Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in a Fresh Career Path

I am approaching my one-year anniversary of becoming a full-time artist and small business owner—365 days of working for myself and managing the day-to-day self-doubt with thoughts like: 'Is this going to work out?', 'Can I actually do this?', and most recently, 'Will I make it to my two-year anniversary?'

All of this to say—imposter syndrome is fresh on my mind. Of course, I have some advantages. Beyond being driven and ambitious, I fortunately spent over a decade working in the business world, where I learned a great deal about sales funnels, revenue, expenses, marketing strategies, and branding. But no matter how much that knowledge prepares you, it’s completely different when you’re on your own.

That’s why these doubts surface so often. It’s very challenging to keep them from creeping in, even on positive, productive days. And that’s why I wanted to share my tactics for overcoming imposter thoughts and bringing confidence to the forefront.

#1: The Power of Journalling: Everyday I dedicate time where I journal. Some entries are about my personal life but a great amount are about my new career. By writing down things going well, opportunity areas, stressful things, etc I am constantly reminded on the progress I am making. This action helps me be honest with myself and inspires me to work through things. Its an objective way to gauge how I am feeling and especially a way to highlight the areas where doubt is present. I am so grateful for these entries becuase it keeps me honest and keeps me focused.

#2: Realizing the % of days I have made it through…which is currently 100%: This helps give me credit on remembering that I am still in it. Everyday isn’t perfect. That would be unrealistic. But remembering that I have made it through 100% of the last 365 days is a powerful reminder that I am still in it. I have not given up and that I accept those days where every to-do isn’t completed. Becuase you know what…there is always tomorrow.

#3: I am not the first and am not the last: Countless people have switched careers before me and countless more will do it after me. Its a sign of relief when you recognize that. I am not alone with those doubts and stressors. Instead I am part of a community that I may never meet but I can feel that energy on a daily basis. Realizing that I am not alone helps to bolster my confidence.

So if you are like me and have those days where imposter syndrome thoughts sneak in…remember these 3 tactics to overcome!

Please check out the original blog post here: https://robertoscar.com/blog