Have you ever felt like you struggle to take ownership of your achievements? Do you constantly feel like a fraud and find it hard to believe that people are actually paying you for your photography? Do you have a false sense that your weaknesses or insecurities will be exposed while other photographers deserve more success? Do you feel inadequate compared to other photographers who seem to have it all figured out? Lastly, does your perfectionism hinder your ability to complete your work?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing a common issue known as Imposter Syndrome. Imposter Syndrome often affects creative individuals and can sabotage their paths to success. It is a false belief created by our minds, convincing us that we are unworthy or undeserving of our accomplishments, satisfaction, promotions, opportunities, etc. Even when we make progress in our careers, photography, relationships, etc., our brains continue to remind us of our shortcomings and insecurities. This defense mechanism is a product of our 200,000-year-old brain, fixating on negative thoughts to protect us from harm. However, in the modern age, it generates imposter syndrome to defend our ego and sense of self from rejection, loss, conflict, etc.
In today’s world, where we are constantly immersed in the best images and videos through our smartphones, our brains begin to believe that perfection is the norm. This can lead to comparison and unhealthy competition, making us lose sight of the fact that our only true competition should be ourselves. Developing severe insecurities about our work and external perception as a photographer at an early stage in our journey can hinder our growth and make it harder to overcome hurdles, adversity, and failure.
To mitigate imposter syndrome, it is important to celebrate wins and successes, regardless of their size. Many individuals find it easy to criticize themselves and take fault for their failures but struggle to acknowledge their role in their achievements. Taking ownership of your accomplishments, even if it is only partial ownership, can boost your confidence and combat imposter syndrome. You can celebrate your wins privately through activities like journaling, where you write down your daily achievements and progress. This practice helps remind you of your growth and can diminish imposter syndrome while increasing your confidence over time.
It is crucial to recognize that you deserve success and not attribute it solely to external factors. Acknowledge that you played a part in your accomplishments rather than looking for excuses or attributing them to luck or other people’s influence. By changing your mindset and taking ownership, you can overcome imposter syndrome and focus on your photography journey without hindrance.