Many people experience imposter syndrome; not just you and me. Even the biggest artists in the world have noticed these feelings. Billie Eilish has 9 Grammys, and she still feels insecure about her talent some days. David Bowie once told Q Magazine, “I had massive self-image issues and very low self-esteem, which I hid behind obsessive japan email list writing and performing… I was driven to go through life very quickly… I really felt totally inadequate. I thought work was the only thing that mattered…” in 1997. Even the great and legendary Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve written eleven books, but every time I think, uh-oh, now they’re going to find out. I’ve fooled everyone and they’re going to find out.”
After all, we know how incredibly talented these people are, and yet they have also felt this same pressure that you are feeling now.
Reflect on your achievements, big and small
It can be hard to accept your accomplishments, but physically writing them down can help you see how well you're really doing. Try making a list of everything you're proud of having accomplished. Whether it's playing a good gig or having a good day making music, you should be proud of the progress you've made and the progress you're still making. So when you're having a day where you doubt yourself, think about all the good you've already done.
As a creative, you are your own worst critic. Even outside of the artistic realm, the pressure our industry puts on all of us is enough to make anyone question their worth. It can be hard to escape this negative thought pattern once you get started, and it can be debilitating not only to your creative flow, but to your overall mental health. And to let you in on a secret… your anxiety is lying to you.
Sometimes all you need is a new point of view. Let’s say you keep thinking badly about yourself, like you can’t do anything right. Replace that negative thought with, “Yeah, I screwed up, but who doesn’t?” or “It may not have turned out the way I wanted, but now I know how to do it better next time.” There may not be a way to completely stop intrusive thoughts, but you can learn to evaluate them and reshape them into something more positive.