A Guide to Silencing Your Inner Critic and Conquering Imposter Syndrome

Hey friends! Janelle here with another installment of our “Lemonaid Stand,” where I’ll teach you how to sweeten the lemons of life. We recently received this question from a beloved reader of our KCB Clubhouse Newsletter:

Dear Janelle,

How do I best deal with thoughts of self doubt and the feeling that my creative voice isn’t needed in a world of so many talented creators with strong messages behind their work?

Signed,

The Masked Writer

Like The Masked Writer, have you ever scrolled through social media and felt a tiny voice whisper, "Who are you to create when there's already so much amazing stuff out there?" It's a common refrain, a nagging doubt that plagues even the most established creatives. This, my friend, is imposter syndrome rearing its ugly head. It can make you question your talent, originality, and right to even call yourself an artist, writer, musician, or whatever your creative outlet may be.

But before you let self-doubt discourage you, let's explore why your voice absolutely needs to be heard and how to silence the inner critic.

The World Needs Your Unique Creativity

Imagine a world where every song sounded the same, every painting depicted the same landscape, every story followed the same predictable plot. Boring, right? The beauty of creativity lies in its diversity. We humans crave fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the unique way you express your artistic vision.

Think about your favorite creators. Do you love them because they're carbon copies of someone else? No way! You connect with their work because it resonates with something deep within you, a reflection of your unique experiences and worldview.

Here's the truth: the world needs YOUR voice. Your experiences, your passions, your quirks — they all come together to create a unique creative expression only you can produce. Silencing your voice is like denying the world a masterpiece waiting to be born!

6 Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic

Okay, so your voice matters. But how do you quiet the inner critic, that persistent voice that amplifies your doubts and insecurities? Here are some tips to turn that inner critic into a supportive cheerleader:

1. Acknowledge It: The first step to silencing the critic is acknowledging its presence. Instead of getting defensive or frustrated, simply say, "Hey there, inner critic. I hear you." Give it a name (Brenda? Marvin?) to separate it from your true self.

2. Observe, Don't Absorb: When Brenda starts panicking, take a step back and observe it. Notice its tone, the negativity it spews, and how it makes you feel. Don't get sucked into a debate with your inner critic.

3. Introduce Radical Self-Compassion: Here comes the magic ingredient: self-compassion. Everyone has an inner critic. It's a normal part of the creative process. Instead of beating yourself up for having doubts, offer yourself kindness. Say something like, "It's okay to feel this way, Brenda. But I choose to create anyway."

4. Rewrite Your Story: Where does this voice of self-doubt come from? Was it a harsh comment from a teacher, a discouraging moment with a parent, or a negative experience in the past? Understanding the source can help you challenge its validity and rewrite that story.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins: Don't wait for viral fame to validate your creativity. Celebrate the small wins — finishing a draft, learning a new skill, receiving positive feedback. These milestones are worth celebrating and boost your confidence.

6. Find Your People: Surround yourself with other supportive creatives who believe in you and your work. Join online communities, attend workshops, or find a local art group. Being around like-minded individuals combats isolation and inspires creativity.

4 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

The creative journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be bumps in the road, moments of self-doubt, and times when the muse seems to be on vacation. But that's totally normal and all part of the process.

Try to focus on enjoying the journey itself. Savor the process of creating, the thrill of experimentation, the joy of learning new things. Don't be obsessed with the end result — that can lead to disappointment.

Here are some tips to help you overcome imposter syndrome:

1. Schedule Creative Time: Block out dedicated time in your day or week for focused creative exploration.

2. Start Small: Don't overwhelm yourself with a massive project. Begin with a small, achievable task, like sketching for 15 minutes or writing a poem.

3. Allow Imperfections: Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. Allow yourself to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from the process. Remember, some of the greatest breakthroughs come from happy accidents!

4. Celebrate Your Progress: Keep a journal, create a portfolio, or share your work with trusted friends. Seeing your progress helps you stay motivated and shows you how far you've come.

You are Not Alone 

The creative path can be lonely at times, but you're not in this alone. Millions of creators worldwide wrestle with imposter syndrome and self-doubt. There's a whole community out there cheering you on!

1. Connect with Other Creatives: As mentioned before, seek out online communities or local groups where you can connect with other creatives. Share your work, offer and receive feedback, and learn from each other's experiences.

2. Seek Inspiration: Immerse yourself in the work of creators who inspire you. Read books, watch films, visit museums, and explore different art forms. Immersing yourself in the creative expressions of others brings forth your own creativity.

3. Remember Your "Why": Remind yourself why you want to create in the first place. Was it the joy of creating, the desire to express yourself, or the hope to connect with others? Hold onto that core motivation when self-doubt creeps in.

By following these tips and practicing the power of self-compassion, you can silence the inner critic and share your creativity freely and proudly. We need your unique perspective and passion. Let your voice be heard, and don’t let anyone dim your creative light — not even yourself!