If I Can Do It…

Imposter syndrome seems to be the buzzword these days, but what is it?

It usually rears its ugly head when you are trying something new, something out of your comfort zone, and essentially means that you doubt your abilities and feel like a fraud. You think, Who am I to say I can do this?

The term imposter syndrome bothers me. It is a label, and I think labelling things is harmful. Often people hang on to that word or term and use it as an excuse for not moving forward. I prefer to figure out how to move past that issue or problem.

An example of this is Writer’s Block. If you struggle with knowing what to write, you may say, Oh no, I have Writer's Block! You focus on the term instead of simply taking a break from your writing until you are inspired to continue.

Still, I understand the meaning behind imposter syndrome. I know that feeling of uncertainty. I have questioned why I think I can write a book when I have not taken any formal training. However, it is because of thoughts like these that keep people from taking that next step.

I was having a real moment of imposter syndrome as I mentally prepared for a meeting. I joined Amy Porterfield’s 30-day Digital Course Academy Kickstarter Bootcamp, where I introduced myself as a self-published author who had documented every step of the process, from the craft of writing to the business of writing. Because of this, I received a reply to my post from a man who was a retired news producer in the New York area for the likes of NBC and Good Morning America, who was developing a course in public relations for authors. The man had a professional website with excellent testimonials.

As the meeting drew nearer, I wondered whether I had misrepresented myself and worried he thought I had more experience than I did.

I had to remind myself to be myself and tell the truth of my story. I held onto that, and when we met, this experienced producer was receptive and supportive. I felt I had made a pretty neat connection in this writing world, but most importantly, by showing up and meeting with him, my confidence grew and allowed me to push The Imposter back into the shadows.

She is still lurking, but by putting in the work, I find it easier to ignore her.

If I can do it, so can you.

— Cindy