Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Journey from Doubt to Authenticity

Petals Aglow

I've been listening to a great podcast called The Thriving Christian Artist with Matt Tommey and he mentions something called Imposter Syndrome. Here is the definition:

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals feel like frauds, doubting their abilities and fearing exposure despite evidence of their competence.

A lot of artists suffer from this at one time or another and I can truly relate. In my younger years, I always dreamed about starting my own business. I had a success or two, but never really got it going like I wanted to.

Now that I am retired and actually have the time to devote to a business, I'm not sure it's what I want anymore. The imposter syndrome hits hard when you are making art but can't seem to find a way to sell it. It makes me question, is that what you really want to do?

Me being the person I am, I begin to ask myself questions.

• What is your main reason TODAY for wanting a business?

• Would you be comfortable with only taking commissioned jobs?

• Do you want to be able to sell from your website?

I could go on for days with these questions and when I do, I get stressed. That lets me know that I have to strip back my reasons for doing what I'm doing. This is what I mean:

My main reason for wanting a business is to have residual income. Do we need that right now? No.

How would I feel about donating some of my art to places that may want it? I'd actually feel great about that!

God has blessed me with a creative talent and if someone can use it to brighten a space or maybe even give them the push they need to get started on their own dream, then I am all for that. You never know who might be blessed just by looking at something that you created.

I know that God doesn't want me to feel like an imposter and compare myself or my gifts to everyone else. I am creative for a purpose, and so are you. Your art may not be like everyone else's, but that's ok. There is only one YOU.

Create authentically. That's what I'm going to do!