Struggling Daily with Imposter Syndrome, I Persist in My Writing Venture
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Imposter syndrome, a bundle of feelings of inadequacy, is a common experience among writers and creatives. Meg, the creator of Novelty Revisions, a freelance writer and eight-time NaNoWriMo winner, is no exception. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Meg admits to struggling with imposter syndrome.
Meg can be found on Twitter, sharing insights about writing, food, and nerdy things. Her work has been published in esteemed platforms like Teen Ink, Success Story, Lifehack, and USA TODAY College. Yet, she continues to grapple with feelings of inadequacy as a writer.
Daily confidence-crushing feelings are a difficult aspect of being a writer. Writing with imposter syndrome can be as close to hell as one can get. However, Meg, like many others, has found ways to cope and regain confidence.
- Acknowledge your feelings: Recognize that imposter syndrome is a common experience among writers and creatives. You’re not alone in feeling this way.
- Separate feelings from facts: Just because you feel like a fraud doesn’t mean you are one. Look at objective evidence of your skills and accomplishments — positive feedback, published work, progress you’ve made.
- Set realistic expectations: Writing is a skill that takes time to develop. Avoid comparing your beginning or current work to other writers who have been practicing for years.
- Share your feelings: Talk about your imposter feelings with trusted peers, mentors, or writing groups. Others can offer encouragement and normalize your experience.
- Focus on growth, not perfection: View mistakes and setbacks as part of the learning process. Celebrate improvements and the fact that you’re actively creating, even if it’s imperfect.
- Create a routine and keep writing: Regular writing practice builds confidence and reduces anxiety. The more you write, the more you’ll trust yourself as a writer.
- Reframe negative self-talk: Challenge critical inner voices by reminding yourself of your dedication, creativity, and the unique value you bring.
- Keep a success journal: Write down compliments, achievements, and moments when you felt proud of your writing. Review it when self-doubt creeps in.
Remember, imposter syndrome is a feeling, not a fact. Embracing the journey and continuing to write despite doubts is key to overcoming it. Meg writes not just because it's a job but also because not writing makes her mentally and emotionally unwell. She publishes work every day, despite feeling consciously that it isn't any good.
In her own words, Meg writes not for herself but for anyone who might be reading, believing she has important things to say. Despite building a wall around herself when it comes to feedback on her writing, she continues to publish her work, viewing it as a way to overcome her imposter syndrome.
If you struggle with feelings of inadequacy as a writer, you are not alone. What works for one person may not work for another in overcoming imposter syndrome. But acknowledging your feelings, separating them from facts, setting realistic expectations, sharing your feelings, focusing on growth, creating a routine, reframing negative self-talk, keeping a success journal, and remembering that imposter syndrome is a feeling, not a fact, are all strategies that can help you cope and regain confidence.
- Explore the connection: Understanding that the realm of science acknowledges mental health as an essential aspect of overall health-and-wellness, it's crucial to approach managing imposter syndrome with this holistic view in mind.
- Practice self-care fundamentals: Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate rest can contribute to improved mental health, thus helping to alleviate feelings of imposter syndrome.
