How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

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Last week, I got offered a collaboration with a dream brand. I was over the moon: this brand is a major retailer that I’ve been shopping at for the past 20+ years, and I’m even a cardholder at said retailer. You’ve seen me organically mention them dozens of times over the past couple of years, and I’m so excited to finally have the opportunity to work with them. I’ve had several “pinch-me” moments throughout my blogging career, but this brand is special to me!

A few hours after I landed my dream collab? I was curled up in a fetal position, bawling my eyes out, feeling like an absolute failure. Instead of being proud of myself for all the “dream collabs” I’ve landed to date, I picked myself apart and felt like a fraud. As if I didn’t deserve any of the projects that I’ve landed to date.

Once I started venting to Tom, he told me that sometimes he struggles with imposter syndrome, as well.

Hmm. Imposter syndrome. What the heck was that, I asked? I googled it and quickly realized: wow, that’s exactly what I’m feeling right now. And after I chatted with you guys on IG Stories last week about it, I realized that a lot of you guys have a bit of imposter syndrome as well.

I never expected to own my own business in my 20s. I started my blog before the term “influencer’ was even coined: I launched it as a way to share my budget-friendly fashion finds in college after I interned in the fashion industry in NYC. Back in 2011, blogging was easy, I didn’t feel any pressure, and I truly just did it for fun. Heck, I never even imagined that I could go full-time with blogging either. The only reason why I took that leap of faith is that I got laid off from my last job (with a generous severance payment) – and I gave it my all and made it work.

Blogging wasn’t a skill that I learned in college. I never envisioned this being my career, but I’m thankful that I took the risk. I earn 3x as much now with my blog than I did when I was working my last 9-5, spoken at conferences, and worked with some incredible brands over the years. On paper, I look like a successful influencer.

But for some reason, I constantly feel that I fell into this career by accident and that I might not deserve any of this success.

To be candid, I’ve been inconsistent with posting here lately because I’ve let this self-doubt overcome me. Sometimes when a photoshoot doesn’t turn out the way I want to, or if I don’t get the engagement that I’m hoping for on a post, I beat myself up about it. Trust me, I’ve logged into my WordPress editor almost every day, and have struggled to compose a blog post for weeks. Heck, I’ve even cried/had a few panic attacks lately because of it.

Imposter syndrome “refers to an internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be.”

And guess who this affects the most? High-achieving women.

I always knew that I was a bit of a perfectionist and was my own worst critic, but I didn’t realize how bad it’s gotten over the last few months. I knew my anxiety has been through the roof lately: I would shoot and re-shoot project, never be satisfied with my own work, and lie awake at night agonizing over projects.

And honestly? I just needed a break. Hence the inconsistent blog posts lately. I’ve been overanalyzing my work for the sponsored clients that I’ve had lately, that I’ve been feeling uninspired and incapable of producing my own work.

If you’re also going through this, know that you’re not alone. I’ve taken a small break here for my mental health, and I finally had an entire weekend alone to think and reflect – I haven’t had time for myself in weeks. Here are a few mantras that are helping me get through the week.