Imposter Syndrome: Why Did I Ever Think I Was a Writer?

A Guest Blog Written by Lynn Gale

 
Do you ever have those days when you think, What the heck am I doing? Where you doubt your abilities, your credentials, and your creativity, and you feel like a complete fraud?

Me too. More often than I’d like.

Imposter Syndrome strikes again.

After Kim agreed to my guest post, it hit me. What do I know about self-doubt, and why on earth did I think I was qualified to write about it?

You may not realize this, but all human beings experience Imposter Syndrome at some point in their life.

+ When they try something new, and it blows up in their face (unless they were trying to make it literally blow up in their face – then it’s a success!)  
+ When they try something that worked before, and it doesn’t work anymore.
+ When they fall flat on their face (literally or figuratively).
+ When they feel ill-prepared, out of their depth, and as if they’ve never done this before.
+ When they are terrified someone will notice that they’re worried they don’t belong—and they AGREE.

But WHY does Imposter Syndrome happen?

I asked a self-employed friend of mine for her thoughts. Jess Schultz owns Sweet Simple Collabs, a business that combines social media, graphic design, and much more.

She said: “I notice my imposter syndrome flaring up the most in seasons where I am not taking care of myself as I should. Seasons where my cup is not full, where I am not doing the activities that bring me joy, keep my body and mind healthy, and help me feel connected to my greater purpose in life.” During these times, Jess said, “my inspiration sags and so does my mental health.

“I find it also flares when I am spending too much time in spaces that make it easy to fall into that comparison trap, such as social media or toxic mom websites. Like every human, it also flares when failures happen—when I lose a client, or [when] something I thought would be great completely flops. . . . It’s so easy to get sucked into the trap of comparison and finding oneself not worthy. Looking after yourself is becoming trendy, and that is a good thing.”

I agree with Jess one hundred and ten percent.  I call such times my “what the heck were you thinking?” days and usually default to a nap with a soft blanket, a hot beverage (chai lattes are my go-to), and time spent looking inward to figure out what happened. Then I go for a swim or a walk outside, and find mental stillness while moving my body. Sometimes it takes a few days of this, so my advice is to repeat as necessary.
 

“Taking care of myself doesn’t mean ‘me first.’
It means ‘me too.’” – L.R. Knosts

Having an Imposter Syndrome kind of day? First and foremost, be kind to yourself. Next read the following two suggestions and take the steps to work through it.

Solution #1: Nurture and Nature
Think lots of self-care. If you are able, get outside, feel the ground, the air, the sun, the rain, the snow, and breathe. If you can’t get outside, try a mini meditation where you close your eyes and breathe deeply for several breaths, relaxing your mind and your body, and concentrating only on your inhales and exhales. Visualize your version of outside, an image that you love that feeds your soul. Feel your feet, the breeze, the warm sun, whatever is your happy place. Stay there for five minutes, then do two big inhales through your nose and exhales through your mouth. Remain where you are for as long as you like, feeling the sensations. Continue with your day.

Solution #2: Examine What’s Going On
Take a step back and have a good hard look at what is happening. If it’s not a Nurture and Nature issue, then what is causing you to feel this way?
It can be several things:

• Are you overcommitted and feeling overwhelmed?

  • If so, can you rearrange priorities to allow you wiggle room? Is there something you can say no to? Is there something you can have someone else do on your behalf?

• Did you promise something you can’t deliver?

  • If so, admit it and find a solution that works for all involved.

• Are you stepping outside of your comfort zone and feeling uncomfortable?

  • Good! Growth is great, and discomfort is okay.

• Is it simply a day where you are tired and need a break? (See Solution #1 above)

 
Mental health is important, and one thing almost all writers have in common (even traditionally published ones!) is that they work in isolation. Sometimes even introverts need other people to connect with. Real people, not online friends. Connection matters, so consider calling a friend and meeting for coffee, or just pick up the phone and have a conversation.
 
Most important, know that you aren’t alone. Somewhere in the universe, another writer is experiencing the same feelings. Take care of yourself and see if that helps, even just a little bit.
 

 
Lynn Gale writes poetry and children’s books under her real name. She’s a yoga teacher and gramma. She writes a monthly self-care column for Heartheld Magazine, and sweet romance under the pen name Joanie Wilde. Her poetry has appeared in several anthologies. Her poetry collection L’Opacit will be released on September 10 through IngramSpark. Most of the time she feels like a real writer, but there are those moments! Visit lynngalewriter.com and joaniewildeauthor.com to connect with her.

Kim Catanzarite is the author of the award-winning Jovian Universe sci-fi series. She is a freelance writer and editor for publishers and independent authors, and she teaches copyediting for Writer’s Digest University. Her Self-Publishing 101 blog discusses the ins and outs of indie life as well as all things writing craft.  Kim lives on the east coast USA with her husband and daughter.