How to Get Past Freelance Imposter Syndrome

July 16, 2024

Imposter syndrome can feel like you’re the only one going through it but it’s a relatively common freelance challenge. Experiencing feelings of freelance imposter syndrome can occur in freelancers who often work in isolation and face constant uncertainties. (So, basically all of us.) Addressing this issue is crucial for freelancers to thrive and grow in their careers. Let me share a personal story to illustrate how real and impactful imposter syndrome can be.

The first time I experienced imposter syndrome was when I walked into my new office in Manhattan in 2010 as a senior magazine editor. The office was big, bright, beautiful, and had a view of the Chrysler Building. (My favorite building in the city.) Did I mention I had my own office?!

Immediately, my internal voice told me, “Oh, they think you’re more important than you are.” Or, “Wow, they think you’re a bigger deal editor than you are. They’re going to be disappointed.” And even, “Gulp. What did I sign on to do here?”

What the heck? Why can one office in a building make me feel that way? It was the first vivid memory I had of experiencing “imposter syndrome.”

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. According to the American Psychological Association and research, it’s when someone struggles with feelings that they’re a fraud and haven’t earned what they achieved. (And you feel like someone is going to find out that you’ve been “posing” in this role for too long.)

Studies show that over 80 percent of the population has experienced it. Whew! But what also sucks about feeling like you’re a fraud (and that you’re gonna get caught in this lie) is that you feel alone. You think you’re the only imposter in your office, in your friend group, in that class at the gym, and among parents in your kids’ friend groups. (So, I’m not the only one who feels bad when some other kid’s parent sends home a massive goodie bag at a holiday and I didn’t?)

When someone has freelance imposter syndrome feelings—or experiences this in any professional setting—they think they haven’t earned what they achieved.

This syndrome can affect performance, confidence, and mental health, causing anxiety, fear of failure, overworking, and freelance burnout. Imposter syndrome also tends to be more prominent in people with underrepresented identities.

Why Freelance Imposter Syndrome is So Common

Freelancers frequently face rejection and uncertainty. Putting yourself out there can feel intimidating, especially when pitching ideas or cold emailing clients. And then when you realize an editor deleted your pitch or you don’t hear back, it’s going to add to those feelings of being a fraud or a hack who can’t cut it in this industry. Did I mentioned I’m Getting Turned Down for Assignments and I’m Okay with It?

It’s taken me two decades of freelancing to not think “I must suck” and “They don’t like me” when I don’t hear back on pitches and introductory emails.

Recognizing and Naming Thought Distortions

Thought distortions are habitual errors in thinking that negatively impact our ability to succeed. Think of them as the barbed wire fences guarding the doors that would allow the positive thoughts to flow through. Common thought distortions include:

  • Black-and-White Thinking: “I’m too junior, they’ll never hire me.”

  • Fortune-Telling: “That freelance rate I shared is too high. They’d laugh me out of the room.”

  • Mind-Reading: “The client hasn’t responded since I sent the proposal yesterday. They must have hated it.”

  • Should Statements: “I should be working harder.” (Stop ‘should-ing’ all over yourself.)

For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not experienced enough; they’ll never hire me,” reframe it as, “I have a lot of freelance experience. While this exact situation is new to me, that doesn’t mean I can’t do it. I can learn new freelance skills.“

Taking Action Despite Fear

One of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to take action. Recently, I had a conversation with a newsletter subscriber about how she could break into a new type of freelancing and she admitted she was feeling “imposter syndrome” even though she knew she had the background, experience, and skills to succeed. I told her that I totally understood where she was coming from but to try to quiet those voices and just “take action.” For her, that meant sending article pitches. Fear of failure can hold all of us back.

Tips for Overcoming Freelance Imposter Syndrome

There are several things you can do to work toward a positive, encouraging mindset.

  1. Share Your Feelings

    1. Talk to someone you trust about your feelings of inadequacy. Opening up can help you gain perspective and receive constructive feedback. You’ll also realize you likely aren’t alone in those feelings of freelance imposter syndrome.

  2. Work on Your Skills to Overcome Freelance Imposter Syndrome

    1. If you feel weak in a particular area, invest time in learning and improving. Take courses, read books, or watch videos from experts you admire. Here’s the Best Online Freelance Writing Courses for Freelancers.

  3. Discuss Your Failures

    1. Share your failures with others, either privately or publicly. It helps to realize you are not alone and others have faced similar challenges. Post it on social and ask others if they can relate. You’ll probably see a lot of engagement on that share.

  4. Take a Deep Breath and Act

    1. Despite the fear, taking action is crucial. Every new experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Try these Top Apps for Productivity for Freelancers.

Practicing Confidence Can Help You Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Changing your self-talk can significantly boost your confidence. Here are some ways to practice confidence:

  • Own Your Accomplishments: Write down and verbalize your achievements. I like to keep a client “praise document” I can refer to during rough weeks.

  • List Your Skills and Talents: Acknowledge what you’re good at.

  • Recount Successful Experiences: Remember times when you tried something new and succeeded.

  • Ask What’s the Worst That Could Happen: Realize that failure is not as catastrophic as it seems.

Recognize These Feelings When They Come Up

I’m reminded of the acronym about feelings of “FEAR” (False Evidence Appearing Real). The next time you feel like an imposter or have feelings of inadequacy realize they are rooted in fear. Most likely fear of failing.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing process, but taking actionable steps can make a significant difference. Remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Every freelancer experiences moments of doubt, but with the right strategies, you can push past those insecurities and thrive in your career.

Inquire about freelance coaching services to learn how to overcome freelance challenges.