How To Cope With Feelings Of Imposter Syndrome
We have all been there… Feeling like a fraud, like an imposter. First of all, please know that you are not the only one who feels like this, and it is a normal feeling. I occasionally have this feeling as a photographer. So here are some things that I do to help cope with this feeling.
If you are comparing yourself to others, stop! I know for me, there was another photographer who I was friends with online, and every time she posted, I would compare. I would scroll through her page and look at everything. I knew it wasn’t good for my mental health or confidence. But every time she posted, I couldn’t help it but go through her page. So I had to unfollow her. I still reach out to her and we are still friends but it was not good for me to be constantly comparing myself. So I had make a decision that was protective of my mental health and self esteem. If you need to unfollow people, do it. It can be liberating.
Instead of scrolling through her page, I now scroll through my old images. I compare myself to the old me. Because at the end of the day, my only competition is myself.
3. Sometimes, I need to give myself a little mental boost! So I go and look back at my favorite pictures that I have taken! Or look at good reviews from past clients. Their kind words can lift me up when I am down.
4. Finding a way to release these negative emotions can sometimes be helpful. This can be just going outside and taking a walk, or even writing in my journal.
5. New ideas can help curb these nagging emotions! Sometimes my best ideas can come from a dark place.
I hope these tips are helpful for you! Please know these feeling will pass. Continue to do your best, and just know that someone out there is hoping to be as good as you are right now.
