Imposter syndrome, wewe!

I was talking to a dancer friend recently about an interest I was thinking of workshopping. I shared my desires and my fears, and since they had quite the experience in this area, I was open to receiving any and all of the tips . Half-way through our conversation they asked, "Haven't you done this before?" Dancer friends, they were absolutely correct. I had previously done what I was planning to workshop, not once, not twice, but 3 times...and successfully so. It's not that I had completely forgotten about these occasions, it just felt different this time...riskier, like the stakes were higher for some reason.The thing I had done 3 times over...similar in structure and thought, but my mind said, "Nope, it's completely different this time."

Imagine being knee deep into your career, rich in experience and then your mind goes, "maybe I'm not as qualified." Imagine dancing on the greatest of stages with the greats of the industry and then, "maybe it could have been anyone else." Imagine having tangible proof of past successes and then, "it probably was just luck." Imposter syndrome is so funny because there is undeniable evidence against it, but no... the tables stay ready to turn any which way! As a creative who experiences this often, I have come to the conclusion that imposter syndrome is no respecter of persons, experience, or age.

Imposter Syndrome: 10, Me:0.

A few days ago, I found myself thinking about imposter syndrome from a faith-based perspective.What does God think about it? I don't believe He causes it, but does He use it? I wonder. I have come to understand two things: imposter syndrome is basically mind games, and understanding this doesn't stop it from taking place. In line with this, I've started to wonder whether I could possibly use imposter syndrome in my favor each time it decides to visit. Hear me out...

In the Christian faith, we believe that the talents we have are gifts from God. We aren't that good because WE are that good. It's His oil, His favor, His setting apart. So when imposter syndrome tells me "I'm not as deserving, I'm not as talented, I'm not as good..." could it be an opportunity to remind myself of what's actually true? Not that I'm a fraud yet to be uncovered, but that apart from God I'm really not all that. AND the great news is that with Him, I don't have to be. My best is simply enough for the purpose that I have been called to. Do you see where I'm going? Imposter syndrome has stayed taking away from me, it's time I get something out of it, too!

Me:10, Imposter Syndrome:0.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Let's talk in the comments.

Keep creating and sharing!

~ your dancer friend