How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Freelancer
When you get to a point in your professional journey, you may feel like a fraud. It's a common experience, especially for freelancers. Imposter syndrome can hold us back, in these periods it feels like you’ve lost your confidence, but it doesn't have to define your career.
In this article, I'll walk you through some practical strategies to overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and embrace your true potential as a freelancer.
Acknowledge What You Feel
Don't be surprised to hear that the imposter feeling is not a new thing. It happens to the best of us. When I got my first brand identity design gig on Upwork, I felt like a scam even though I have been offering the same service locally for over two years.
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge and validate your feelings. It's okay to feel like a fraud, like you don't deserve your success, or like you're constantly on the brink of being exposed as a fake.
Instead of trying to suppress or ignore these feelings, take a moment to recognize and name them. Are you feeling anxious, insecure, or self-doubtful? By acknowledging these emotions, you can begin to understand their root causes and develop strategies to manage them.
Celebrate Your Achievements
To overcome the overwhelming feeling of imposter syndrome, intentionally celebrate your wins, no matter how small or insignificant you think they are. It's easy to dismiss your accomplishments, especially when you're constantly striving for more.
But it's crucial to recognize and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. You don’t have to wait till you get the promotion before you give yourself your well-deserved flowers. Why reward yourself by taking yourself out at the end of the week to celebrate your efforts and accomplishments?
Start by keeping a journal or a digital document to record your achievements. This could include anything from landing a new client to completing a challenging project on time. As you reflect on your past successes, you'll start to build a stronger sense of self-worth and competence.
Build a Strong Support System
One of the ways I lightened my burdens of being an imposter is when I have conversations with other freelancers. I get to know that I am not alone, especially when I speak to people ahead of me.
Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of people can be a game-changer when dealing with imposter syndrome. These individuals can offer encouragement, advice, and a listening ear during challenging times.
Connecting with other freelancers can be incredibly beneficial. Join online forums, attend industry events, or participate in networking groups. This will allow you to share experiences with others who face similar challenges.
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Practice Self-Compassion
I've spoken to close friends and family who have always been there for me, offering advice and support when I needed it, but they will not cut themselves some slack just as they told me. It's interesting to realize that often, we find it easier to extend compassion to others than to ourselves.
It's easy to be hard on yourself, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed or experiencing setbacks. However, self-criticism can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and hinder your progress. Instead of beating yourself up, practice self-compassion.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend in need. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Instead of focusing on your mistakes, learn from them. View challenges as opportunities for growth and development.
Always Remember
You deserve all the good things the world can offer, you deserve the best and nothing less. Your feelings are real but they don’t determine who you are or your reality all the time. You might be overwhelmed, but you are not a fraud!
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Meet The Writer!
I'm Favour, a content writer, copywriter, and graphics designer with a passion for making brands shine. I help businesses and individuals create content and designs that convert. My goal? Make your brand awesome, one word/image at a time. When I'm not working, you can find me playing (bad) football, eating (too much), or watching football highlights (guilty pleasure!). Do you want to say something to me or do you want me to be of help? Connect with me via this link.
