How to overcome imposter syndrome—8 tips for finding your confidence as a creative

Ever feel like you’re just winging it, waiting for someone to call you out as a fraud? Those nagging thoughts that you’re not good enough despite clear evidence to the contrary—that’s imposter syndrome. It’s widespread among creatives, given the subjective nature of our work. From fear of failure to relentless perfectionism, we’re constantly battling to feel worthy of our achievements.

As someone who’s juggled the unpredictable terrain of freelance writing, written three romantic comedy novels, and even dabbled in the chaotic universe of ad agency entrepreneurship, I’ve had my fair share of imposter syndrome battles. In this article, I’ll explore how I (and you) can show those pesky feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt about who’s boss. 

My writing career hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. I’ve faced rejections galore—from rejected manuscripts to harsh feedback from Creative Directors. Each setback felt like a gut punch, shaking my confidence and making me question my abilities. Imposter syndrome didn’t just knock on my door; it set up camp in my living room.

I remember when a pitch I had poured my heart and soul into was bluntly rejected. The email arrived with a polite but unmistakable tone, saying, “Thanks, but no thanks.” It felt like a personal failure, a confirmation of my worst fears—that I wasn’t good enough.

 In 2016, my brother Josh Berg and I co-founded Hedgehog Agency, now an award-winning marketing firm that he runs single-handedly. Back then, I was drowning in imposter syndrome. We didn’t talk about it then, so I recently asked Josh how he felt, thinking it would be interesting to interview him for this piece. Despite his calm demeanor, I was surprised to learn he had his share of doubts. 

He recalls, “Scaling Hedgehog was like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Finding the right talent, managing growing client expectations, and maintaining our creative integrity were huge challenges. We overcame them by sticking to our core values and not being afraid to pivot when necessary. And, of course, by having a sense of humor through the whole process.”

One of the most liberating moments in my journey was accepting that imperfection is not just okay but relatable. By sharing my struggles in my writing, I’ve been able to connect with readers on a deeper level. Vulnerability breeds relatability, and that’s what resonates with people.

Rejection is a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s also a powerful teacher. Each “no” taught me to reframe failure as a learning opportunity. Perseverance and resilience aren’t just buzzwords; they’re crucial to navigating the ups and downs of a creative career. Josh also emphasized the importance of resilience: “High-pressure situations are just opportunities in disguise. I remind myself that everyone, even the ‘greats,’ started somewhere and faced their own doubts. Practicing positive visualization—imagining the successful outcome of a presentation or project—helps me stay focused and confident.”

Ah, perfectionism—the bane of every creative’s existence. We set these sky-high standards for ourselves and then freeze up, terrified of making mistakes. It’s a productivity killer and fuels imposter syndrome like nothing else.

For instance, I would often spend hours agonizing over a single sentence, convinced that it needed to be perfect before I could move on. This not only slowed down my work but also chipped away at my confidence. Realizing that perfection is an illusion and that done is better than perfect was pivotal for me.

It’s too easy to look at peers and feel we’re falling short. Social media doesn’t help, showcasing everyone’s highlight reels while we’re aware of our behind-the-scenes bloopers. This comparison game breeds self-doubt and undermines our confidence.

I often scrolled through Instagram, witnessing fellow writers celebrate their book deals and glowing reviews. At the same time, I fixated on my one-star reviews that I stumbled upon on Goodreads. It took some serious self-reflection to realize that each writer’s path is unique and that comparison is the thief of joy.

Deadlines, presentations, and client meetings can be imposter syndrome’s playground. I’ve felt inadequate in the heat of these moments, but coping strategies like deep breathing and positive visualization have been lifesavers.

During a particularly intense client pitch for Hedgehog Agency, I felt my anxiety peak. I practiced visualization techniques to calm myself, imagining the presentation going smoothly to help me stay focused and perform confidently. 

Negative feedback can sting, but it’s important to separate personal worth from professional critique. Constructive criticism is a tool for growth, not a verdict on your value.

I once received harsh criticism on a campaign concept. Initially, it felt like a personal attack. But after processing the feedback, I saw it as an opportunity to improve. This shift in perspective made a significant difference in how I handled future critiques. 

Josh shares his experience, saying, “Feedback should be viewed as the best gift you’ll ever get. Someone else has taken the time to tell you how you can be better. It’s a gift, handed to you, wrapped up with a bow and all – cherish it.” 

Josh elaborates on a particular instance where his team at Hedgehog Agency was working on a high-profile campaign. The client criticized the initial concept and felt it didn’t align with their brand identity. Instead of taking the feedback personally, Josh and his team organized a meeting to understand the client’s concerns better. They asked detailed questions to get to the root of the criticism and used the feedback to guide a complete overhaul of the campaign. The result was a revised concept that met and exceeded the client’s expectations. This experience reinforced the importance of viewing feedback as a crucial component of the creative process.

Catch those negative thoughts as they arise and flip them around. Instead of “I’m not good enough,” try “I’m capable and constantly improving.” Cognitive restructuring can be a game-changer.

