The instance when you feel as if you’re deceiving others or lacking genuine understanding of your actions, and you believe that eventually, everyone will uncover this truth, is known as imposter syndrome; hence, you need to know how to deal with imposter syndrome.
This encompasses the inability to acknowledge your achievements and the inclination to attribute them to luck rather than your skills and aptitude.
Experiencing these emotions can severely damage your self-assurance, drive, and capacity to perform, frequently resulting in compromised mental well-being and overlooked chances for advancement in your profession.
Imposter syndrome is widespread across various fields—indeed, about 70% of individuals encounter it at some juncture in their lives—yet individuals in artistic endeavors such as music, art, and other creative pursuits are particularly prone to its adverse consequences.
To know how to deal with imposter syndrome, it’s important to know how to identify it.
If any of these apply to you, you almost certainly have imposter syndrome. Here are a handful of imposter syndrome’s typical signs:
- You no longer believe in your abilities and skills, and your self-confidence has declined.
- You feel as though you don’t belong with other musicians.
- You worry that someone will eventually realize that you don’t know what you’re doing.
- You think your successes are just pure luck, and you think it’s impossible to repeat your accomplishments.
- You think your accomplishments are unworthy, despite them.
- You are reluctant to ask for help from others and take full responsibility for duties.
- You have high standards for yourself and expect to be perfect.
- You worry about mistakes or failed results.
- You aggressively look for other people’s acceptance.
- You have a keen sense of criticism.
Here’s the catch: the fundamental essence of imposter syndrome implies that you cannot genuinely be an impostor. If you were truly unfamiliar with your field and merely pretending in your career journey, these emotions wouldn’t be present. You’d likely find satisfaction in successfully deceiving those around you.
Having settled that you unquestionably aren’t an impostor, let’s dive into how to deal with imposter syndrome to cease harboring such feelings.
How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome
1. Commence by acknowledging that you are not alone.
Recognizing that you’re not alone is the first step to knowing how to deal with imposter syndrome. Psychologist Pauline Rose Clance, who introduced the concept, found it prevalent in various professions and demographics, with underrepresented groups often experiencing it more intensely.
This implies that the feeling of being on the brink of exposure as a fraudster is common. Research by Bravata in 2020 found that people faced with the challenge of impostor syndrome often think they are the odd worn-out.
Just as a technique suggests imagining others in their underwear to cope with public speaking, understanding that numerous successful individuals, both male and female, have forged remarkable careers while contending with imposter syndrome can provide crucial support.
The notion that everyone, regardless of social status, is imperfect and grappling with self-doubt can be reassuring. This phenomenon, termed “impostor syndrome” is experienced by many, as highlighted by a clinical psychologist from Georgia State University.
The understanding that nobody should be placed on a pedestal, including yourself, is important. Esteemed figures like Neil Gaiman, Maya Angelou, and Albert Einstein have all battled feelings of being impostors.
2. Develop self-compassion
Shifting from seeking external validation to internal self-worth through mindfulness, or self-compassion, can aid in overcoming perfectionism related to imposter feelings.
By observing these feelings and your reactions to them, you can counteract the unconscious nature of imposter syndrome with conscious mindfulness.
This involves acknowledging fear and accepting oneself without being solely defined by achievements. This might be more challenging for underrepresented individuals who face systemic obstacles.
In such cases, it’s important to recognize these systemic factors and dissociate accomplishments from personal value.
Embracing community over competition, an approach historically associated with White culture can also be beneficial.
3. Identify the underlying issue
Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on imposter syndrome, has categorized it into five types: the perfectionist, the expert, the natural genius, the soloist, and the superhero.
These categories can reveal the core of your imposter feelings and guide your efforts to overcome them. For instance, if you identify as a perfectionist, focus on accepting your achievements as satisfactory instead of pursuing unattainable ideals.
Going deeper into how to deal with imposter syndrome, it’s crucial to confront cognitive distortions.
An experienced clinical instructor has been guiding medical residents through discussions on this issue.
Such feelings are prevalent among professionals, particularly new doctors, often culminating in burnout.
Valuable advice involves taking a moment to reflect on your journey and the concrete evidence substantiating your value in your position.
Equally important is being mindful of your internal dialogue.
The approach recommended is to adopt the kind and encouraging words you would extend to a friend who underestimates their achievements and apply them to your inner narrative.
4. Share and express your emotions and feelings
To combat self-doubt, it is sometimes advisable to seek input from others to validate your accomplishments. Sharing feelings of being an impostor can alleviate isolation and invite others to contribute their perspectives.
Be cautious about who you confide in; discussing with peers might lead to unhealthy comparisons while confiding in trusted individuals outside your professional circle can offer more valuable insights into your worth.
