplishments. Be honest with yourself, respect your own work and be kind to yourself.

Val Penny