Impostor Syndrome: A Sign of Growth?

Interestingly, the only way to truly rid yourself of impostor syndrome is to avoid pursuing anything meaningful. I often feel like an impostor when I teach, pitch my services, or present solutions to problems—essentially, every time I attempt to make a significant impact.

It would be easy to settle for a low-stakes job where I wouldn’t feel this anxiety, but that would be a life half-lived, drifting rather than thriving. Teaching and sharing ideas involve risks; it's possible that people may disagree or criticize, and with that comes responsibility.

Impostor syndrome misleads you, turning your creativity against you and conjuring fears where disappointment is the worst outcome.

The Struggle is Familiar

I've been aware of this impostor syndrome for as long as I can remember. It might even be genetic, but I believe I also picked it up from my mom.

I’ve tried countless tips to combat it, but they only taught me one thing: trying to eradicate impostor syndrome is futile. Instead, we should learn to ignore its voice.

Each time you feel the sting of impostor syndrome, treat it as a chance to practice tuning it out. The more you confront it, the better you become at ignoring it!

In my 13 years of publishing, I have created thousands of pieces of content, launched ebooks and courses, consulted, coached, and even performed in bands. I’ve accumulated experience and repetitions, but that doesn’t mean I’ve become overconfident. I still use perfectionism to quiet the impostor syndrome, but more often than not, it doesn’t hold me back.

You can shift your relationship with impostor syndrome in three steps: recognize it, resize it, and reframe it.

Recognize: Awareness is Key

To effectively deal with impostor syndrome, you first need to recognize its presence. When it strikes, it may lead you to feel uneasy and rationalize your fears, prompting avoidance behaviors like busywork or self-doubt.

Stay vigilant in situations where you take risks—be it publishing, performing, or selling. Pay attention to your physical sensations; do you experience tension or discomfort? Listen to your thoughts—are they focused on success or dwelling on potential pitfalls? Observe your actions; are you procrastinating or obsessing over minor details?

Keep a record of these observations. The act of writing can heighten your awareness, allowing you to understand how impostor syndrome manifests in your life.

Resize: You’re Not Alone

Consider how many individuals search for "impostor syndrome" online each month.

Millions seek solutions to this issue annually, and numerous resources are available. If it were a simple fix, someone would have solved it by now. So, be gentle with yourself; it’s not solely your struggle.

You might think that the successful figures you admire have conquered impostor syndrome without hesitation. I once believed this too, until I spoke with fellow creators. They too grapple with doubts and fears that keep them up at night, yet they persist in their work.

Take, for example, the recent closure of "Write of Passage," a company centered around a prestigious online writing course. Despite the accolades and hype, it faced challenges with acquisition and profitability for much of its brief existence.

The thoughts that haunt the writers you admire are likely similar to those that trouble you now. Engaging in interviews with your heroes often reveals their vulnerabilities and insecurities.

Understanding that you are not alone in this struggle can lighten the burden.

Reframe: Turning Fear into Freedom

Recognizing impostor syndrome as a self-defense mechanism is a form of reframing. You can now approach situations more objectively and understand that there’s no real danger involved.

Reframing can also involve considering your desire to help others. The question “Who am I to share this?” can become a sign that you genuinely care about your audience and aim to provide value.

This shift in perspective can turn impostor syndrome from a barrier into a catalyst for personal growth. Continue to share your ideas and push yourself beyond your comfort zone—waiting for perfection will only lead to stagnation.

Embrace Your Vulnerability

For years, I distanced myself from my writing, focusing solely on creating polished tutorials that my audience loved. However, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t sufficient.

Your audience desires authenticity—a relatable human who faces struggles yet remains determined. I’ve started to share my doubts, mistakes, and unfinished thoughts, which has fostered a deeper connection with my audience.

Fighting Impostor Syndrome: Practical Steps

The most powerful action you can take is to keep producing content. Stop striving for perfection driven by fear of failure. Establish a consistent publishing schedule and adhere to it diligently.

Consider yourself a journalist; your content should be ready for release at set times, regardless of your doubts. This practice will enhance your self-awareness and reinforce the reality that nothing catastrophic occurs when you publish.

Reflect on Your Progress

Every piece you publish demonstrates your growth.

This article you’re reading has undergone revisions since its original publication a couple of years ago. It has received positive feedback, but I felt compelled to improve it further because I’ve evolved as a writer.

Review your earlier works after a few months; you’ll likely see how much you’ve progressed, which can boost your confidence and affirm the importance of sharing your voice.

Your Action Plan

Let go of the battle against impostor syndrome. Instead, leverage your encounters with it to:

1. Recognize when it appears and how it operates against you.
2. Understand that it's not as daunting as it seems.
3. Reframe it into a tool for enhancing your writing.

I hope these insights prove helpful.

What strategies do you employ to combat impostor syndrome?

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