Understanding Imposter Syndrome and the Tools to Mitigate It
In your life, professional and personal, there are times when you might feel like you do not belong. This can be from any source, but it makes you feel like an intruder in your life. You might even doubt your abilities and skills that got you to where you are today. Most people know this feeling as imposter syndrome, and it is very common in any field.
Writers are in a uniquely personal art form, but there is still a larger community. It is only natural to compare yourself to others and their writing. Comparing yourself to others is a brewing ground for imposter syndrome. Even if you are an accomplished writer, you can feel like an outsider. This article will review all about imposter syndrome in the literary world.
The Big Picture of Imposter Syndrome
As mentioned, imposter syndrome (or imposter phenomenon) is when someone feels like an imposter in their environment. Often, this will be at work or school and stem from comparing yourself to others. People with imposter syndrome feel that they are not worthy of being in their space. They see others’ successes and can feel inadequate. However, people can internalize their imposter syndrome in different ways.
In the publishing and literary worlds, this often presents as insecurity about one’s writing. For example, if you are a moderately successful author, you may compare yourself to bestselling authors. Everyone has their own version of success, but sometimes other people’s success can intimidate you. You might also feel inferior because other people have more formal training than you.
Who Is Most Likely to Have Imposter Syndrome?
While anyone can experience imposter syndrome, there are certain groups of people who can be more sensitive to it.
Often, this is based on identity or membership in a specific group, especially when it is a minority group. Being a minority among the larger majority group can give someone imposter syndrome. Some of these groups are minorities in race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and class. However, just belonging to one of these groups does not mean you must feel imposter syndrome.
Outside of identity, people’s personalities can affect their susceptibility. People who experience anxiety in other aspects of their life are, naturally, more likely to be anxious about fitting in. These already-anxious people could easily feel like they do not measure up to others’ expectations of them.
The final factor that often plays a role in imposter syndrome is one’s experience level. People who are new to an environment are more likely to be unsure about their place. When others have been there longer, it can be intimidating to join an already-established group. This source of imposter syndrome can hopefully subside as the person gains more experience in the field.
Tackling Imposter Syndrome Head On
Just because you suffer from imposter syndrome does not mean you have to struggle with it. There are many ways to mitigate the uncertainty and discomfort that comes with imposter syndrome. This is a sample of potential solutions, but the sky’s the limit with managing your mental health.
The biggest tactic to manage imposter syndrome is to practice mindfulness and intentional thinking. Of course, you cannot completely control the places your mind goes, but you can try to practice it. Various forms of meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can center you. This might not completely change your mindset, but it can help open your mind. Self-care is at the root of each of this mindfulness.
Try to focus your thinking on the logic and facts of the people around you. Everyone started somewhere, including the successful people who intimidate you. You deserve to be in the space you are in — do not let imposter syndrome let you think otherwise. Nobody knows your worth better than you. Breaking down your imposter syndrome can reveal the logical fallacies and truth of your imposter syndrome.
Further, there are different metrics of success for everyone. As an author, you might have peers who win awards or are national bestsellers. However, your writing can have different aspirations. You could also strive to achieve that kind of success, but recognize that you do not have to.
There are always ways to become more confident and self-assured. Do not be afraid to seek out resources or professional help to support your journey. You are never alone, and your friends and family are also there to support you.
A good publisher will also guide your journey to overcome imposter syndrome. Here at Cloverly Audiobook, we work to make sure you feel like you belong.
