Signs of Imposter Syndrome in Your Writing Life and How to Combat It
Do you ever feel like a fraud? Like you’re not really qualified to do the things you do or the things you want to do-like write a book? If so, then you might suffer from imposter syndrome. Many people experience some form of imposter syndrome, which is a form of fear that causes them to doubt their abilities and accomplishments. This can be particularly troublesome for writers or people who want to write. And writers who get started later in life or in midlife can be particularly sensitive to imposter syndrome. Below, I’ll share some signs of imposter syndrome in your writing life, and make some suggestions for how to combat it.
Imposter syndrome is a condition in which people cannot accept their success and instead attribute it to luck or other external factors. Despite apparent evidence to the contrary, these self-doubts can make people feel like imposters. For writers, this often means the fear of not being good enough to be published, or worse, they think they don’t have a “right” to want to write. These thoughts lead to writers abandoning their dreams to write a book. And as a book coach who focuses on serving writers in midlife, I see this too often.
Signs of Imposter Syndrome
The following thoughts running through your head may be signs that you’re suffering from imposter syndrome:
“Who do I think I am to think I can write a book?
“I’m not smart enough to do this.”
“Writing a book means I’m saying I’m an expert. What if they find out I’m a fraud?”
“What will my (peers, friends, work colleagues) think or say when I tell them I’m writing a book?”
“I’ve never done this before, so what makes me think I can do it now?” Or “I’ve tried this before and failed, so I know I can’t do it.”
Famous People Who Suffer from Imposter Syndrome
It’s not just “average” people who suffer from imposter syndrome. It’s something that affects everyone, regardless of their occupation or level of success.
Consider these famous people who suffer from imposter syndrome;
Maya Angelou: “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.’”
Oprah Winfrey: “When you’re the first one in your family to graduate from college and have a career, you feel like an impostor. Because no matter how much I accomplished, it didn’t erase that feeling of inadequacy.”
Amy Poehler: “Ignore what other people think. Most people aren’t even paying attention to you.”
Steve jobs: “I never went to business school. So I don’t have imposter syndrome, because I know I am an imposter.”
Imperfections, mistakes and so-called shortcomings are not proof that you’re not qualified or that you’re an imposter. Rather, they are your golden ticket to belonging and connection. – Michelle Melton Cox, Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach
Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome:
It can also be helpful to seek feedback from others, especially those who know you well and can attest to your accomplishments. But choose your trusted cheerleaders carefully. Remember that everyone has imposter syndrome at some point or another, so if someone says something that reinforces your imposter syndrome, try to discern if she might be speaking from a place of fear, as well.
Another way to overcome imposter syndrome is to develop a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in the area where imposter syndrome is blocking you. Seeking the help of a professional might be a good place to start: i.e. a book coach. Or, you could enter your writing in a few small contests. (I’ll be doing a blog post with a list of some suggestions in a few weeks).
Don’t forget: imposter syndrome shouldn’t stop you from writing.