If you've ever wondered why you've been undermining, doubting, or even second-guessing your potential, talent, skill, or creative ideas and expression, uncovering the "why " may be the first step to your healing, self-discovery, and acceptance as a creative person.
As a creative person, you may unknowingly be a victim of this internal creativity killer and may not fully know the depth or have an insight into it or why you've not been satisfied with your craft, art, and even life.
If you fall into this category, you may be one of the many dealing with imposter syndrome.
Yes, you heard it right when I said "creativity killer". But please don't stress because, in this article, I'll be writing extensively on some of the impact imposter syndrome has on creativity.
Imposter syndrome is when people doubt their talent, skill, abilities, or success despite several proofs of their high performance, external evidence of competence, and commendations from people.
People with imposter syndrome often feel undeserving of their achievements and struggle with the fear of being exposed as a fraud. This may lead them to attribute their success and accomplishments to luck, God, or chance due to their distorted view of "self".
Imposter syndrome affects everyone from every walk of life, but in this article, we focus on its impact on creativity.
Creativity refers to the ability to generate new ideas and concepts that are original, exceptional, and useful. To be creative is to be rare, unique, excellent, and extraordinary.
Creativity is significant in personal and professional growth and can help an individual to:
Develop their sense of self-expression and imagination, leading to greater self-confidence and awareness.
Be more innovative towards standing out from the competition in the job market.
Find an innovative and new way of solving problems of any kind.
Become more flexible in their thinking.
The origins and causes of imposter syndrome are complex and multifaceted, varying from person to person.
Below are some of the common causes and origins of imposter syndrome:
Perfectionism and High Expectations
Social Comparison
Gender and Minority Status
Family Upbringing
Personality Traits include Neuroticism, self-doubt, low self-efficacy, and anxiety.
So many people grew up with the message or the ideology that "there's a perfect" way for everything, and they need to perform, act or appear in a certain way to be successful.
This can lead an individual to an unending sense of pressure to perform and a fear of failure. When they succeed, this may cause them to attribute their success and accomplishments to luck or some kind of external force rather than their abilities, leading to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.
We live in a time where social media has given everyone illusory access to people's lives, and we are constantly bombarded with images of their success and achievements.
Comparing oneself to people who appear to be more successful and accomplished can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
People from underrepresented groups may experience more pressure to prove themselves in their fields and may face discrimination and bias that can undermine their confidence and self-worth.
Family upbringing is one of the significant causes and origins of imposter syndrome in an individual. As children, the messages we receive from our family members can significantly influence our beliefs about ourselves and our capabilities. For instance, if your family values success and achievements, you might feel compelled to perform at your best consistently. However, even when you achieve success, it might not feel like enough, and you may believe that more is required of you.
Experiencing feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy may occur due to various factors. For instance, if you were raised in a family that didn't prioritise success and accomplishments, you may internalise the belief that your achievements are not worthy, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
The family dynamic also plays a significant role in the development of imposter syndrome, as growing up in an environment where parents are critical or dismissive of your achievements can make you feel incapable of meeting their expectations, no matter how hard you try.
Additionally, being raised in an overprotective, controlling, or coddling environment may hinder the development of independence and self-efficacy, leading to a distorted sense of self and self-doubt. This can result in basing your value and worth on others' opinions, ultimately affecting your ability to succeed independently.
Finally, imposter syndrome can originate from personality traits such as neuroticism, anxiety, and self-doubt.
These traits can amplify feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt and contribute to a sense of being an impostor.
Imposter Syndrome can manifest in different ways, and there are several recognised types of Imposter Syndrome:
The Perfectionist
The Expert
The Soloist
The Superhero
People who set extremely high standards for themselves are afraid of making mistakes or falling short of their goals.
The expert type is people who feel they need to know everything and be the best at what they do and are afraid of being exposed as a fraud if they don't.
The soloists feel they need to accomplish everything independently and are afraid of asking for help or support.
These are people who feel like they need to be able to handle everything and take on more than they can realistically manage and are afraid of admitting weakness or vulnerability.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome can be difficult because most are related to other psychological conditions.
