As a creative person, one thing you might struggle with is something called the Impostor Syndrome. If you haven’t heard about it before, Impostor Syndrome is a psychological pattern where you find yourself doubting your skills, talents, abilities and accomplishments despite external evidence of your competence. It is simply a persistent feeling of inadequacy.  

People from all kinds of industries and profession are affected by this syndrome and it also shows up in other areas of life apart from work. However, it is quite easy to fall into this pattern as a creative because your work is often evaluated based on subjection and not always clear subjective parameters. In many ways, your work must be understood and appreciated or simply liked. And this is why it is important that you understand it and know how to overcome it. 

 

How to Identify Impostor Syndrome 

One way to know if you are struggling with Impostor Syndrome is checking if you always fear being exposed as some type of fraud regardless of real evidence that say otherwise. However, there are specific symptoms to look out for including: self-doubt, negative self-talk, feeling like a fake; all of which are often accompanied by anxiety and depression. 

 

Types 

Research identifies five basic types of Impostor Syndrome: 

1. The Perfectionist: Believes they must be perfect to succeed. 

1. The Expert: Feels inadequate because they don’t know everything. 

1. The Natural Genius: Expects tasks to come easily; struggles when they don’t. 

1. The Soloist: Prefers to work alone; fears asking for help. 

1. The Superhero: Feels they should excel in all areas simultaneously 

 

Causes 

1. High Standards: Setting unrealistically high standards for oneself can lead to impostor feelings. Perfectionists are particularly prone to this. 

1. Comparisons: Constantly comparing oneself to others can trigger impostor syndrome. Social media exacerbates this by showcasing others’ achievements. 

1. Attribution Errors: People with impostor feelings attribute their success to external factors (luck, help) rather than their own abilities. 

1. Stereotypes: Individuals from underrepresented groups may feel like impostors due to stereotypes and lack of representation. 

 

How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome as a Creative 

1. Acknowledge It: Know and accept that it is normal and common. Many successful and accomplished people struggle with it too. You are not alone, and it is not a mental illness. 

1. Figure out your Type: Knowing which type of Impostor Syndrome you’re struggling with will help you target your solutions and remedies better. 

1. Re-frame your Thoughts: Challenge negative talk! Depending on your type, affirm yourself with “I don’t have to…” statements. E.g. ”I don’t have to be perfect; I only need to do my best and my best is good enough”. 

1. Track and Celebrate Successes: This seems like the most straight forward and simple thing. And that is why it can be easily overlooked. But if you are intentional about keeping a record of your wins, big and small (compliments too) and patting yourself on the back for them, you will be one step closer to overcoming your Impostor Syndrome. And it is a good response to negative feelings whenever they rear their heads. 

1. Embrace Learning: Shift focus from proving yourself to continuous learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Understand that growth is reassuring and to grow you must first admit that you don’t know everything or how to do everything. This is key for Perfectionists and Natural Geniuses. 

1. Normalize Failure: Understand that failure is a necessary part of growth. Learn from setbacks instead of seeing them as proof of incompetence. Failure is 100% you but you’re not 100% it. 

1. Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or a therapist. Share your feelings; you’ll likely find others who relate. 

Remember, overcoming impostor syndrome is an ongoing process. Be kind to yourself and know that you’re not alone in this journey.