Diamond on Navigating Imposter Syndrome
Name: Diamond
What are some common thoughts or fears that come up when you're feeling like an imposter?
My personal thoughts and fears when I start to feel like an imposter are: Wow, I feel like everyone knows exactly what they’re doing except me, what am I even doing? I should just give up right now and are you even creative enough to do this?
How do you push past feelings of self-doubt when they start creeping in?
After taking a moment to feel my feelings, I remember to pray and speak to God about my negative thoughts. I feel like I really talk to him as if we’re on the phone lol. No matter where I’m at, I could be driving and I just call on him and start talking. Ask him to help and guide my mind on my why and remember my purpose. I also take a moment to reflect on my past and present accomplishments within my journey, remembering why I started my creative paths of being a press on nail artist and a UGC creator as well as how far I’ve come.
Do you think comparison to others can sometimes contribute to imposter syndrome? If so, how do you navigate those feelings?
Absolutely! Comparison is definitely the thief of joy. I mean don’t get me wrong, I see other creatives and business owners craft and I love what they do, if anything I feel inspired because I know that it takes courage to share your talent and gift with the world, be consistent, and continue to follow through with your passion. These things motivate me to push forward often. However, at times I do start to feel slightly discouraged out of fear of my own ability to progress and become stagnant. I just remember to of course talk to God and ask him to give my mind and spirit peace, guide me into positive thoughts, feed into my purpose and bless my thoughts and hands.
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Have you found any habits or mindset shifts that help you feel more confident in your abilities?
Yes I have found a few mindset shifts that help build and boost my confidence within my abilities.
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I remember the skills that I have developed over the years
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Removing the word “can’t” from my mind and replace it with “I will/can”
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Trusting in God to continue to guide my path and bless me with the energy to continue my journey
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Remember that I have a solid supportive tribe and positive feedback
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Shift the focus from proving to improving. There's always room to improve, learn and adapt to anything that you put your mind to. Having thoughts of “proving” anything to anyone will slow you down and honestly, that mindset will knock you off of your own organic journey.
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Continue to surround myself with the right people. It’s important for me to connect with others who are genuinely supportive, inspiring, and motivating. I feel like God has truly been doing an amazing job of placing these kind of people within my life so far.
How do you celebrate your accomplishments, even when imposter syndrome tries to make you downplay them?
One thing about it, even when or if I’m feeling as though imposter syndrome tries to cloud my head, neither my friends or I will allow myself to not celebrate. I celebrate my accomplishments by remembering how blessed I am to even do what I do. It takes a lot of energy, determination, hard work, dedication, and love to create and share your gifts with the world, so why not celebrate and appreciate myself just off the strength of these things alone?
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Do you think it ever fully goes away, or is it something you learn to manage?
No, unfortunately I feel that it never goes away. It is definitely something that you have to learn how to manage along the way within your journey. I always hear the saying, “along with new levels comes new devils” . As much as I don’t like it, I feel that it’s indeed true. It’s normal for negative thoughts to attempt to come in and cloud your mind, try to knock you off your game and leave you in distress but I always remember, God, your dreams, goals, passion and purpose are so much greater than any negative thought, feeling or feedback.
What advice would you give to someone who feels like they aren’t “qualified” or “good enough” for what they’re doing?
I love this question, I absolutely love to uplift and encourage others because honestly we all need this kind of love from someone. To feel seen, understood and uplifted is truly one of my love languages. I’d tell them this:
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It is normal to feel these feelings, but never let them take over your mind. Pray and talk to God
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Remember your “why”. Purpose fuels your passion
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God didn’t place this goal and passion on your heart and mind for you to give up. He knows your talented abilities, so you should too.
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It’s okay to not know everything, there is always room for improvement. No one starts as an expert, we grow as we learn.
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If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
I would tell younger Diamond:
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Please stop having the mindset of “everything has to be perfect” or waiting for “the right time”. There is no right time, if you feel it, do it.
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Progress is better than perfection.
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Have patience to learn and grow.
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The doubts that you have, are not real.
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You are on YOUR journey, so continue to build your path brick by brick
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REST is important
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Focus on the positive.
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Appreciate the ones who are genuinely supporting you, and don’t worry about the ones who aren’t.
To follow Diamond's journey, stay connected with her on Instagram: @diamonddivani