The transcript discusses strategies to combat impostor syndrome, which is a common challenge among creatives and professionals. Here are the key points summarized:
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Understanding Impostor Syndrome: The speaker, Alison, emphasizes that impostor syndrome is a widespread experience, affecting many writers and artists. It’s described as feelings of self-doubt and insecurity in one’s abilities.
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Reframing the Concept: Instead of calling it “impostor syndrome,” Alison suggests referring to it as “impostor tendencies.” This shift in language helps in not internalizing the feelings and seeing them as a transient state rather than a defining characteristic.
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Using Mantras and Meditations: Alison recommends using positive affirmations and meditative practices to counter negative thoughts. Phrases like “sometimes I have a tendency to feel like an impostor, but I’m not” can help reframe negative self-perceptions.
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Community Support: Connecting with a community of peers who face similar challenges can provide reassurance and support. Alison highlights the importance of not isolating oneself during times of self-doubt.
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Creating a Positive Environment: Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can reinforce self-worth and capabilities. It’s noted that it’s easier to accept positive feedback when one believes in their own strengths.
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Actionable Tips: Throughout the video, Allison provides practical suggestions, including sharing feelings with trusted friends and actively engaging in positive self-talk through mantras.
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Conclusion: The speaker encourages viewers to take action against impostor tendencies, offering resources such as meditation videos to aid their journey.
Overall, the transcript serves as an empowering guide to help individuals recognize and mitigate feelings of inadequacy, promoting a healthier mindset toward their creative and professional endeavors.
How to Fight Impostor Syndrome and Reclaim Your Creativity
“I can’t wait to get this baby out into the world and let people read it! … Wait, what if no one likes it? What makes me think I can write a novel anyone actually wants to read? My life isn’t exciting. My writing is terrible. No one’s going to like this.”
Sound familiar? If you’re a creative, you’ve probably had these thoughts—and if you haven’t yet, chances are you will at some point. It’s called impostor syndrome, and it affects everyone from writers and artists to professionals in every industry. The good news? You can fight it.
Hi, I’m Alison—author, yoga instructor, and creative warrior—and today I want to share some actionable tips to help you push back against impostor syndrome whenever it rears its ugly head. It doesn’t matter how many times these thoughts creep in; having the right tools to fight back will make sure they don’t stop you from pursuing your passions.
Feeling impostor syndrome doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re an impostor. It’s just a tendency to doubt yourself, and it’s something we can overcome. Let’s dive in.
What Is Impostor Syndrome, Really?
Before we tackle how to overcome impostor syndrome, let’s take a closer look at the word “syndrome.” A quick vocab lesson:
A syndrome is a “characteristic combination of opinions, emotions, or behavior.” The problem with thinking of impostor syndrome this way is that it becomes an ingrained characteristic of who we believe we are. It’s as if we’re saying, “I’m always an impostor, and these feelings are part of my identity.”
Here’s the thing: We don’t want to normalize this belief. Repeatedly telling yourself you have impostor syndrome only reinforces the doubt and keeps it alive. So, the first thing we’re going to do to fight impostor syndrome is simple but powerful:
1. Stop Calling It a Syndrome
Instead of a syndrome, let’s call it impostor tendencies.
Unlike syndromes, tendencies aren’t defining characteristics; tendencies are inclinations or habits, and habits can be changed. By reframing how we talk about this issue, we take away its power. It’s no longer something we own—it’s just a passing tendency that doesn’t define us.
Moving forward, tell yourself:
- “Sometimes, I have a tendency to doubt myself.”
- “Sometimes, I feel like an impostor, but I’m not.”
This small shift in language can make a big difference. You’re acknowledging that the feeling exists, but you’re not claiming it as part of your identity. Say it with me now:
“Sometimes I have a tendency to feel like an impostor, but I am not an impostor.”
Feel the difference? Good. Let’s move on to more tools to help.
2. Use Mantras and Meditations
When that negative inner voice starts to creep in, positive mantras can help counteract the thoughts that tell you you’re not good enough. There’s a reason why positive affirmations work—they help rewire your brain, replacing negative energy with positive energy and reducing stress.
Here are a few mantras you can try:
- “I am a strong and capable person.”
- “I have earned and deserve everything I have.”
- “I deserve success.”
- “I do not have to be perfect.”
- “I belong. I am enough.”
You can repeat these aloud, write them down, or pair them with short meditations. In fact, I’ve created some guided meditations (available on my channel) that combine positive mantras with relaxation techniques. If you’re new to meditation—or even if you’re not—these five-minute meditations can be a powerful tool for calming your mind and replacing doubt with confidence.
3. Lean on Your Community
When you’re in the throes of self-doubt, it’s tempting to retreat into isolation. But spending too much time alone with your negative thoughts only makes them louder. That’s why having a supportive community is so critical.
Turn to a trusted friend, mentor, or writing group when impostor tendencies hit hard. Sometimes, it’s hard for us to believe ourselves when we say, “I’m talented, capable, and strong,” but hearing someone else say it can help reinforce those positive truths. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and remind you of your worth.
Pro tip: Building a positive internal dialogue through mantras and self-work makes it much easier to believe those positive messages when others share them with you. It’s a two-way street—an uplifting environment helps, but so does developing your own confidence and mental resilience.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider joining a creative community where people share the same goals and struggles. You might find others who feel exactly the same way and realize you’re not as alone as you think.
4. Accept the Feelings but Don’t Let Them Take Over
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that impostor tendencies don’t disappear forever. They’ll still creep in from time to time, but what changes is how you respond to them. Having tools like positive mantras, meditation, and community support will help you recognize those feelings for what they are: temporary and untrue.
The next time you feel like an impostor, remind yourself:
- This is just a tendency, not a characteristic.
- I am capable of overcoming this.
Say it out loud. Write it down. Text a friend about it. Recognize it, address it, and then keep going.
You Are Not Alone
Every writer, artist, and creative professional deals with impostor tendencies. Even the most accomplished authors you admire have probably questioned whether anyone would like their work. You’re in good company!
The key is to keep moving forward, even when doubt feels overwhelming. Fight those tendencies with positive mantras, create connections in your community, and remind yourself that those feelings are temporary—they don’t define you.
Ready to Fight for Your Creativity?
I hope these tips encourage you to take action the next time impostor tendencies come knocking. Your creativity deserves to shine, and you deserve to feel confident in your ability to share it with the world.
If you’ve found this advice helpful, let me know in the comments! And if you’d like more tools to help you overcome doubt and grow as a creative, check out TribeScribe (featuring PenPal & AllyChat).
Remember, you’ve got this. Now go fight for your creativity!
Reference
- Original Source: https://youtu.be/rjqmJOle8Og