Whether you are new to the world of occultism, or whether you’ve been here for years, you’ve probably run into the dreaded ‘Imposter Syndrome’ already. That choking, squeezing feeling of “Who am I to be able to do _____”.
This syndrome plagues Artists, Writers, Witches, Priests, and any number of people connected to the true power in this universe. Those that feel that calling to do something important, and yet feel small, irreversibly incapable, or terrified of the possibilities.
The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of: ‘I’m a fraud! Oh God, they’re on to me! I’m a fraud!’ . . . just try to ride the egomania when it comes and enjoy it, and then slide through the idea of fraud.
-Tina Fey
So what do you do, when you start feeling as if you are the subject of a manhunt?
You take a deep breath, and keep going.
I know, I know, it’s easier to say than do. I myself suffer from impostor syndrome at times. The only thing I’ve found that helps is just… pushing ahead anyway. Whether people think I’m a fraud, or if they disagree with my opinions, or my writing sucks, doesn’t matter. What matters is how it makes ME feel.
Try to remember the joy you feel in your heart, when you practice your art, whatever it might be. Even when the anxiety squeezes your heart so tightly that you feel choked. Even when your mind won’t stop. Even when your mind won’t start.
That’s the only answer.
I have written 11 books but each time I think ‘Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’
-Maya Angelou
‘I think the most creative people veer between ambition and anxiety, self-doubt and confidence. I definitely can relate to that. We all go through that: “Am I doing the right thing?” “Is this what I’m meant to be doing?”‘
-Daniel Radcliffe
Things You Can Tell Yourself:
- I am a Creator.
- I am a Creative Person.
- I am Doing the Right Thing.
- I am MEANT to be here, doing this.
- I have Everything I need to do this.
- I am the Only One whose Opinion Counts.
- I Worked Hard to Get Here, I Can Keep Going.
- The World Needs Me to do this.
Trust me, you’ll get through this. And if anyone tells you something that sounds like your impostor syndrome, punch them. In the gonads. Or the Lady Testicles. Either way.
