Unmasking Your Writing Potential: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

So here I am at 74 years old, trying to launch myself into the world of freelance writing. I was really struggling to get started. One day as I sat frozen before my laptop, I had the television on in the background. The View was on, and I heard the women discussing something called “imposter syndrome.” Whether or not you enjoy the women of The View, it’s safe to say they are all successful in their own fields. But on that day, they were discussing how they shared a common fear of being unmasked as a fraud. They felt like their luck could run out at any moment, and the curtain would be drawn to expose them like the Wizard of Oz. I thought, “Wow! That’s me! That’s what is holding me back!”

So, what is imposter syndrome? According to Pauline Clance, Ph.D., who coined the term Imposter Syndrome, it is a psychological phenomenon where someone doubts their abilities and feels like a fraud, even when they have evidence of their success. (Clance & Imes, 1978) In my case, I’ve always received high grades on academic writing assignments. I have two master’s degrees, both of which required writing research papers and essays. My professional writing garnered positive feedback and praise from colleagues. Friends sought me out to edit their graduate school papers.

However, despite this evidence, I still feel like an imposter when it comes to freelance writing. I worry that I’m not writing as a “normal person,” and instead, I’m coming across as a nerd. Being a brainy student who can easily navigate academic writing is one thing. It’s a whole other story when it comes to writing like “real folk” outside the academic bubble. It’s a fear that has held me back from sharing my writing. When putting myself out there in the “real world,” I freeze! I worry my writing won’t be good enough. People will judge me. I’ll be unmasked and exposed as a boring writer. No one will want to read what I write. And on and on! The result is chronic procrastination. I’m a pro when it comes to procrastination!

My turning point came when I discovered Medium. I read stories from other writers who started “green.” Many freelance writers grapple with the feelings associated with imposter syndrome, especially when starting. But even experienced writers can struggle when faced with a new task or client. The successful writers kept at it and gained success through perseverance. Many shared the steps they took to become published and even prosperous. After several months of reading and taking notes, I started to believe maybe I could do the same.

Like any good academic nerd, I did an internet literature review. I wanted to discover how the Imposter syndrome is linked to writer’s block. How could one avoid the impasse? My Google search for “imposter syndrome + writer’s block” yielded an astounding 719,000 + results! Obviously, I didn’t read every entry, but I was able to scan several articles that gave helpful suggestions. Below is a summary of the most frequently listed suggestions that hit home for me. I hope others can benefit from these, too.

1. Recognize that imposter syndrome is common and normal. It’s not a reflection of your skills or talent. Imposter syndrome affects many people, including successful writers. Even Maya Angelou, one of America’s beloved poets and authors, experienced all the feelings associated with imposter syndrome despite a career that spanned over 50 years! According to a CBS News interview with Maya, she once stated, “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out’” (CBS News, 2014).
2. Stop your stinking thinking! Those doubts and negative thoughts are the real imposters! Practice positive self-talk. When you notice negative thoughts creeping in, challenge them with positive affirmations. For example, you think, “I’m not good enough to write this.” Replace that with, “I am capable of writing something valuable.” As a result of negative thoughts, we can become ensnared in self-perpetuating cycles. For example, if you think you’re a failure, you’ll feel like a failure. Then, you’ll act like a failure, which reinforces your belief that you must be a failure. And round and round! Remember: You are capable of writing.
3. Stop comparing yourself to others. It can be intimidating to see all the great articles others post. Instead, get ideas about presentation and style from writers you admire. Don’t feel like you’re not as creative because others seem more prolific than you. Everyone starts as a “newbie”!
4. Embrace your imperfections. Be patient with yourself. The more patience you have in writing your first drafts, the more determined you will become. Nobody is perfect, and that’s okay! Instead of focusing on your flaws, embrace them as part of what makes you unique. Remember that imperfections and mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and they don’t define your worth.
5. Set achievable goals. Break down your writing tasks into small, manageable chunks. Find what works for you regarding a writing schedule. The one piece of advice that appears in almost every article for new writers is to write every day. It doesn’t have to be ten hours a day, seven days a week, or anything else. It can be 3–5 minutes in the morning before work. But don’t feel guilty if you need a break for a few days. Guilt can reactivate imposter syndrome.
6. Learn from Criticism. Constructive feedback is an opportunity to learn and grow, not a personal attack. Embrace criticism as a chance to improve your skills and become an even better version of yourself. Seek mentors, coaches, or friends who can offer guidance and a fresh perspective.

Hopefully, these suggestions will help others to unmask their writer within and overcome imposter syndrome. I invite and welcome criticism and suggestions!

References

CBS News. (2014, May 28). Maya Angelou: “I’ve run a game on everybody”. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maya-angelou-ive-run-a-game-on-everybody/

Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247.