For those with underrepresented identities, seeking empowerment in supportive communities works effectively.
These spaces provide not only support but also validation and empathy for navigating imposter feelings within oppressive systems.
5. Separate humbling yourself from fear
The distinction between healthy humility and overwhelming fear due to one’s accomplishments is crucial. Sometimes, excelling at something can lead to undervaluing its significance.
As stated in a New York Times article by Carl Richards, honing skills to the point where they appear natural is a valid aim.
This struggle ultimately stems from feeling unworthy. Seth Godin, in a blog post, captures it as perceiving positive responses as tricks or luck when feeling inadequate.
However, achieving a balance between worthiness and humility is key how to dealing with imposter syndrome. Godin emphasizes that being gracious, open, and humble doesn’t require feeling like a fraud or defending one’s territory.
6. Sharing Failures and Growing Together
Don’t endure imposter syndrome in isolation. Sharing your thoughts and experiences with others can equip you to manage them effectively. It’s beneficial to confide in both a mentor and your immediate supervisor.
Yet, growth isn’t solely reliant on external opinions.
Discussing failures collectively can provide a more realistic view of shared challenges.
While you might acknowledge your own rejected papers, seeing only a colleague’s successful publication could lead to unfavorable comparisons and heightened imposter feelings.
Moreover, on how to deal with imposter syndrome, individuals like Gardner and fellow junior professors engage in open discussions within a Facebook group. They openly share failures, like critical review comments on research papers or not achieving tenure.
This practice fosters a culture of learning and understanding that setbacks are a part of every individual’s journey, even those at the top of their field.
7. Embrace the truth
Pretending to know something you don’t isn’t necessary. Holding a leadership program where I’m both a member and a leader allowed me to be genuine about leadership and its challenges without the pressure to appear knowledgeable. I’ve embraced admitting uncertainty and asking questions.
Instead of striving to be an expert, I engage in learning and evolving within the group. Similarly, in other fields of engagement, you don’t need to possess all the skills upfront; you develop them as you progress.
Just like my coaching community encourages exploration and growth, the same applies to other fields of engagement—you can develop your abilities as you work on your project.
8. Recognize that luck plays a role in the equation.
A prominent sign of imposter syndrome is linking your past achievements to luck instead of your abilities and efforts. However, it’s crucial to recognize that luck and hard work are interconnected.
While luck might have played a role in your journey, it’s a normal component, especially in industries like music.
What truly counts is how you utilize that luck. Your dedication and effort prepared you to seize opportunities, which is entirely your accomplishment and deserving of credit.
9. Bring light to what appears to be darkness
Expressing self-doubt is a potent method to bring hidden inner struggles to light and, in the process, normalize them for both yourself and others.
Sharing your genuine experiences with understanding listeners brings a sense of relief and facilitates progress in your writing despite doubts.
Merely voicing thoughts like “I don’t know how I’ll ever complete this script” can be liberating. Such fears are not truths but uncertainties, and articulating them aloud or in writing helps release their grip.
Keeping fears suppressed allows them to fester, but sharing them with a supportive individual helps you let go. After sharing, you can devise plans to move forward with your creative work.
10. Never generalize your emotions.
Feeling anxious or unsure at times, like before a session with admired artists or a big performance, is natural. Yet, it’s important not to let these emotions define your overall identity as a musician.
Nervousness in such scenarios is expected and doesn’t reflect your skill level or worthiness to be there.
11. Modify how you feel about failure.
Imposter syndrome often stems from a fear of failure, where the concern is being exposed as inexperienced due to mistakes. Consider reframing this perspective: view failure as a chance for growth, learning, and progress.
Embrace failure as a natural part of the journey, and actively seek opportunities to learn from your mistakes. By adopting this approach, the fear associated with failure diminishes, leaving you with a more positive outlook.
12. Count your achievements and be proud of them.
In times of self-doubt, reflect on your achievements and maintain a record of your work, such as scripts or rewrites, to provide tangible proof of progress.
Regularly reviewing these accomplishments can help you recognize your growth. To counter insecurity, balance it with positive feedback about your music from others.
Create a computer folder to store praise in quotes, screenshots, and reviews. When you doubt yourself, browsing this folder can remind you of your achievements and boost your confidence.
Individuals grappling with imposter syndrome tend to downplay their accomplishments, exacerbating the issue. Experts recommend not hastily brushing off compliments. Rather, pay attention to your responses and employ optimistic language.
Acknowledge and rejoice in achievements, whether they involve obtaining new credentials, publishing, or productive sessions.
