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Kill the Damn Noise!
Addressing impostor syndrome by writing a tough love letter.
“I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have a fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I’m like, ‘My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don’t have it. I just want to chill.’ We all have self-doubt. You don’t deny it, but also don’t capitulate to it. You embrace it.”
- Kobe Bryant
Every human being has experienced his or her moments of self-doubt. If someone tells you otherwise, then that person is lying to you and themself.
I’ve never denied having self-doubt. It has appeared in every facet of my life, including my creative endeavors. For me as a writer, it emerges as impostor syndrome that consistently nags inside my mind, making me question my talent and accomplishments. I’ve had my moments where I allowed the toxic, negative speech to talk me out of attending local poetry readings to share my work on open mics or signing up for writing classes to improve my craft.
So, what have I ever done about my impostor syndrome? Fortunately, I have an excellent positive social support system of friends and family that I can reach out to, if necessary. Unfortunately, I hesitate to do so due to pride and ego, but that’s something I’m learning to overcome.