Am I an imposter?
Confession time: I grapple with imposter syndrome in my photography journey, questioning the adequacy of my work and the stories my images convey. Currently curating a gallery for my RutgersArtography site, I find myself uncomfortable with self-doubt about many of the photos—a sentiment not uncommon, as around one-third of young people and 70% of others experience it, as per the Harvard Business Review.
Imposter syndrome, characterized by feeling like a fraud despite external success, affects both men and women. Stemming from a sense of inadequacy, it's a cognitive distortion leading individuals to doubt their skills, accomplishments, and others' perceptions of them. The syndrome's roots can be traced to personality, family and social environments, and a fear of not belonging.
For me, it may be a blend of personality traits and a sense of belonging, coupled with self-imposed pressure and the fear of exposure. Despite compliments on my photography, I still harbor doubts, particularly as a perfectionist who deems a photo unworthy if not technically flawless.
Common imposter syndrome characteristics include self-doubt, undervaluing contributions, attributing success externally, self-sabotage, setting unrealistic expectations, and fearing failure. Personally, self-doubt resonates loudly, especially when deciding if my images merit inclusion in my gallery or, more dauntingly, for sale.
The five types of imposter syndrome—perfectionist, superwoman/man/person, natural genius, soloist, and expert—highlight different facets of this struggle. In my case, perfectionism reigns in my photography, reminiscent of past work-related doubts that have gradually dissipated over the years.
Do you ever grapple with imposter syndrome, and if so, does it persist? Your story is something I'd love to hear (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7165465701422497792/)
. In my next update, I'll share tips on overcoming imposter syndrome and whether they've made a difference in my journey.
If you can’t wait check out these articles I read researching this topic
https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-imposter-syndrome-and-how-to-avoid-it
https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-imposter-syndrome-and-how-to-avoid-it