For example, when I thought, “I’ll never be as good as other writers,” I actively countered, “I have my unique voice and perspective that readers appreciate.”

It might sound silly, but daily affirmations and writing about your strengths can build self-esteem. These practices have helped me transform self-doubt into self-compassion.

 I start each day with affirmations like, “My work has value” or “My copy is so good I could sell air conditioning in Antarctica.” Documenting my achievements, no matter how small (even just screenshotting positive feedback), also reinforced my self-worth. Journaling those victories can make it feel even more legit if you’re into it. 

Josh adds, “Positive self-talk is a powerful tool. I make it a habit to remind myself of past successes and the value we bring to our clients. It helps in combating those nagging doubts.”

Documenting your wins, big or small, is like having a personal arsenal against imposter syndrome. You can choose to write them in a journal, but what works best for me is just an album on my phone filled with screenshots of rave Goodreads reviews, emails from clients that made me do a happy dance, things I’ve written in my notes app about how I overcame challenges, and even sweet texts from friends. 

When feeling particularly “imposteresque,” I dive into this treasure trove to remind myself of all my victories and milestones, boosting my confidence and motivation.

Divide your big projects into bite-sized tasks. Achievable goals boost your sense of accomplishment and help ward off imposter syndrome.

For example, instead of setting the ambitious goal of finishing a novel in three months, I focus on hitting daily word count targets. Rather than staring at the overwhelming task of writing a 300-page book, I aim for 500 words daily. It adds up quickly and feels much more achievable. Plus, each day’s progress gives me a little boost of satisfaction and keeps me motivated to continue. This approach makes the whole endeavor feel less daunting and more doable.

Josh agrees with me here, too. He shares, “Setting realistic goals has been crucial for us at Hedgehog. Breaking down projects into smaller, manageable tasks makes them less overwhelming and gives us a sense of progress and achievement.” 

For instance, when working on a major marketing campaign, Josh and his team divide the work into phases—research, brainstorming, drafting, and finalizing instead of tackling the entire project at once. Each phase has specific, measurable tasks, like conducting ten customer interviews for research or generating twenty initial concepts during brainstorming sessions. This phased approach helps them maintain momentum and stay on track.

Surround yourself with a supportive community. Building a squad that gets your journey is key—you’d be surprised how many people are eager to lift up others.

For me, joining writing groups and attending industry events was like finding my tribe. I met fellow writers, entrepreneurs, and creatives navigating the same hurdles. I formed many connections online through creative communities on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook groups. So, even if you don’t have the time to get out physically, start connecting virtually. 

Mentors offer perspective and guidance that’s gold for navigating your career. Find seasoned professionals who can help you grow and stay grounded.

I contacted established creatives and authors via Instagram and LinkedIn for advice. I was fortunate that people were so generous with their time. Their insights helped me navigate the industry and provided reassurance during tough times. There are also plenty of established and more formal mentor programs for Australian creative industries, like the Creative Australia mentorship and The Aunties. 

Failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone to success. Reframe setbacks as integral parts of your creative process and growth opportunities. Everyone stumbles; what matters is how you rise.

I’ve had my fair share of failed projects, and each has taught me valuable lessons. For example, a campaign I poured my heart into didn’t resonate with the target audience as we expected. We were focusing hard on sustainability for the brand, thinking our audience was all about it, but it turns out they were more about saving green than going green. 

They focused more on cost savings, and our message missed the mark. Rather than dwelling on it, I dove deep into the feedback. Our audience wanted a stronger emphasis on saving money rather than just environmental benefits. Armed with insights, I fine-tuned our messaging, ensuring future campaigns hit the mark and spoke directly to our audience. Learning from these hiccups has been essential in shaping my growth as a creative.

When you mess up, imagine what you’d say to a close friend in the same situation. Chances are, you’d be supportive and encouraging. Apply the same kindness to yourself.

When I make a mistake—say, a typo in a significant campaign or a presentation that didn’t quite land—I remind myself that it’s part of the journey. I tell myself, “Okay, that happened. What can I learn from it?” Then, I move on, focusing on the next task with a clearer mind. This practice has been essential in maintaining my mental health and creativity. 

Josh emphasizes, “Practising self-compassion has been crucial. We’re often our own harshest critics, but treating ourselves with the kindness we’d offer a friend is important. Mistakes are just stepping stones on the path to success.” For him, that might mean taking a break to clear his head after a tough day or reminding himself of past successes when a current project isn’t going smoothly. He’s found that these small acts of kindness towards himself keep him grounded and motivated.

In summary, tackling imposter syndrome is more like a marathon than a sprint. Here’s how to transform self-doubt into a strength:

Every creative journey is unique. Embrace your path, learn from your experiences, and keep creating with confidence. You’ve got this! While you’re here, check out these articles on Prioritizing Your Mental Health as a Freelancer, Mental Health Month ideas and activities, and How to Thrive While Working Remotely.