The love/hate relationship with being a content creator - how to deal with imposter syndrome…
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Today’s episode is raw—we’re diving into a topic that hits deep, no matter where you are in your content creation journey.
It’s that messy, love/hate relationship we all have with being a content creator. On the one hand, we’re living the dream. We’re creating the content we’re passionate about. Maybe we’re growing a community, making money doing what we love, and living the ultimate work-for-yourself life. And on the other hand… bam—that imposter syndrome sneaks in, that feeling that you aren’t qualified, that everyone else has it together, and that maybe you’re not as good as you think.
I know—I can’t be the only one feeling like this.
It can be overwhelming. Exciting. But also… deeply frustrating. There are days when you’re pumped up and ready to take over the world. And there are other days when you’re questioning every decision you've made, wondering, “Who am I to do this?” “Who wants to hear from me?”
Spoiler: it’s all part of the journey, and there are some ways to actually deal with it, so today, I’m breaking it all down.
What Is Imposter Syndrome, Anyway?
Okay, let’s get into the heart of the struggle. For a lot of creators (myself included), imposter syndrome is that constant nagging feeling that we’re not enough. It's that voice that tells you you’re faking it. Like you somehow tricked people into thinking you’re a legit expert, a good content creator, or that you actually deserve to be doing this at all.
And it doesn’t matter how successful you are or how many followers you have. Imposter syndrome doesn’t care about your numbers—it doesn’t care about your progress. It will show up on the best days, and it will most definitely show up on the worst.
The toughest thing is, it can feel true. When you're in the thick of it, those little thoughts can spiral into huge doubts. If you’re ever sitting there feeling like you don’t belong, like everyone else around you is doing better, then this episode is for you. Let’s dive into how to cope with this energy.
The Cycle of the Content Creator Rollercoaster
Being a content creator often feels like a rollercoaster: highs, lows, and loops that leave you questioning everything.
Let’s break it down: you can have moments where everything feels amazing. Engagement’s up, your followers are excited, your ideas are flowing, and it feels like nothing’s going to stop you.
But then, the minute something doesn’t hit the way you hoped, you downshift. You start doubting yourself, second-guessing everything you just put out, and wishing you could delete that last post because “what was I even thinking?”
But the truth? That’s normal. And it's part of the process. The struggle to balance excitement with doubt, confidence with insecurity… that's the reality of being a creator.
What we don’t talk enough about is how imposter syndrome can cause creators to overcompensate. We either put off content because we’re too scared it won’t land, or we go so hard that we end up overwhelmed and burnt out.
But here's a little reminder: creating content isn't supposed to be perfectly crafted all the time, nor should you be perfect in your presentation.
How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome
Alright, now let’s talk strategies. We all deal with imposter syndrome in different ways, but there are a few powerful tools you can use to not let it run the show. Here’s how I’ve been dealing with this over the years—and trust me, it’s still an ongoing journey:
Acknowledge It—Don’t Ignore It
When those feelings pop up, don’t ignore them. Give yourself permission to feel them, but don’t let them control your behavior. So much of imposter syndrome is rooted in self-doubt, and ignoring those thoughts doesn't actually make them go away. Acknowledging it and naming it can be the first step in pushing through.
Sometimes just saying, “Hey, I’m feeling insecure about this,” takes away the power of those thoughts and helps you recognize them for what they really are—a natural part of the creative process.
Get Clear on Your Why
When in doubt, revisit your ‘why.’ Why did you start creating content in the first place? Was it to help people, to connect, or to showcase your authentic self? Getting back to that core motivation reminds you why you’re on this journey and helps you block out that nagging voice that says you’re not good enough.
Compare Less, Celebrate More
It’s so tempting to compare your progress to others, but all it does is feed the imposter feelings. Focus on your progress and your unique journey. Even the smallest victories—whether it’s hitting a follower milestone, a great comment on a video, or even a personal accomplishment like overcoming a tough day—deserve to be celebrated.
It might sound cliche, but comparison really does rob us of joy. Instead of focusing on what everyone else is doing, celebrate what you’re doing.
Create Before You Feel "Ready"
The biggest breakthrough for me in dealing with imposter syndrome was realizing that you don’t need to feel ready or 100% confident to put yourself out there. The perfect content isn’t going to appear until you’ve actually started creating it.
Create before you feel like you should know what you’re doing. Every post, video, or idea is part of your growth as a content creator. Every “failure” is a lesson learned. Just do it—and if it doesn't go exactly as planned, that's okay. You’ll get it next time. That’s growth.
Talk to Fellow Creators
One of the best ways to cope with imposter syndrome is to lean on your community of fellow content creators. The behind-the-scenes stuff you think you’re going through alone? Yeah, it’s happening to everyone. Creators all over feel this exact same way, no matter where they’re at in their journey. I work with Katie Steckly, who has over 300k followers across platforms and she still has these doubts.
The key here is finding people you trust who can remind you that you’re not alone. Sometimes just having those real conversations will put everything in perspective, and you’ll realize everyone has doubts—you’re all figuring it out in your own time.
Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is the best friend of imposter syndrome—and trust me, it’s toxic. The truth is, being perfect doesn't make you authentic. Don't let this "ideal creator version" hold you back. Show up as yourself—and that’s enough. Keep your vibe real, keep it raw. Authenticity speaks louder than perfection ever will.
Reflect on Your Journey and Recognize Growth
Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and what you’ve built. I’ll say it over and over: looking at your growth in context can be the antidote to imposter syndrome. Where were you last year? What have you learned in the process? What are your biggest wins? Celebrate that.
Wrapping Up: You're Not Alone
That’s it for today’s deep dive into imposter syndrome and the love/hate relationship with being a content creator. Don’t let it steal your fire. Embrace it. Learn from it. And remind yourself that, even on your worst days, your creative voice matters.
It’s okay to feel down sometimes—just don’t stay there. Reach out, trust the process, and remember that you’re already enough. It’s all part of the ride!
Thank you so much for reading. If this episode resonated with you, I would love to hear how you’re managing your own imposter syndrome! Hit me up on social or drop me a message.
Keep creating and keep believing in yourself.