External cues like archived emails containing positive feedback hold significant value. Professionals often keep such emails accessible to bolster their self-perception. It’s important to remember that even minor achievements collectively showcase your competence and professionalism.
13. Decide to overcome imposter syndrome.
To overcome imposter syndrome, the initial step is to understand that it won’t fade by itself and that it’s your responsibility to put in the effort to conquer it.
Many emerging musicians grapple with this syndrome as they compare themselves to those farther along in their careers. They may think that achieving certain milestones will make the feeling vanish, like reaching a certain Spotify listenership or releasing a full album.
However, the reality is that as you advance, imposter syndrome might intensify due to new comparisons, standards, and expectations.
Instead of anticipating a future moment when imposter syndrome disappears naturally, make the proactive choice to address it now. Waiting won’t resolve it.
Tackle these emotions head-on and learn how to combat them, leading to a more promising and satisfying career trajectory.
14. Continue to strive for more
Imposter syndrome often arises when you step out of your comfort zone and attempt something new. This indicates personal growth and courage.
When you find yourself overwhelmed, remember to acknowledge your bravery, keep pushing forward, seek assistance, and do your best.
Embrace the words of Mike Cannon-Brookes, who suggests using imposter feelings to challenge yourself and achieve remarkable feats. As shared in his TED talk, feeling like an impostor can be a sign that you’re aiming high enough.
If you experience fraudulent thoughts, consider journaling about them. Seeing these limitations in writing can weaken their hold.
Alternatively, confide in a trusted colleague or mentor to realize you’re not alone. You might also recognize your ambitious goals and be able to celebrate them.
15. Abandon perfectionism
Adapting your criteria for success, while maintaining high standards, can facilitate the recognition and acceptance of your accomplishments.
Experts suggest focusing on progress rather than fixating on perfection. The quest for flawlessness often fuels imposter syndrome, emerging from the comparison with an unattainably faultless outcome.
It’s vital to acknowledge that perfection in all aspects is unattainable, and adhering to such a standard can impede advancement.
Recognize instances when “good enough” suffices. When goals aren’t fully met, refrain from interpreting them as proof of inadequacy. Instead, reframe setbacks as opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Additionally, in managing imposter syndrome, consider freeing yourself from rigid roles. The imposter phenomenon often restricts self-perception to specific roles like helpers or rescuers. Liberating yourself from these confines allows you to embrace your limitations and vulnerabilities, fostering both personal and professional development.
16. Use uplifting statements
Positive affirmations are concise phrases you can use to counter negative thoughts and challenge untrue beliefs. Although they might seem strange initially, they can be effective in reshaping your thinking.
Engaging in positive affirmations helps establish neural pathways that make it simpler to choose positive thoughts during challenging times. Here are some examples of positive affirmations that can assist in combating imposter syndrome:
- I put diligent effort into my craft and merit all my achievements.
- I appreciate the opportunities that have come my way.
- Perfection is not necessary for me.
- I am in a constant state of growth, learning, and enhancement.
- I am prepared for the path that awaits me.
You can utilize these affirmations, explore online for additional ideas, or create your own that align with your specific circumstances. Regularly practice them in the morning or whenever you need a confidence boost.
17. Embrace and accept new opportunities
While it’s unrealistic to accept every opportunity, particularly when stressed, those with imposter syndrome often decline valuable chances due to doubts about their abilities.
When confronted with new prospects, it’s crucial to differentiate between self-doubt driven by feeling unworthy and practical limitations due to a busy schedule. The former stems from imposter syndrome.
Remember that tackling challenging tasks and excelling can lead to numerous advantages. Don’t let your inner imposter hinder you from seizing game-changing opportunities.
Such experiences can contribute significantly to your learning, growth, and career advancement. Richard Branson’s advice is pertinent: say yes to remarkable opportunities, even if uncertain, and then learn how to handle them later.
Though it might seem daunting to undertake roles where success isn’t guaranteed, recognize that you were chosen for a reason. Embrace learning and questioning as part of the process.
18. Develop confidence
Overcoming imposter syndrome requires consistent effort and practice since transformation isn’t immediate. Choosing confidence over insecurity is a continuous process.
Confront situations that challenge your fears, anxiety, and self-doubt, even if you need to initially feign confidence. With practice, feeling confident becomes easier.
Recognize that imposter syndrome might persist to some extent, especially as you advance in your music career and face new challenges outside your comfort zone.
However, by acknowledging and addressing it, you can reduce its negative impact. Feeling nervous before significant performances or events is normal; what matters is feeling confident and capable.
These tips aim to assist you. Continue pursuing your passion and disregard any voices, especially your inner critic, suggesting you’re undeserving of success.
