My Writing Journey

How to Combat Imposter Syndrome

WRITING

Felícia Jones

The Imposter

A lack of confidence often stems from imposter syndrome, the belief that you’re not good enough or qualified for a job. Negative self-talk, such as “No one would like this” and “I will never be good enough,” exacerbates this feeling. It creates fear around receiving feedback, limits creativity, and prevents growth. Despite being told many times in my academic career I am a great writer, I still get in my head and I often question if what I’m doing is good enough.

To combat imposter syndrome, practice is key. Even a few minutes of daily writing, such as journaling, editing, outlining, or using prompts, can drastically improve your writing. We also need to shift our mindset and stop comparing ourselves to others who are further along in their writing journey

Introduction

Welcome to Creative Harmony, where I share my journey and insights as a writer and musician. Writing has been a passion of mine since childhood, but I’ve also come to realize how difficult it can be. Many writers, including myself, lack confidence and overthink our writing. We often compare ourselves to our favorite authors and scrutinize every sentence we write. Writing is a skill that requires constant practice.

The Perfectionist

Overthinking often stems from the desire for perfection. As a student, I wanted every assignment to be perfect before turning it in. But the truth is, your work will never be perfect enough for everyone. Even after hours of editing and numerous drafts, it may still not be satisfactory. Sometimes, you must submit a draft and accept it's not perfect. Perfectionism can hinder creative expression and lead to incomplete projects.

In conclusion, writing is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Lack of confidence and overthinking are common obstacles, but they can be overcome with practice and feedback. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome or perfectionism, remember to be kind to yourself and keep writing. Thank you for reading. To learn more about my process in writing my novel, click here.