Have you ever questioned your abilities as a writer? Have you ever had doubts about whether or not your work was good enough or if it was even worth the time and effort it took for you to get it done? These kinds of thoughts can be signs of Imposter Syndrome, and they can have a crippling effect on your confidence. If left unchecked, they can inevitably lead to bouts of despair and depression.
Imposter Syndrome is the nagging feeling in the back of your mind that believes that if people were to take a closer look at you and your work, they would quickly discover that you have no idea what you’re doing. This causes you to question whether you’re qualified to call yourself a writer.
Imposter syndrome is more common than most people realize, and it is especially detrimental to writers. It’s challenging to address because it isn’t a problem that ever truly goes away. Like any other creative endeavor, writing is a journey marked by seasons of success, but it is also plagued by valleys of despair. And it’s in those valleys where imposter syndrome lives.
As part of my commitment to writer wellness, I’ve put together five strategies to help you overcome imposter syndrome and get you back into your creative flow.
Five Simple Ways To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
- Acknowledge How You Feel
- Focus On The Facts
- Set Realistic Goals
- Learn And Grow
- Know You’re Not Alone
Acknowledge How You Feel
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge the truth about how you feel. This can be challenging because we tend to deny or bury negative feelings. We might even try to lose ourselves in the creative process, only to be frustrated by our inability to move forward or remain productive.
Instead of denying those negative mindsets, acknowledge them and face them head-on. Challenge those thoughts by identifying what’s behind them. By knowing the cause of your self-doubt, you can avoid specific triggers and reframe your thoughts in a more positive light.
Focus On The Facts
Imposter syndrome has a way of adapting to your tactics. That’s what makes it such a difficult thing to overcome. So while it’s important to acknowledge the truth about how you feel, you also have to be careful not to dwell on those emotions, or you might get sucked right back into that cycle of depression.
Realign your feelings to focus on what you know to be true about yourself. Stick to the facts about your skills and abilities so you will have the evidence you need to remind yourself of how capable you really are.
Set Realistic Goals
Regaining your creative flow isn’t just about adopting new mindsets; it’s also about reevaluating your process. A low season often yields less-than-ideal productivity, so setting realistic goals and expectations is essential.
Don’t be quick to get back into your creative routine. Allow yourself the time to get past your challenges and then slowly start again. Break larger goals into smaller steps while focusing on making steady progress.
Learn And Grow
While imposter syndrome often returns in waves throughout the creative process, it doesn’t have to have the same effect on you each time you experience it. You can use your personal experiences to propel you toward more significant growth.
Take steps to address what you’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to seek help from coaches or counselors to help you identify what drives your negative emotions and thoughts. Look for communities or support groups where you can share your experiences and get the encouragement you need.
Know You’re Not Alone
Imposter Syndrome is more common than you may realize. Knowing you’re not alone in your struggle with negative mindsets can help you gain new perspective and ease the sense that you don’t measure up.
Take steps to address what you’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to seek help from coaches or counselors to help you identify what drives your negative emotions and thoughts. Look for communities or support groups where you can share your experiences and get the encouragement you need.
Summing it up
Unfortunately, Imposter Syndrome isn’t a problem with a permanent solution. There are ways to overcome it, but it will most likely reappear as you continue the creative process. It is essential to train yourself to think about it differently so that you have the tools you need to keep moving forward. I hope these tips foster new insights into the importance of maintaining your well-being. Stay focused as you keep striving toward your goals. And above all, keep writing!
Until next time,
Great info for writers! Love this 😍