Imposter Syndrome

One thing has followed me around for some time throughout my music career. It has been there for performances, in the practice room, in my classes, as I write and record new songs, and as I write this post. Imposter syndrome has reared its ugly head at random, yet consistent times through it all.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is feeling like you don't belong somewhere. It's a feeling that everyone else is doing it right and you are not. It can feel like you're a fraud. There's a voice in your head that says, "you're faking it, you don't belong here, everyone is better than you." It can make you feel like giving up, like just dropping everything and stopping. It tries to convince you that no matter what you won't achieve the goals you have.

Imposter syndrome can really start to form as you look at others around you. You start to see how well others' music is doing on Spotify, you hear solos that you would never come up with, you see someone's arrangement and you are amazed at what they came up with. Comparison is a thief of joy. Social media certainly has accelerated imposter syndrome for many as musicians create jun and exciting content that gets lots of engagement while the stuff you put out sputters and dies.

It's Normal.

I think every creative person experiences imposter syndrome at some point in their career. I have yet to meet someone who hasn't had to deal with at least some of it. For some, it may stop their creative juices altogether while others learn to live with it. One thing is for sure, is that it is much more widespread than it may seem. I think if we as musicians realize how many others struggle with it, it could help us feel better about our own struggles.

My Solutions.

Here is how I have dealt with it:

Push through

Grit. It has so many uses in the long-term struggle of a creative person. Grit can help us push through the feeling of inadequacy that we feel when we doubt ourselves as we create. It takes an enormous amount of grit to feel like a failure and to keep going. You have to be tough to make music, share it with the world, and honestly look at the results of your projects. Just keep going. Keep creating. Keep sharing.

Look at past successes

In times of difficulties, it can be helpful to look at the success you have had before, not to live in the past, but to motivate you for the future. Find projects that have gone well or that you are particularly proud of and let that success push you through to keep creating and achieving the next big thing in your career.

Don't believe the lie

I haven't dealt with crippling imposter syndrome, but I know what it feels like to feel like you absolutely don't belong. But it isn't true. Just by creating something new, you are a successful musician. You are only not successful when you stop. Don't believe the lies it tells you. Keep going.

I would love to hear your thoughts on imposter syndrome. Have you experienced it? How do you deal with it?