Is Impostor Syndrome the Price of Success for Writers?
How to overcome self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy
When I was just starting to write online, all that I ever wanted was to share something valuable with people. I wanted to inspire them and let them know how they could make their lives better. I started a blog and wrote some e-books to sell.
It was not an easy path and there were many challenges along the way. In the beginning, I had to prove myself a lot and do everything I could to improve my writing skills. I wanted to let others know that doing something you believe in is possible.
I didn’t know where that would lead me, but more than a decade later, I was able to establish myself as a full-time writer online. I may not be rich, but I have accomplished more than I thought I could back then.
On Substack, I now have 2,076 subscribers (including some paid subscriptions). I also have multiple books sold on Amazon, Gumroad and other digital platforms. I was also given the opportunity to write for some websites and to have my own column “Beloved” on Patheos.
Everything finally seems to be falling into place and I should be more than happy. But sometimes, I couldn’t help but face this nagging thought at the back of my head, “What if someone sees you’re not really good enough?”
That’s when Impostor Syndrome manifests itself. The psychological condition was named by Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes for that line of thinking that makes us doubt ourselves whenever we achieve something big.
“Would others see me as a fraud?”
“Am I just one day away from being exposed for my flaws?”
Being a Catholic writer only seems to make it worse. As someone who writes inspirational and religious articles, I can also be judged for not being holy enough to continue my work.
“Was I really called to do this when others are so much more qualified?”
“What right do I have to write these things when I know my weaknesses very much?”
“What if I’m not yet as spiritually mature as I should be?”
Have you also felt like that?
You may have just achieved a milestone number of subscribers. Or you may have just published a book. Suddenly, some kind of fear sets in.
“How do I do this?”
“What if I fail to meet what is being expected of me?”
Catholic writers like me may even be more prone to Impostor Syndrome because of the following:
1. The high standards we set for ourselves
We set a high expectation for ourselves. When we write because we aim to spread the Good News, we ask ourselves whether we have delivered the message well. Would reading our work bring people closer to God or offend them in such a way that they turn away?
2. Our struggle with humility
We are sometimes afraid to give ourselves a pat on the back for a job well done. We’re afraid of being guilty of pride when we become grateful for our success.
3. Our tendency to compare ourselves with saints and other holy people
We have a tendency to compare ourselves with the holiest people we know and thereby feel bad when we fall short of their holiness or achievements.
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a Catholic Writer
While God may want us to be aware of the risks of success, we must also refrain from letting impostor syndrome stop us from our ministry and calling.
Here are some ways that can help us overcome Impostor Syndrome:
1. Acceptance of our weaknesses
We must admit that we are not yet perfect. No matter how hard we try, we can still make mistakes. Let the acceptance of this truth set us free instead of paralyzing us with fear.
Our weaknesses can teach us to be humble. They can also draw us closer to God who can help us and fill whatever may be lacking in us to spread the Gospel.
“Dear friends, may no adversity paralyze you. Be afraid neither of the world, nor of the future, nor of your weakness. The Lord has allowed you to live in this moment of history so that, by your faith, his name will continue to resound throughout the world.” - Pope Benedict XVI
2. Improve yourself from day to day
While we must not succumb to perfectionism, we must keep on improving ourselves each day.
Read more, attend courses, and ask the advice of fellow writers.
When it comes to the spiritual life, don’t forget the value of prayer and the sacraments. Reflect on the Scriptures and find more time to listen to God.
Offer everything to God and trust that after doing your very best, God is there to accomplish what you cannot do alone.
3. Stop comparing yourself
Free yourself from the trap of comparing yourself with others, whether your colleagues, famous personalities or even the saints.
You can let their lives inspire but don’t let useless comparisons bring you down. Each person has a gift to cultivate according to God’s plan.
“Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire."
- St. Catherine of Siena
4. Find support from others
Impostor syndrome gives a false signal to our minds because we feel that people don’t really know us and would disapprove of us once they do.
Gather the people who know you, believe in you and can give you honest feedback on your accomplishments.
5. Use your vulnerability
Some people seem to write from a place of know-how and strong confidence. They seem to always have a wealth of knowledge to share.
But some people write from a place of vulnerability, and that is okay. In fact, this could be the way for you to reach those people who can relate to your challenges and doubts.
Write sincerely and have the courage to let others know that you are willing to share with them your journey.
6. Have faith in God
Don’t let the opinion of others always affect your work and your mission. While it is very important to listen to people, always remember that the most important thing is to listen to God.
Did you receive a calling to write for Him? Then pursue that path even if you feel unworthy of the task. Remember that when Jesus was first building God’s kingdom, He did not choose the scholars of the law. He chose fishermen to be His apostles.
Where God points the way, He will provide a way.
“Some think it humility not to believe that God is bestowing His gifts upon them. Let us clearly understand this, and that it is perfectly clear God bestows His gifts without any merit whatever on our part; and let us be grateful to His Majesty for them; for if we do not recognize the gifts received at His hands, we shall never be moved to love Him. It is a most certain truth , that the richer we see ourselves to be, confessing at the same time our poverty, the greater will be our progress, and the more real our humility.” - St. Teresa of Avila
The Value of Humility
We must always remember the value of humility when it comes to battling Impostor Syndrome. True humility is not thinking of yourself less or creating false criticisms about yourself.
Humility rests upon truth. You simply know yourself. You know your strengths as well as your weaknesses. And you rely on God to help you through it all.
Whatever success you achieve, and whatever talents you possess, attribute them all to God. This can pave the way for simplicity, peace of mind and a grateful heart!
“Humility is the mother of all virtues… It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent. If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed you will not be discouraged. If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal.”
- Mother Teresa
You may also want to read:
“The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it.”
- St. Vincent de Paul
Jocelyn, you wrote compassionate insights here. In writing we tend to have to step into the new space we're creating with our thoughts. Are we really that? Yet?
It's the excitement of expanding through writing.