Something that I’ve learned while working in the arts is that no-one, no matter how successful, is immune to Imposter Syndrome.
In my time navigating this industry, I have met people with achievements that could impress even the most hardened of cynics. Still, even they seem to fear that they will inevitably be outed as a fraud. For all of us, we see our names listed between those of people we admire, and we don’t feel like we could possibly belong on such a list.
A long time ago, I received a very valuable piece of advice: write down a list of all your accomplishments.
Don’t just think about it, write it down. Make it a physical list of pen on paper. Start small if you need to, and don’t sell yourself short. Finishing a piece of writing is an achievement, even if you never showed it to anyone else. Entering a competition is an achievement, even if you didn’t win. Start writing, let your mind wander through everything you’ve done, and give yourself credit for every point on that list.
When you’ve finished, keep that list where you can see it. On your bedside, on your fridge, wherever is the most convenient for you. When your eyes happen to land on it, read at least a couple of points. Add to it when you think of something you’ve forgotten, or when you find yourself proud of something new that you’ve done.
Of course, this isn’t a complete cure for insecurity – I don’t think such a simple cure could possibly exist. But it’s a little thing that helped me, and you have nothing to lose by trying it.
- SJJ