Imposter Syndrome Monster!
Posted on January 13, 2025
Building my business website wasn’t exactly easy, but I did it. Now, I was ready to let it bring clients to me. My lovely website would make my new journey a leisurely stroll to the top. Little did I know, but the struggle to climb this editing business mountain had only just begun. As I took my next stride, a deafening thunderclap shattered the silence, and a voice proclaimed, “Put yourself out there!”
“Hello? What are you saying? I have to leave my safe little path?”
“Yes.”
“What? Why? You mean… go into the unknown and talk with writers, authors, publishers, and other proofreaders and editors? Network and earn trust, build friendships, and bring value to others?”
“Yes.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I can’t do that. I’m an introvert!”
Nevertheless, my commitment to this journey remained. I took a deep breath and provided free beta reading services to increase my visibility among those in the editing and writing fields.
I pushed through a fog of more fears, joined writing groups and professional editing societies, and created a LinkedIn account. Then, I added a business page to Facebook and followed and connected with like-minded people. Despite my best efforts, I still couldn’t shake my feelings of intimidation and loneliness. Am I doing something wrong?
As dark clouds loomed overhead, I realized my problem. I wasn’t posting about relevant or interesting topics, gaining trust, or showing knowledge of my editing profession. Nor was I showing others what I could do to solve their problems; I was only talking about myself.
But sitting on that scary mountain wasn’t my only problem. Something kept telling me I shouldn’t be there, and no matter the training or skills I possessed, it convinced me that no one wanted to hire me. I lurked on LinkedIn, cruised Facebook without commenting—afraid of sounding stupid—and constantly compared myself to others. I was trying to convince myself to turn back.
Sound familiar? I was in the grip of Imposter Syndrome. Let me tell you, this thing is deadly. Don’t let it camp in your head and convince you to stop. You are at a different point on your journey than someone else, and you are learning, just as they did. I have been so fortunate to find incredible authors, writers, editors, proofreader friends, connections, and followers who have encouraged and supported me along the way.
Yes, you will have those days when the “imposter syndrome monster” jumps out and tries to grab you. I still have those days myself. But it will get easier. Every milestone you reach... celebrate! You’ve achieved one goal, so on to the next!
Keep going up, don’t give up. Walk tall, carry a big stick, and don’t let that “imposter monster” get his claws into you!
Susan
Susan’s editing career didn’t begin until later in life, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her love for language. Her goal is to motivate writers, to help them overcome their fears and share their unique stories with the world, inspiring and uplifting others in the process. Ironically, it was in the editing world where her creative spirit truly blossomed.
She and her hubby live on a small farm in Princeton, Illinois. Once her children had flown the coop, she traded the hectic pace of motherhood to become caretaker to a flock of escape-artist chickens, her daughter’s lovely Saddlebred horse, Jack Russell terriers, and a bossy goose, whose temperamental nature became a source of amusement and the inspiration for her children’s stories. Drawing from memories of the barn she grew up in, she writes stories for young readers that beautifully capture the essence of farm life and family values, along with kindness, friendship, acceptance, and those joys and challenges of “growing up.” Find more about Susan and her books here.
Do you love Susan’s blog? Sharing her content on social media or by email will help her business grow, allowing her to create even more valuable content for readers like you, boosting her reach and engagement.
