How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker addresses imposter syndrome, a common issue among creative professionals, including well-known figures like Meryl Streep. The speaker emphasizes overcoming self-doubt by grounding oneself in authenticity and focusing on growth rather than perfection. By adopting a learner mindset and ceasing to compare oneself to others, individuals can combat the internal voice of imposter syndrome. The speaker advises using one's past self as a benchmark for progress, celebrating growth, and maintaining self-compassion in the creative journey. The ultimate message is about embracing vulnerability, learning, and self-acceptance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Imposter syndrome is a common experience among creative individuals, where they fear being discovered as talentless or unworthy of their success.
• 😀 Even highly successful people like Meryl Streep suffer from imposter syndrome, showing that it affects individuals across all levels of accomplishment.
• 😀 Creativity is deeply tied to vulnerability, and this emotional openness can make creatives more susceptible to imposter syndrome.
• 😀 Grounding yourself in your true self and embracing a learner's mindset can help overcome imposter syndrome, allowing room for growth rather than self-judgment.
• 😀 Focusing on growth rather than perfection can alleviate the mental burden of maintaining an idealized self-image.
• 😀 Non-violent communication helps us view our work objectively without attaching personal judgment or value to it, reducing self-criticism.
• 😀 By shifting focus away from projecting a perfect image, you can find ease in public speaking and other activities that trigger imposter syndrome.
• 😀 When feeling out of place or vulnerable, it's essential to remember your core skills and experiences, which extend beyond your current challenge or environment.
• 😀 Everyone starts as a beginner, and comparing your current self to a past version of you, rather than others, helps maintain perspective and avoid discouragement.
• 😀 The journey of improving your skills often involves cycles where your skill level surpasses your taste, leading to temporary feelings of inadequacy, but this is part of the growth process.

Q & A

What is imposter syndrome and how does it affect creative people?

Imposter syndrome is the fear that others will eventually discover that you're not as skilled or talented as they thought. It often affects creative people because they are in touch with their emotions and vulnerabilities, which can make them feel insecure about their abilities. Even highly successful individuals, like Meryl Streep, experience this fear of being exposed as 'talentless.'

Why do creative people often experience imposter syndrome?

Creative people often experience imposter syndrome because their creativity is closely tied to vulnerability and emotional expression. This openness can lead to self-doubt and fear of being 'discovered' as inadequate, even though their work may be exceptional.

How does ego influence our perception of ourselves in relation to imposter syndrome?

Our ego often leads us to believe that we should be at a certain level of success, which creates a conflict between our true self and the idealized version of ourselves. This dissonance can exacerbate imposter syndrome, as we feel we're not where we 'should' be, which causes internal tension and self-criticism.

What is the importance of grounding yourself in your 'true self' when facing imposter syndrome?

Grounding yourself in your true self means embracing who you genuinely are, without trying to live up to a projected image. By accepting that you're a learner and focusing on growth rather than perfection, you can reduce the power of imposter syndrome and allow your authentic self to show up in your work and life.

How does non-violent communication relate to overcoming imposter syndrome?

Non-violent communication encourages us to observe our work objectively, without attaching judgment or assigning excessive value to it. This can help reduce the emotional weight of imposter syndrome by allowing us to view our progress neutrally, as a reflection of where we are at that moment, rather than as an evaluation of our worth.

Why is comparison to others detrimental to overcoming imposter syndrome?

Comparing yourself to others, especially to those who are more accomplished, can deepen feelings of inadequacy and hinder your progress. It's important to focus on your own journey and compare yourself to where you were in the past, rather than looking at the 'finished product' of others.

What role does the 'learner mindset' play in overcoming imposter syndrome?

Adopting a 'learner mindset' means accepting that you don't know everything and that you're on a continuous path of growth. This mindset helps mitigate imposter syndrome by shifting the focus from proving yourself to embracing the process of learning and improving.

What are some mental tricks to combat imposter syndrome?

Some mental tricks include recognizing that everyone starts as a beginner, focusing on progress over time rather than perfection, and reminding yourself of the core skills and strengths you bring to the table. Reflecting on your growth and achievements can also help you push past feelings of self-doubt.

How can recognizing your own core skills help with imposter syndrome?

When faced with imposter syndrome, reconnecting with your core skills—whether they're unrelated to your current field or not—reminds you of your value. Recognizing that you're bringing a lot to the table, even if you're not yet fully skilled in a particular area, can help silence the voice of self-doubt.

How does comparing yourself to your past self help with overcoming imposter syndrome?

Comparing yourself to your past self helps you track your progress and growth, rather than getting discouraged by where others are or where you think you 'should' be. By focusing on how far you've come, you can gain perspective and motivation to continue your journey.