From my experience and personal research, I've compiled a list of some of the common signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome:
Self-doubt
Perfectionism
Overworking
Fear of Failure
Discounting Success
Comparison to Others
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Imposter syndrome causes individuals to question their abilities and achievements, despite contrary evidence.
As a person with imposter syndrome, I often receive compliments on my drumming skills and how effortless I make them seem. I struggle to internalise these compliments and view myself in a positive light. I tend to criticise myself due to negative thoughts if I acknowledge my abilities. This has led me to avoid situations where I may receive compliments or recognition for my talents and unknowingly limit my success.
As I mentioned earlier, individuals with imposter syndrome tend to have an ideological and strict script in their minds. They often set unrealistic expectations for themselves and feel inadequate when they cannot meet them.
Growing up in a religious family, my dad and siblings instilled in me the belief that there was a perfect and approved way to do everything, placing immense pressure on me to be flawless and achieve the desired outcome. However, this belief eventually hindered my creativity, relationships and overall quality of life. Despite my best efforts, I could only sometimes adhere to my idealistic script, making me feel like a failure.
This particular sign is rooted in self-doubt and perfectionism.
When an individual with imposter syndrome doubts themselves coupled with their high standards, they tend to focus more on their flaws and the need to be perfect.
This may result in them working harder and longer than necessary to prove themselves and avoid being exposed as fraud.
Individuals with imposter syndrome may avoid taking risks or trying new things because they fear failure and being exposed to fraud.
Imposter syndrome often leads people to discount their success. This is because they fear being caught or not being good enough. As a result, they may avoid being complimented on their achievements and downplay them by attributing them to luck or external factors.
Imposter syndrome can cause individuals to compare themselves to others frequently. This behaviour may stem from their upbringing, particularly if they were consistently compared to their peers and their achievements were devalued. This mindset can persist into adulthood, making them feel inferior when comparing themselves to others they perceive as more successful.
Feeling like an imposter can lead to anxiety, but anxiety alone doesn't necessarily mean you have imposter syndrome. People may experience anxiety when they don't feel competent enough but are expected to demonstrate their skills. Fear can also arise when someone is being assessed or criticised.
Imposter syndrome often leads to low self-esteem in individuals, causing them to feel like they need to prove their worthiness of success and recognition. Some may even sabotage their success to hide their perceived flaws. If you're a creative person experiencing these symptoms, it's important to remember that you're not alone and that imposter syndrome is a shared experience.
Imposter syndrome can have a range of adverse effects on a person's mental health and well-being, as well as their creativity and productivity.
Below are some common effects of imposter syndrome:
Anxiety and stress
Depression and low self-esteem
Procrastination and avoidance behaviour
Difficulty accepting praise or recognition
Self-sabotage and limiting beliefs
There is a complex relationship between imposter syndrome and creativity, and it varies from person to person.
Below are ways in which imposter syndrome can be linked to creativity:
Imposter syndrome as a barrier to creative expression
Internalizing Self-doubt and its Effect on creative thinking
Fear of failure and its impact on taking creative risks
Imposter syndrome can hinder one's creative expression, making them hesitant about sharing their work or taking risks. This fear stems from the possibility of being exposed as a fraud.
Creative individuals who experience imposter syndrome may doubt their value and the quality of their ideas, leading them to rely on others' opinions to avoid facing this fear.
Creative individuals often feel uncomfortable and hesitant to try new things out of fear of being accused of fraud or losing something valuable. They may believe their skill set needs improvement or more knowledge about their new interest. These self-doubts can lead to a fear of failure that prevents them from taking risks.
In the creative process, imposter syndrome can significantly impact both the process and the output.
Below is how imposter syndrome can affect creativity:
Negative Effects on the Creative Process
Impact on Creative Output
Self-Doubt and Perfectionism
Imposter syndrome can impact creativity. It may cause them to be overly self-critical, second-guessing their decisions and ideas. This can lead to a loss of confidence and a reluctance to take risks, hindering creativity.
Imposter syndrome can also significantly impact the quality of creative output. When ingenious individuals feel like a fraud, they may hold back their ideas, doubt the potency of the concept or not fully commit to a project.
