What To Do When You Think You're Not Good Enough
Cultivating Self Awareness When Imposter Syndrome Strikes
As a writer, this thing called "Imposter Syndrome" can be a very normal and helpful rite of passage. However, it can be terrifying when it strikes to know what to do with it, why it happens and how to rise above it.
When it hits you might want to hide. You might want to give up, but it's vital that you keep going.
Here are my thoughts on this:
Recognize and Acknowledge Your Feelings:
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to recognize and acknowledge your feelings of self-doubt and feelings of not-enoughness. This is faulty thinking. Understand that these feelings are really common and that many high-achieving individuals experience them. I actually remind my clients and students when they experience this to shift their perspective. It can actually be a really supportive moment to check in with yourself and remember your power. It also helps to not let your ego spiral out of control with a false sense of safety.
Reframe Negative Thoughts:
Challenge and reframe negative thoughts that contribute to imposter syndrome. Instead of dwelling on self-critical statements like "I'm not good enough," or "my work is total bullshit" replace them with positive affirmations such as "I am capable and deserving of success." And if that doesn't float your confidence boat then try something a little more simple such as "Right now I am recalibrating my energy."
Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and the progress you have made, rather than dwelling on perceived failures or shortcomings. Perceived failure can be a powerful teacher.
Seek Support and Share Your Feelings:
Share your feelings of imposter syndrome with trusted friends, family, or mentors. Often, you'll find that others have experienced similar feelings, and their support and reassurance can help. A place that I'd personally not like to see a nasty case of imposter syndrome show up with a pilot in the cockpit of a plane.
"I shouldn't be flying this plane. I'm a total fraud. I'm not good enough."
Jokes aside though, I think it's fair to say that imposter syndrome tends to manifest quite fiercely for creatives.
For instance...
"Is my writing good enough?"
Ouch, that one cuts a little close to home as I write these words.
"Who am I to write a Substack article?"
It's subtle, but the seeds of doubt can sometimes grow faster than a streak of weasel's pee. << This was a saying my dad would say decades ago. The pee part, not likening it to the rapid spread of doubt.
Celebrate Your Achievements:
Instead of dismissing or minimizing your accomplishments, make a habit of celebrating and internalizing them. Keep a record of your successes, big and small, and review them regularly to remind yourself of your capabilities. Give yourself credit for the effort and hard work you put into achieving your goals.
Embrace Growth and Continuous Learning:
Cultivate a growth mindset and view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace the idea that it's natural to have areas for improvement and that developing new skills is a lifelong journey. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and celebrate the process of learning and evolving. It can be a slow and arduous path, but it's almost always worth it to pursue.
By implementing these strategies consistently, you can gradually shift your mindset and build confidence in your abilities, and knowing how to navigate imposter syndrome when it's ready and waiting to kick you in the arse.
With Love & Gratitude,
Sarah Prout.