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THE IMPOSTER PHENOMENON

Imposter Syndrome was first examined by researchers Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Ament Imes in 1978, in what they termed the imposter phenomenon. They observed the experiences of 150 women who earned PhDs, were respected professionals in their fields & recognized for their academic excellence, yet despite success or praise from others, they continued to believe they were not bright, had achieved their success from sheer luck, and that they had managed to fool everyone regarding their intelligence and capability.

“Sometimes, sitting here in the dark, slowly slowly creating strategy, she wondered if she was only fooling herself to think her plans were clever.” -Vernor Vinge, The Children of the Sky

We've all been there. We question whether our idea is worth the effort. We question if anyone will like our style. We question if the product we make will sell. We question if people will resonate with us and get what we're doing. I'd like to tell you that once you identify that you're dealing with imposter syndrome, just a form a fear, that you'll get better and never have to conquer it again, kind of like once you acknowledge that there are no monsters under your bed will finally help you get to sleep. But that's not how the mind works.


Dr. Margaret Chan said, “There are an awful lot of people out there who think I’m an expert. How do these people believe all this about me? I’m so much aware of all the things I don’t know.” She was named one of Forbes Top 30 Most Powerful Women.


You see it in what she said, right? We can see our own flaws. We know what we struggle with. We know what we could be better at. We know where we fall short. We know our limitations.


One of the main reasons people don't start the business, create the art, write the poem, etc. is because we think someone else has done it or could do it better. And if we do venture out, we try overworking to compensate for our fear of being discovered as a fraud.


And how many times has someone given you positive feedback and you respond with the mistake you made, or how you plan to do it better next time? Oops, guilty. I sometimes even explain my art with a disclaimer before they have a chance to say anything. How about we try not discounting our ideas, our work, & our value and recognize that it is just our fear talking too loudly?


"I want us all liberated from the path of fear, for many reasons- but mostly because it makes for such a damn boring life. Fear only ever tells you one thing- STOP. Whereas creativity, courage, and inspiration only ever want you to GO." -Elizabeth Gilbert

I hope your creativity, courage, & inspiration force you to go build the business, create the art, & share what you have to offer with the world. Send me a link to what you're doing. I'll come take a look and be inspired by you.


Warmest regards,




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