Once a week, I feel like a writing fraud.
Whether it's something I wrote online or working on one of my books, the feeling of being a fake creep in regularly.
At first, I believed this lie. That I wasn't a writer or author because I didn't have this or I didn't have that. But I soon realized what was going on with me.
When you create anything and share your knowledge and experience online, there is a lie that tells you that you are a fraud. It's commonly referred to as Imposter Syndrome.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a "fraud."
Despite evidence of their competence, they attribute their success to luck or external factors and feel they don't deserve the recognition they receive.
This can lead to low self-esteem, a negative impact on mental health, and difficulty achieving future success.
In short, Imposter Syndrome is one of the forms of resistance that Stephen Pressfield regularly talks about in his book, The War of Art.
Pressfield argues that resistance, a force that actively works against our efforts to create and succeed, is the biggest obstacle to fulfilling our potential.
What Can We Do When Imposter Syndrome Strikes?
We must know how to fight against Imposter Syndrome when it comes up. Otherwise, we can get stuck in a funk (Which I am currently fighting myself).
Today, I want to share a few things I am learning to do when Imposter Syndrome strikes. Since I know them, I figured they might be helpful for you too.
Acknowledge and Accept How You Feel
Recognize that imposter syndrome is a common experience and acknowledge the feelings of self-doubt that come with it. That is the point of this post.
Reset Your Mindset
Challenge negative thoughts and focus on your achievements and competencies. Replace "I got lucky" with "I worked hard for this."
Get Help from Another Creator
Talk to trusted friends or mentors about your experience. The validation and perspective they provide can help counteract the negative thoughts.
Practice Self-compassion
Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that everyone experiences self-doubt at times. It's okay to feel this way and experience this feeling. These feelings are telling you something.
Focus on the Process
Instead of fixating on the outcome, focus on the process and what you can learn from it. This shift can help you gain confidence and appreciate the journey toward your goals.
Final Thoughts on Imposter Syndrome
One of the best ways to hold off Imposter Syndrome is to celebrate your victories and accomplishments. Think of this as a bonus tip.
I have found that when I succeed at something (publish a book, become a bestseller, have a viral article, etc.), there is tremendous encouragement toward the next project, article, or text.
These celebrations of accomplishment will help me in the future too.
For example, I am struggling with my next book and writing daily. It's been a slog. Most of the time, I feel like a fake. Plus, it's super dark when I wake up, which probably plays a factor (as this is the time I write).
Yet, I look at the five books I have written sitting on my bookshelf. All of them have been the #1 bestsellers on Amazon. Today, I can celebrate those books, which have helped me get moving on this article and my next book.
These testimonies to the reality that I am an author, writer, and creator can give me a pick when I need it. And it got this article done.
What are some of your past accomplishments?
I would encourage you to put your books where you can see them. Or, keep a note card on your desk that points you to the testimonies of your creative success.
Read over those when you get down, and start working on your next piece. You will be amazed at how you can pick me up and get back into a groove.
To help others, share your successes (viral articles, books, products, or other accomplishments) in the comments below.
Start Here!
Are there other books to read? Sure are. I have two short lists of them in my Writer’s Starter Pack on Gumroad (It’s free, you should check it out). The only other book I want to highlight is my own.
It’s called Transform Your Medium Stories.
Initially written for writers on the Medium platform, the content of this book works for any online content. And it is a great short guide to help you write and publish your first book. So grab your copy today!
J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who loves helping people grow in their faith and help writers become authors. You can connect with him on Medium, his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Substack!
My name is Jeanne Knapp. I wrote a children’s mystery as my stay at home activity. I bought several copies of both versions of my four books. I'm hoping once we get back to somewhat of a normal life I can take them to bookstores in person and ask if they would sell them or at least maybe I could let them know that I have them on Amazon.
I did drop off a set of my books at the north branch of the Blue Springs library for the Collection Development Department several weeks ago. However, no one called me back. And when I called I was told the lady who decides which books get to go on shelves suddenly had to take a leave of absence. I found out this week that my books are in the Mid Continent Public Library system (physical copies and ebooks).
I would also like to do book signings and other author events sometime somewhere. That is why I am contacting you. Would it be possible to do book signings or other author events there?
I have written four books in the series and I am writing book five.
Synopsis of Megan and the Mysterious Boy:
Megan Mattson is a 12 year old girl in a wheelchair who has Spina Bifida and who loves to solve mysteries. She befriends a mysterious boy. But, first she must solve the mystery of who he is and why he keeps running when adults come near....
Synopsis of Megan and the Suspicious Visitors:
Megan Mattson and Matthew Bennett come across some suspicious visitors. Megan and Matt try to figure out who these people are and why they are in Maplewoods before anyone gets hurt.
Megan and the Sinister Minister:
Megan and other members of Maplewoods Baptist welcome a new pastor Evan Cook and his wife Misty and their daughters Jeannette and Emma. Jeannette is the same age as Megan and Matt so they quickly become friends. As Megan meets this family it is apparent to her that there is a secreet that Pastor Evan has a secret which Megan, Matt, and Jeannette help Sheriff Tucker uncover.
Book #4 Megan and the Mischievous Musicians
Megan Mattson and Matt Fry are 12 years old and love to help people and solve mysteries. Megan helped Sheriff Tucker discover who Matt was and she became Matt’s very best friend. Together, they solved the mystery of the motorcycle gang (Megan and the Suspicious Visitors) and mystery of the minister with a seemingly sinister past (Megan and the Sinister Minister). Now, in Megan and the Mischievous Musicians, Megan and and Matt must figure out who is behind the mysterious death and illnesses in this mystery of music, mischief, mayhem, and...of course...murder!
Amazon Books: Megan and the Mysterious Boy:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087LXPRXX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ha1-EbDV6NNJM
Amazon Paperback version of Book #2, Megan and the Suspicious Visitors:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K46DNZ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_Vs.UEbYVNYSCM
Amazon paperback Book #3 Megan and the Sinister Minister (Megan Mattson)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B388B2N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4h8-Eb8Y6YC4Z
Megan and the Mischievous Musicians https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P98ZJPX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-nbXFb4QN313A
Barnes & Noble paperback version Megan and the Mysterious Boy
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/megan-and-the-mysterious-boy-jeanne-knapp/1136872081
Barnes & Noble paperback version of my second book, Megan and the Suspicious Visitors:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/megan-and-the-suspicious-visitors-jeanne-knapp/1137014781
Barnes & Noble paperback version of book #3 Megan and the Sinister Minister on Barnes & Noble website:
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/megan-and-the-sinister-minister-jeanne-knapp/1137171742?ean=9781663518651
Barnes & Noble paperback edition of my fourth book Megan and the Mischievous Musicians
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/megan-and-the-mischievous-musicians-jeanne-knapp/1138406963?ean=9781666212051
Jeanne Knapp
816-590-7023