Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

"Nobody would want to read my book, anyway."

Have you ever planned to write your own book, only to have your momentum interrupted by self-defeating thoughts like these?

What many of us face as we begin our writing journeys is the demon known as Imposter Syndrome.

"Who am I to write a book?"

"I'm not good enough."

"I'm not a writer; I'm a scientist / artist / entrepreneur."

"Who really cares what I have to say?"

These voices flood our psyche, drowning many of our dreams – before we even pick up a pen and paper or settle down at our computers. 

And these voices are loud. But are they right?

REALITY CHECK

After 25 years of helping others tell their stories, I've learned that Imposter Syndrome is a huge liar. 

And in fact, the truth is quite the opposite:

We each have a great book in us – no matter what path life has taken. 

And yes, that includes YOU!

It's your own story. 

The story of your journey, the places you've been, the lessons you've learned, the people you've loved and helped and lost, the actions you've taken, the mistakes you've made, the wisdom you've gleaned, the questions you've asked, and the expertise you've acquired.

And that is a story worth telling.

So instead of wondering whether you should write your story, the real question to ask yourself (with a nod to Marianne Williamson*), is...

"Who am I not to write a book?"

Of the 8 billion people on the planet, many would greatly benefit from hearing your message.

Some of them will resonate with your life experience.

Some will be inspired by your business acumen or insider information to build their own movements.

Others are people feeling lonely, hurt or disconnected. When they pick up your book, they will feel understood. Feel seen.

You are not an imposter. You are a human being.

You are a bright, shining soul who has unique experiences and insights to share with the world.

And you have an audience waiting to hear your story...

WRITING TIP OF THE WEEK: Overcome Imposter Syndrome

So the next time you think about writing your book and find Imposter Syndrome knocking at the door of your heart, here's how you can kick it to the curb:

1. Freewrite. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Write about precisely what you're feeling in this moment – your doubts and hesitations, the feeling in your stomach. The grammar, spelling and content don't matter; only that you keep putting words on the page.  
2. Write your worst review ever. Set yourself free from your fears by confronting them directly. What would a terrible review sound like? Something like, "This book is of no value and who is this person anyway?" Write it, then throw it away! 
3. Write your best review ever. Now, put those doubts to rest once and for all by writing a great review. Visualize a reader having just finished your book. It has changed their life! They go to Amazon and write a review praising you, your lessons, your writing. What does it say? Now print it out and tape it to your wall!

I hope you find this message empowering.

Aloha, 

MeiMei

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We aask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

–Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"