Connecting With Our Creativity: Part 2 – Imposter Syndrome

I have written 11 books but each time I think, “Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.”

-Maya Angelou

“I am a writer.”

Well, I mean, I started a blog. I like to write. I am part of a writing group and take it seriously. So, you know.

Why is it so hard for us to actually call ourselves what we are? We believe everyone else is a real writer, photographer, editor, gardener, chef…except us. We are just working on it, dabbling in it, trying it out.

One reason for this is Imposter Syndrome, which Harvard Business Review defines as “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success.” There is a sense of being found out as a fraud. An acknowledgement that while maybe I have experienced some level success at my craft, it’s really because of my connections, luck or some other factor outside of my control.

A rational person would look at the evidence presented – an advanced degree, a beautifully set table, a well designed website – and determine that to be a success. Yet the brain suffering from imposter syndrome is not quite so objective, and eagerly rationalizes and downplays success.

After 20+ years in the insurance business, I still sometimes worry that this career is a house of cards, perilously balanced on my incompetence. Despite evidence to the contrary, I wait to be found out for the “insurance fraud” (I couldn’t stop myself) that I really am.

Now as I lean into my lifelong love of writing, imposter syndrome strikes again.

Why does it matter?

This sense of less than, of not enough, holds us back from pursuing all that we may be capable of. We begin to avoid risk for fear of not measuring up or fear of being found out. We don’t accept that invitation, ask for that promotion, start that new venture, or even invite someone to dinner. The world misses out experiencing all that we have to offer, but maybe more sadly, we never discover the depth and height and fullness of who we were created to be.

So how do we overcome imposter syndrome? There are a lot of great approaches here but one thing that consistently serves me well?

Think About What You’re Thinking About

Pay attention to your thoughts. Reach out and grab one when it floats by and take a look. Is it a keeper or should it be thrown back? Does it make you hum with fresh energy? Write it down! Does it pull you down to the ground with a thud and a sigh? Toss it back! You don’t have to keep it! We get to decide what thoughts we keep. We can choose life giving thoughts or we can choose life draining thoughts.

Here’s some good ones in relation to imposter syndrome and creativity:

• I am worthy. Period.
• This counts.
• I can create solely for the purpose of creating.
• This is good work.
• “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Let’s embrace the glorious truth of all that we are and all the goodness we bear in the world. Let’s not let fear and insecurity hold us back from connecting fully with our creativity. We were meant to be here, in this place, bringing all that we have.

Sending love this week my fellow creatives,

Alicia

PS – check out Part 1 of our creativity series “Connecting With Our Creativity: Part 1 – Defining Creativity”!