“Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do and, at some point, you will.” ~ Venus Williams
Anyone else struggle with imposter syndrome? It’s not just me, right?
I think the trick is to just keep doing what you’re doing until it feels real. Until it feels like second nature. Until it is you.
I’ve struggled with this feeling throughout my many careers. I studied Fine Art in university and when I shifted my career into high tech in the mid 1990’s I never told anyone that I studied art. I’ve never once called myself an artist.
When I talked my way into a technical writer position at a company that develops software for the semiconductor industry I kept waiting to be called out as the fraud I felt I was. But I kept at it. And I got good at it. And almost 20 years later I have no problem referring to myself as a technical communications specialist.
When I started silversmithing and designing and creating jewelry just over 3 years ago, I also struggled with referring to myself as a jewelry designer. I still do. Though it’s getting easier after two years as an official business and taking part in many shows where people tell me they like my jewelry and actually buy my creations (I still get a thrill when someone makes a purchase - thank you!!). Though I still feel like I have so much to learn, both as a business owner and a designer and a creator before I will be truly comfortable with calling myself a jewelry designer or even an entrepreneur.
So here’s to all us who struggle with who we are and who we want to be. Just keep at it. It gets easier and it becomes more real. We’ve got this.