Silencing the Inner Critic: Embracing Your Creative Genius and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

“The worst enemy of creativity is self-doubt," said Sylvia Plath, pen in hand prepared to write a poem.

To which Van Gogh responded, poised with a paintbrush, "Indeed, and if you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."

But then Robert Hughes piped up, attempting to mediate between the two: "The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize."

Can you imagine these three great creative minds engaged in a lively discussion, debating the role of self-doubt in the creative process?

While I know this conversation is fictitious, I think it speaks to a universal struggle among artists: the battle against imposter syndrome. Whether you're a writer, a painter, a musician, or any other kind of creative, the fear of failure can be paralysing. But as Plath, Van Gogh, and Hughes remind us, it is only by pushing through that fear and doubt do we truly unlock our creative potential.

If you've ever tried to create something creative and new, you've likely experienced the all-too-familiar voice of self-doubt. It’s that nagging feeling telling you you're not good enough, your work isn't worth sharing, you'll never be as good as the artists you admire…

Self-doubt is a common obstacle that plagues many creative minds, and it’s especially difficult to overcome because the creative process itself is inherently uncertain. There are no clear rules or formulas to follow when you're trying to bring a new idea to life, leaving even the most confident artists feeling unnerved.

The problem is, in giving in to self-doubt, the problem gets worse. We start to question our own abilities and core values, which creates a self-fulfilling prophecy keeping us from reaching our creative goals.

Self-esteem and self-doubt go hand in hand in the creative arts. Self-esteem – the subjective sense of overall personal worth or value, is closely tied to artistic confidence. Showing your artistry to an audience and receiving negative feedback or “constructive criticism” can quickly erode confidence. Humans tend to focus on the negative over the positive, therefore one bad review or criticism overshadows dozens of great ones.

This toxic mix of self-doubt and low self-esteem cultivates imposter syndrome, the crippling feeling plaguing creatives. Art in any form is subjective, which leaves room for differing opinions. Ambivalent feedback leaves artists questioning why they're even there, why their work is liked, and whether they even deserve to call themselves a creative. When artists show their work, essentially, they bare their souls for all to see. So, when someone doesn't like their work, it is deeply personal.

Creative imposter syndrome is exacerbated by the subjective nature of artistic expression. A recent survey found that nearly 87% of correspondents in the creative arts and design industries have experienced imposter syndrome.

As someone who experiences self-doubt and imposter syndrome in the creative writing field, I empathise with the emotions. But, I don’t want that to deter pursuit of creativity. So, I've done some research and gathered some tips.

Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

1. Thoughts are not facts
   Your brain may try to convince you of imposter syndrome’s validity, justifying your low self-esteem and confidence bashing. Nevertheless, these thoughts only become facts when you choose to believe them. Recognizing the distinction and addressing negative mentalities early on, prevents them from worsening and encourages change regarding imposter syndrome.

2. Remember: clients come to you.
   Your clients appreciate the work you have produced, admire your style and technical skills. While this might increase pressure – as the old saying goes "you are only as good as your last piece" – it can also alleviate some doubts. You don't have to be the next Picasso or Spielberg, just be yourself, because your clients want more of your work.

3. Social media is manipulated, focus on your own work.
   It's common to get caught up in what other people are creating or even online comments about your work.  Remembering that people only show what they want you to see helps alleviate insecurities.

4. A classic: positive self-talk.  
   A lot of artists love this technique; it involves treating the self-doubt and negative voice in your head as separate from yourself, and shouting back at it. Telling it off for all the negativity created in your brain, reestablishes your control over your thoughts and feelings.

5. Make risk taking common.
   The more risks you take, the more accustomed you become to taking them. This thickens your skin and reduces the fear factor of releasing work. Artists who seldom showcase tend to feel more pressure and self-doubt because they receive less feedback, everything rides on a small proportion of their artistry. It's a balancing act; if you produce too much, it can detract from the grandeur of your work. Therefore, take more risks, and ironically, you'll become more comfortable taking them.