Imposter Syndrome & Art

Imposter syndrome sucks.

The other day I finished yet another watercolor painting. I’ve been working on these little paintings for a few years now, and I actually really like them! A few of my friends have seen them, and they’ve always been very affirming. I often hear: “I didn’t know that you paint!”

In response, I usually say something like: “Well I don’t really, I just mess around with these stupid watercolors from time to time when I need some art therapy. I wouldn’t consider myself a painter.”

What a sh#*ty answer, *facepalm. ^ that’s imposter syndrome.

It’s driven by shame, self-sabotage, insecurity, fear of failure, and a million other little shoulder-demons.

I often wonder what life would be like if I took more ownership over the things that I do. It’s so hard to do. If I stay safe in my failure, I never have to be disappointed when I don’t live up to my own standards and dreams.

But if you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it with remarkable accuracy.

No one did anything spectacular in life completely on accident. They had to say yes. They had to show up. They had to have vision.

Brene Brown wrote a smashing book called Daring Greatly, in which she calls her readers to live a life of risk and bravery. Part of my journey to “dare greatly” has been to say “yes” to pieces of my identity that I don’t feel totally confident in. Those scary identity pieces are easy to fall asleep to. It’s easy to avoid disappointment by settling for mediocracy.

Living in to who you really are is a daily battle — to say yes, to show up, to remain awake & sober to life’s greater callings.

The War of Art is a great read for anyone struggling with imposter syndrome. Steven Pressfield tackles the issue head on, and probes the problem from all kinds of direction.

“Self-doubt can be an ally. This is because it serves as an indicator of aspiration. It reflects love, love of something we dream of doing, and desire, desire to do it. If you find yourself asking yourself, ‘Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?’ chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.” — The War of Art

So. Good.

My friend Harrison has a unique calling on his life. One of the things he does naturally is draw art out of other people. I couldn’t think of a better person to be talking to about Imposter syndrome. He and I recorded a podcast about it, which can be heard here: link.

I hope this helps podcast helps you to kick imposter syndrome’s ass in your life.

Harrison has a Fantastical Lifestyle brand called Lorelumin. They are doing some very interesting things over there. Check them out at lorelumin.com.

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