Hey fellow future-forward freelancers, have you ever felt like you’re not good enough or that your success is just a stroke of luck? You’re not alone. Many freelancers experience imposter syndrome – a persistent feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt despite evidence of success. I used to be on this table too. I battled with imposter syndrome for a long time until I decided to deal with it because I lost more than I gained by believing in those thoughts of doubt. But fear not! By understanding imposter syndrome and adopting strategies to overcome it, you can unlock your full potential and thrive in your freelance career. Let’s dive in!
What is ‘Imposter syndrome?’
Imposter syndrome is when individuals doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds or incompetents. It is a feeling of inadequacy, despite evidence of their competence and accomplishments. For freelancers, who often work independently and face constant pressure to prove themselves, imposter syndrome can be particularly debilitating. Personally, having struggled with imposter syndrome in the past, I can freely tell you that it is not a good place to be. I kept passing up on opportunities because I felt too incompetent to handle them. Although I had the skills and results, somehow I kept giving in to doubts and fear until I realized that it was all in my mind. I can never know what I am capable of doing until I do it! My vision of becoming more led me to deal with it; otherwise, you wouldn’t hear anything about UOF, Outnovately Africa, or other expressions of me. This tells you that if I can overcome it, you can too. But change won’t happen overnight until you recognize the signs and take deliberate actions. What, then, are the signs?
Recognizing the Signs of Imposter Syndrome
- Self-Doubt: Constantly questioning your skills, expertise, or accomplishments.
- Fear of Failure: Feeling like you’re not good enough and fearing that you’ll be exposed as a fraud.
- Minimizing Success: Downplaying your achievements or attributing them to luck rather than your own abilities.
- Overcompensating: Working excessively hard to prove your worth or seeking validation from others.
You might have these signs or just a few of them, but none of them is worth the success you can become. From self-doubt to fear to seeking validation from others and downplaying your successes, you won’t know when you become a shadow of your true self. How do we break out of this cycle?
Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Don’t give in by challenging negative self-talk and replacing it with positive affirmations. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks and celebrate your progress along the way. By setting realistic expectations for yourself, you can build confidence and combat feelings of inadequacy.
- Seek Support: Reach out to fellow freelancers, mentors, or friends who can offer encouragement, advice, and perspective. Surround yourself with a supportive network of individuals who believe in your abilities and value your contributions.
Cultivating Confidence and Self-Worth
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally can boost your confidence and resilience.
- Focus on Growth: Embrace a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process, and use setbacks as motivation to improve and evolve. You may have failed but YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!
- Celebrate Your Wins: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Keep a success journal or create a “brag folder” where you document positive feedback, testimonials, and milestones to remind yourself of your progress. Whenever you find yourself slipping into negative thinking, go back to them. Read and internalize them.
Note: Even seasoned freelancers occasionally battle with imposter syndrome. The important thing is to own up to it, confront your doubts, and concentrate on developing your confidence and skill set.
Conclusion
Remember, imposter syndrome is a common experience shared by many freelancers, but it doesn’t define you. Not many acknowledge it or speak about it often. But by recognizing the signs, adopting strategies to overcome it, and cultivating confidence and self-worth, you can break free from the grip of imposter syndrome and embrace your unique journey as a freelancer. You’ve got this!
Dr Temitope Olukunle-Okeseeyin
https://universityoffreelancing.org/balancing-work-and-life-as-a-freelancer/
https://universityoffreelancing.org/how-to-stay-motivated-and-inspired-as-a-freelancer/
