Before we begin, just know this is me holding myself accountable as well.
Imposter Syndrome is one of the main reasons why individuals in the creative field give up. It's so easy to look at the next person and feel like you're not doing enough, or that your skills are not as great. You follow other photographers, bloggers, content creators, etc. for inspiration and you end up feeling less than instead. I get it. It's my battle every day; but I'm challenging myself to create a different narrative. I want to share 3 tools I'm using to overcome imposter syndrome.
1. Just Do It!
The first way to overcome imposter syndrome, is to just get out there and do it. This past weekend I did my first photoshoot. Uncomfortable, tense and very tired. I got it done. And I didn't do half bad. Imposter syndrome is literally your brain telling you that you're a fraud. What better way to combat that negative voice than to do the very thing your brain is telling you you're incapable of doing. After awhile what was once a fear becomes second nature. All you have to do is take the first step.
2. Shut Out Distractions
Another way to overcome imposter syndrome is to create boundaries. If you know that consuming too much from other seasoned creatives is going to put you in a negative space, limit your time on social media. If you have individuals in your circle who project their doubts on to you, don't tell them your goals. We control the narrative. Not our peers, loved ones or our negative thoughts.
3. Believe In Yourself
This is a major key to overcoming imposter syndrome. It's so easy to look at what others are doing and try to emulate that. But the success is in trusting what you have to offer is good enough. Even if someone is already doing it, they are not going to have your perspective, your touch, your razzle dazzle. There were plenty of skincare and beauty lines already on the market, but Rihanna believed in what Fenty had to offer. Now look, homegirl never has to put out another song if she doesn't want to. We still want music though. We also can't compare our journey to someone who has been doing this for years. Jackie Aina didn't start with a 1 million+ following, she started with a goal and kept at it. We must do the same if we want to get to that level.
Many of us are sitting on talents that can change our lives and the lives around us. This year let's unload the clip and shoot our shots. I really hope these 3 ways of overcoming imposter syndrome helps someone. No more imposter syndrome. We were all created to be great.
With love,
Danni Marie
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