How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Aug 23

If you’re reading this, chances are you know that voice in your head all too well. The one that whispers: “You’re not good enough. You don’t belong here. Everyone’s going to figure out you’re a fraud.”

Let me just say this before anything else: You are not alone. I’ve been creative for years now, and I still feel that way sometimes. In fact, most of the talented, brilliant people I know wrestle with imposter syndrome in one form or another.

So, let’s talk about it openly. Let’s unpack where it comes from, why it happens, and, most importantly, how you can start to quiet that critical voice and keep showing up for yourself and your work.

Why imposter syndrome happens

Imposter syndrome often thrives in creative fields because there’s no single, objective measure of “good.” Unlike math, there’s no final answer. We’re constantly comparing ourselves to others, seeing polished portfolios, big-name clients, fancy awards. We forget that most people only show their highlight reel.

It also grows out of caring deeply. If you didn’t give a damn about your work, you wouldn’t worry about being “found out.” But you do. That’s your strength, not your weakness.

Many of us were told (explicitly or not) that success is reserved for “certain people” with certain backgrounds, degrees, networks, or personalities. When you don’t see yourself reflected in those spaces, it’s easy to internalize the idea that you’re an outsider who doesn’t belong.

How it starts

Often it begins the moment you level up: when you get that promotion, land that big client, or step into a new leadership role. The stakes feel higher. You worry you’re not ready, that you just got lucky.

For me, it really hit when I became a creative director. Suddenly I felt responsible not just for my own work but for an entire team’s output. I was terrified of being “exposed” as someone who didn’t have all the answers.

But here’s the truth no one tells you: No one has all the answers. Even the people you admire most are winging it sometimes.

I’m not going to give you some glib “just be confident” nonsense. It doesn’t work that way. Instead, here’s what has helped me and others I know:

Name it
When that voice pops up, just say: “That’s imposter syndrome talking.” Naming it creates distance between you and the thought. It’s not you. It’s just a story your brain is telling.

Talk about it
Confide in a peer or mentor. You’ll be amazed how often they’ll say, “Oh my god, me too.” The moment you realize you’re not the only one, it loses so much of its power.

Collect evidence
Keep a folder of positive feedback, client emails, kind words from colleagues, and successful projects. On bad days, go read it. It’s hard for that inner critic to argue with real receipts.

Redefine expertise
Being a leader isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about knowing how to ask good questions, listen, and guide a team toward solutions. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. You just have to help the room do its best work.

Embrace learning
You don’t have to know it all right now. In fact, being open to learning is one of the best qualities you can have. Admitting you don’t know something isn’t failure, it’s growth.

Be kind to yourself
Seriously. Would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself? Try offering yourself the same compassion you’d give them. You deserve that.

If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, I hope you’ll take this to heart: You belong here. Not because you fooled anyone. Not because you got lucky. But because you’ve worked for it, you care deeply, and you bring your own unique perspective that no one else can.

Creative work is vulnerable by nature. That’s what makes it so meaningful. It takes guts to keep showing up despite the fear. That’s courage. That’s what makes you the real deal.

And if you ever need someone to remind you? I’ll be right here saying it over and over: You’ve got this.

Best Wishes,

Muskaan Rudhra