Confessions Of a Freelancer with Impostor Syndrome
By: Nancy Ewurum
Tags: Freelancing, Impostor Syndrome, Freelancers

“I’m going to get found out today for sure”

“That gig is way out of my league”

“Soon these people will know that I cannot possibly take on this gig”

Ever felt like this?

Well you are not alone.70% of people all the world will feel like impostors at some point in their lives. The feeling that you’re going to get found out, that maybe you’re not as good as you portray yourself, or that somehow you’re inferior to other people in what you do; that’s impostor syndrome and basically all smart, talented and successful people feel like impostors every once in a while.

Impostor syndrome is very real. Most times it’s a thin line between being insecure about who you are and being insecure about your success. You constantly wonder if you can do this job even though you have done similar ones a thousand times. You get mentally crippled at the thought of taking up a similar job just because it’s a higher pay. You pass on good jobs with the excuse that you are not qualified to do them.

Feeling like an impostor does not mean you are crazy, in-fact several researchers argue that only experts feel like impostors; that impostor syndrome arises as a result of becoming more accomplished at what you do.

Being a freelancer comes with its own challenges — loneliness, client rejection, uncertainty and you are not exempted from feeling like a fraud. It sort of comes with the job.

Here are a few things you can do about it:

Focus on positive impact:

First of all realise that the impostor feeling does not promote personal growth in any way.

It is an enemy of growth as there is no efficacy in sulking at your desk all day feeling like a phoney.

Instead, try focusing on the positive actions you took recently or even things you have accomplished in the past. It helps to remind yourself that at some point you did something amazing. Doing this will build your confidence and dispel any sense of feeling like a phoney.

Avoid unfair comparison:

It’s kinda hard to resist comparing yourself with others. You compare yourself with someone who did the job better and who possibly has more experience.

It’s no good matching your output with someone else’s output because your styles may be different.

Even if your styles are the same, there are still other variables that will guarantee different levels of output. Instead, do your own thing, seek out tasks that you enjoy and are good at. Set your own goals and focus on achieving them. Don’t spend time wondering what the goals of other freelancers may be or how good they are; focus on you.

Create a “feel good” checklist:

Having a handy list of the things you have accomplished so far goes a long way in overcoming impostor syndrome. A good way to overcome your impostor mindset is decide on what you need to achieve in order to allow yourself feel accomplished.

Define specific outcomes for those achievements and assign ways of measuring the outcome.

Check off the items as you complete them. With this checklist, you know you can never be an imposter’s because you have an evidence of the amazing things you have done so far.

Social network:

As a freelancer it is easy to isolate yourself from your social network. This shouldn’t be the case. Connect with other freelancers, other professionals and even your peers. Remember that many people have experienced the feeling of impostor syndrome at some point so you are not alone. You stand a chance of getting affirmations from them which can build your confidence or even getting helpful tips on how they dealt with the issue.

Your network can be your support group helping you navigate the waters when you need to overcome self-doubt, develop your skills and discover new strengths.

The feeling of being an impostor should not be ignored or downplayed. Take action. Surround yourself with supportive peers and always focus on the things you are good at.

Do you struggle with impostor syndrome as a freelancer? Share your tips and strategies.

This blog post was originally published on the Week of Saturdays blog.