Quieting the Inner Critic: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
You know that little voice that whispers, “You’re a fraud, and everyone’s about to find out”? Yeah, that one. That’s imposter syndrome—and it’s sneakier than a Florida lizard slipping under the door.
Imposter syndrome is that persistent belief that your success isn’t deserved, even when all the evidence (your degrees, experience, glowing reviews, and sheer tenacity) says otherwise. Psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes first coined the term back in 1978, describing it as a feeling of intellectual phoniness that affects high-achieving individuals. It’s not a diagnosis—it’s a pattern of thinking. But oh, can it wreak havoc on your peace of mind and reaching your potential.
🌿 Why We Have Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome tends to show up when we’re stepping into something new, challenging, or meaningful—basically, whenever growth is happening. It’s often fueled by:
Perfectionism – The belief that anything short of flawless equals failure. Maria Shriver captured it wonderfully in this quote: “Perfectionism is a dream killer, because it's just fear disguised as trying to do your best.”
Comparison – Scrolling through highlight reels and forgetting they’re not reality.
Upbringing – Family messages like “Don’t brag,” “Be the best,” or “You’re not good enough” can stick.
Societal pressure – Especially for women and creatives, where expectations are sky-high and support and recognition are not as prevalent.
Dr. Valerie Young, author of The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, notes that imposter feelings often come from unrealistic standards and a lack of confidence, not actual incompetence.
🎨 Art, Therapy, and Healing the Inner Fraud
As an art therapist and Tampa Bay therapist, I often see imposter syndrome as the mind’s misguided attempt to protect us—from failure, from rejection, from being “too much.” But here’s the twist: that voice of doubt isn’t your enemy. It’s a scared part of you that needs reassurance, not proof. Art therapy can help bring those inner parts into dialogue—putting color, form, and compassion where criticism once lived.
🌻 What You Can Do About It
You don’t have to banish self-doubt completely to thrive. You just need to stop giving it the microphone. Try these steps:
Name It. When imposter thoughts show up, say, “Ah, there’s my inner critic again.” Naming it separates you from the feeling.
Check the Evidence. Write down your achievements—no, seriously, list them and have them handy (like on your phone) for the next time those thoughts pop up.
Talk About It. Sharing your feelings with a therapist or supportive friend normalizes the experience. Trust me, it’s a lot more common than you think.
Reframe Failure. Mistakes don’t prove fraudulence—they prove you’re learning. After experiencing his own failures, Abraham Lincoln famously said, “Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
Create. Whether through journaling, painting, setting a beautiful table, planting a garden, or creating music, give those feelings form. Expression creates release.
Imposter syndrome loses its grip when we stop fighting it and start getting curious. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is acknowledge your brilliance—without needing to earn it again and again.
A famous Marianne Williamson quote: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." The full quote continues, "We are afraid of our light, not our darkness" and "It is our light, not our weakness, that most frightens us."
Ready to shine your light without feeling like an imposter? Let’s chat! The world deserves all you are bringing to the table.
📘 References:
Clance, P.R. & Imes, S.A. (1978). The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice.
Young, V. (2011). The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women. Crown Publishing.
