What Do You Mean You Want To Read What I Wrote? Living With Imposter Syndrome...

Something that I have been struggling a lot with during this new path of posting my writing and having people actually want to read it... is imposter syndrome.

So what exactly is imposter syndrome?

At least according to some sources on Google... That is the definition of imposter syndrome.

In lay mans terms it is the chronic feeling of self doubt and feeling as though I am not good at any of this. Even though I have plenty of people who enjoy my writing and continuously engage with my posts. I just feel as though at the end of the day my perfectionism seems to outweigh all of the positive comments I receive.

I am continuously told that I am a writer because I write. However, sometimes that isn't enough reassurance.

Let's talk coping skills...

The big way I combat feeling of perfectionism is to allow myself grace. I give myself loose deadlines that allow me to work at a comfortable pace, while still allowing myself time to edit my work before I share it with others for feedback.

For example, I had to write the beginnings of a short story for my school work this week and I made sure to allow myself to take the whole week to work on it. I started with planning a simple plot line and characters before deep diving into character creation and outlining. All while checking in with my support systems as ideas of dialogue pop into my mind or scene ideas. I definitely rely on my sounding boards to make sure my concepts and ideas "make sense." To me they always do because these ideas, plot lines and characters live rent free in my own mind. I just need to understand that what is happening in this crazy thing called a brain also resonates on the page.

Another way I fight against the concept of imposter syndrome is by writing when I feel the drive to. I try not to pressure myself into writing because then it feels more of a chore rather than a creative flow from mind to paper. I've noticed that when I am "forced" to write or writing for a strict deadline (typically that I procrastinated on) I find myself ready to pull my hair out.

The way I have learned to combat this is to plan and outline my ideas so they become more tangible and able to be portrayed even before the words hit the paper. Even on the days I may not be able to put words on paper I am on Pinterest planning out story ideas (setting and vibes) and also planning out character boards for the image I have within my head. I find creating these curated spaces I am able to describe what I am picturing within my mind a lot easier than simply diving head first into writing.

As I type that out I find the thought of "well that is silly, Kylie. aren't you supposed to just be able to write. I mean you are a writer, aren't you?"

THAT is what we call imposter syndrome for Kylie Rose Writes. The undeniable nagging thoughts of "are you sure you're good enough for this?" and "aren't you supposed to know what you're doing?"

The biggest concept that has helped me define and have power over it has been to name it. It might seem silly, but that is because it is supposed to be. By naming your inner critic, the one that is pressing this imposter syndrome on you, externalizes the thoughts and feelings. Now I can rationally stop the thoughts in their tracts by saying "Not now, Doubt Goblin." Or even my personal favorite of "Who asked you, Doubt Goblin?"

Yes I named my inner critic "The Doubt Goblin" but her actual name is Nettle (Nettie for short).

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The Master of Imposter Syndrome, The Doubt Goblin (Nettie)

I wish I could say I am talented enough to produce amazing illustrations like this... but I am not. I found this posted on Pinterest, check it out here.

How do you fend off your own doubt goblins? Asking for a friend...