A few months ago, I finished the book “The Power of Writing It Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life.” I gave it two stars on Goodreads and added it to my 2021 Reading Challenge. That’s about as much as I got out of the entire book. I should have realized that when I read the subtitle because that’s all it was — 200 plus pages dedicated to one habit. The habit is to show up and write, and I do that already.
My issue is dealing with imposter syndrome which is loosely defined as doubting my abilities and feeling like a fraud. I am not a published author (yet), but I’ve been a writer all my life. I fight those thoughts daily by continuing to write and – most importantly – hit publish. And I love to read your comments because my biggest hope is what I put out into the world resonates with others. Everyone who comments on these posts helps me build my confidence as a writer. But when I hear crickets (or see no comments), the self-doubt creeps in. So, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who shared their thoughts and posted them for me to see.
Finishing the Ultimate Blog Challenge is a huge boost in battling imposter syndrome. This is my 29th out of 30 posts for this month. I will write one more before the day is done. And, I want to keep the momentum going, so I plan to attend a writers conference in August. And as an added challenge, I’m in the process of writing an essay to try and win a first-time attendee scholarship. If I win, this will be another arrow in my quiver towards feeling like a real writer. And if I lose, I’ll still attend the conference. I know I’ve already earned a spot in the writing community. And by visualizing my future success, I can keep fighting the imposter syndrome that often weighs me down.
How do you deal with imposter syndrome?
*The image in this blog was taken from Grant Snider’s book, “I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf”
Melissa
June 4, 2021 at 1:28 pm (3 years ago)Congratulations on finishing this challenge! You are a talented writer with a very magnetic writing style….I’m always drawn in by whatever you’re writing about! And as I’ve said before, I am looking forward to reading your first published book. ?
Martha
May 31, 2021 at 7:59 pm (3 years ago)I never think about being an imposter and you are not one either! I’m excited for you for finishing (almost) the challenge and hope to see posts between now and the next challenge. If you want to do a challenge for June, I co-host the Cornerstone Content Blog Challenge. It’s a small group on Facebook and for June we are only required to write Monday, Wednesday and Friday however members can post everyday if they want. CONGRATULATIONS on completion of the UBC!
debra
May 31, 2021 at 2:49 pm (3 years ago)You are definitely not an imposter! Release all those negative thoughts and blossom into who you are . . . by the way, you are more than you will ever realized. It’s been my privilege to participate with you in the UBC. Write on woman!
Elisa
May 31, 2021 at 5:38 pm (3 years ago)Thank you, Deb. It has been amazing to write with you as well. I look forward to reading more from you in the near future.
Marc Cohen
May 31, 2021 at 1:52 pm (3 years ago)Elisa, you are no imposter. You are the real deal. I have enjoyed reading your blogs this month, and look forward to more. The key, I suppose, is to keep writing. Let the words flow. Good luck with the scholarship.
Elisa
May 31, 2021 at 5:39 pm (3 years ago)Thanks, Marc! I’m going to tell myself that I’m the “real deal” every day. Great to meet you.
Dominique
May 31, 2021 at 12:11 pm (3 years ago)I need to finish my first novel as well. I am editing and am stuck on the last 30 pages. I guess I find it difficult to believe that anyone would want to read my story. So I get it. Congratulations on finishing the challenge!
Elisa
May 31, 2021 at 5:39 pm (3 years ago)Congrats to you too!