This can affect the outcome of the work, making it less innovative or impactful than it could be. Additionally, imposter syndrome can lead to a lack of satisfaction with the final product, as the creative may feel like it needs to be better.
One of the key components of imposter syndrome is self-doubt.
This can be particularly damaging in creative fields, where self-expression and innovation are essential. When ingenious individuals constantly question their abilities, it can be difficult to embrace their creative vision fully.
Imposter syndrome can also lead to perfectionism, as the person may need to be flawless to succeed. This can lead to a fear of failure and a reluctance to take risks, limiting creativity.
It is common for creative individuals to experience imposter syndrome.
Defining what constitutes "good" or "great" work can be challenging in creative fields, making it difficult to gauge success. This lack of clarity can lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, even among those who have achieved success.
As a result, imposter syndrome often affects individuals in writing, art, music, and acting.
Imposter Syndrome in Writing
Imposter Syndrome in Art
Imposter Syndrome in Music
Imposter Syndrome in Acting
There are several reasons why writers may be more likely to experience imposter syndrome. One reason is that writing is a subjective art form, and there is no one right way to write, and what one person considers good writing may not be considered good writing by another person. This can make it difficult for writers to know if they are doing a good job and can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
Artists can experience Imposter Syndrome differently, especially when they feel they are not skilled enough or that their art is not good enough. This can lead the artist to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety. Also, artists may compare themselves to other artists who are as talented as them, and this is more common in this age due to social media. This can make them feel like they could be more gifted and successful due to the engagements and impressions they see on the other artist's page.
Several factors can contribute to imposter syndrome in musicians. One factor is the competitive nature of the music industry. Musicians are constantly being compared to each other on social media and other media outlets, making them feel like they don't measure up. Another factor is the high standards that musicians often set for themselves, especially when they are perfectionists. This can make them feel like their work needs to improve, leading to them hoarding their songs and never putting them out. Finally, imposter syndrome can be worsened by the lack of feedback they receive from their fans or team.
Imposter syndrome is common for actors, who often face high scrutiny and competition. Actors must put themselves out there, often facing rejection and criticism. They must be able to handle the pressure of performing in front of large audiences or the deception of a camera. This can be particularly difficult for those who struggle with imposter syndrome.
Here are some strategies to combat Imposter Syndrome:
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Reframe Your Thoughts
Embrace Failure
Practice Self-Compassion
Seek Mentorship
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
To overcome Imposter Syndrome, you must acknowledge your emotions and understand that numerous individuals experience the same struggle. As a creative individual, it is completely acceptable to openly discuss your concerns with others, seek assistance, and share your narrative.
Rather than wasting time on negative thoughts, concentrate on the positive ones and your accomplishments. Creating a list of your achievements and the positive feedback you receive can significantly enhance your self-esteem and self-confidence.
As a creative individual, it's important to understand that failure is a crucial aspect of the learning process and provides an opportunity for personal growth. Rather than seeing failure as a reflection of your capabilities, embrace it as a chance to learn and enhance your skills.
It's important to make self-compassion and self-awareness a priority. Only you can provide these for yourself, so it's crucial to avoid being too harsh on yourself when you don't meet your goals or make mistakes. Remember that progress is the ultimate goal, so take care of yourself, be aware of your thoughts, and treat yourself with the same kindness you would give others.
Reach out to someone with experience who can provide guidance and support. This is very important to your growth as a creative. Having a mentor can help you gain perspective, overcome obstacles, and build confidence.
No matter how small it is, always celebrate your successes. Take time to reflect on your achievements and give yourself credit for your hard work. Celebrating your success will help you see yourself in a better light and also make you realise your uniqueness.
If you struggle with imposter syndrome, it can seriously affect your creativity by hampering the creative process and hindering the quality of your output.
It's important for creative people to recognise the signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome and take action to combat it. By acknowledging your emotions, reframing your thoughts, embracing failure, showing yourself compassion, finding a mentor, and celebrating your successes, you can overcome imposter syndrome and unlock your full creative potential.
Remember, you're not the only one experiencing imposter syndrome. You can overcome its harmful effects on your creativity with time and effort.