Imposter syndrome? Take this quiz ...

We have the cure if so! [The Writer’ s Life]( February 8, 2024 "It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living." – Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now "Do your programs really work?" I love this question, {NAME}. 😁 Because the real question is: Will your programs work for me? And the answer is: Yes! While we obviously can't promise results … our programs work amazingly well for anyone who follows through with the steps laid out inside. We have loads of success stories on our website that prove it. But one of the biggest things that prevents people from going through with those steps … Is feeling like an impostor. It's one of the many reasons we launched our [brand-new AWAI LABS]( … to give you real confidence in your ability, and continually make you a better writer. And in today's issue, Dr Valerie Young, an internationally recognized expert on impostor syndrome, tackles the topic head on and gives you some actionable steps for curing it. But first … I want you to take a minute to read this comment in our Copywriting Insiders Facebook group. It's caused quite a stir … and for good reason! [Social media post comment about getting their first clients while still completing The AWAI Method] I love this: "The impostor syndrome was immeasurable, but I ran towards it instead of running away from it." The result: An extra $1,350 a month – after just four weeks of trying. And she hasn't even finished [The AWAI Method]( program yet! How? By following the steps we laid out for her in the program, even when she felt like an impostor. I also love this: "I am hungry to learn, and the best way to learn is on the job." It's true. Yes, our programs will give you all the skills you need to turn out quality projects that your clients will be glad to pay you for … But the real learning — about knowing what you can do … about what you really want … about the project types you're most drawn to … Only happens after you write. (Another reason we're launching [AWAI LABS](!) Which is why I also love that she said: "I ACTIVELY started prospecting for clients at the same time." This … right there. 👆 The demand for writers is so high right now, that you can reach out with no previous experience, and get paid while you hone your skills. Will you feel like an impostor as you start? Probably! But the only cure for it is action. Which, I realize, is a bit of a chicken-egg situation. 🐓 🥚 You need to feel confident, so you can get started … But you don't feel confidence until you start! Which is why we build action steps into every single program we create. So you don't have to think about what to do … you just have to do it. Just imagine … If a self-proclaimed "all-time rookie copywriter" can land two clients in four weeks and learn from their feedback as she goes … Where will she be a year from now? My guess is: Anywhere she wants. So, what about you, {NAME}? Where do you want to be a year from now? Start with wherever you are right now — and follow the steps we lay out for you in any of our self-study programs. And if you're looking to gain real confidence in your writing ability, I encourage you to [join us for our first AWAI LAB](. Along with giving you hands-on assignments guaranteed to make you a better writer, you'll be fighting imposter syndrome at the same time. Enrollment closes at midnight though … along with your chance to [try the first one out with zero commitment](. But whichever direction you go, the most important thing is that you start putting yourself out there — as soon as possible. Even if you feel like an impostor while you do it. The only way to the other side of it is through it! As Lindsay said, above, "that is where the magic happens." To your success, Rebecca Matter President AWAI Last Chance: Free Access to AMAZING Perks Through Writing Discover how to get everything for FREE, from weekend getaways to five-star meals to home improvement … Using ONLY your writing skills! The benefits that come with this kind of writing are limitless. You'll learn why this is and how to get these bonuses yourself in our special report, 130 Amazing Perks and Freebies for Barefoot Writers — yours FREE when you subscribe to Barefoot Writer. (Hurry — discount expires tonight!) [Save Now — Click Before Midnight]( Your ALL-ACCESS Key — Just $1! Get instant access to this exclusive B2B writing community and ALL their private resources, including … All the success roadmaps … All the writing templates … All the articles … All the how-to videos … All 150+ training webinars … The Forum, the Job Board, the tutorials, the tools … And much more! [Go Here for More Details]( Are You an Impostor? Take the Quiz By Valerie Young [Woman holding up a mask] Have you ever felt like, "I'm in over my head and they're going to find out"? Are you crushed by even the slightest constructive criticism of your writing, seeing it as proof that you'll never be good enough? When you succeed at something, do you think, "Fooled 'em that time … but the next time I may not be so lucky"? If you answered yes to any of these questions on that short quiz, chances are you might just suffer from impostor syndrome. Psychologists first coined the term in the 1970s and say it centers around family messages and expectations around achievement. Of course, situational factors can also be at play. For instance, working alone makes you more susceptible because there's no one to bounce your work off of. If you belong to a group for whom there are stereotypes based on competence, you're also more vulnerable. But let me back up just a minute. People who feel like impostors are nothing of the sort. In fact, there's plenty of evidence of their abilities. Things like good grades, positive performance reviews, promotions, and awards. It's just that they chalk them up to external factors like luck, timing, personality, connections, and even computer error. The kind of work you do matters too. Actors, artists, musicians, writers, and other creative types are especially prone to impostor feelings. It makes sense when you consider others are constantly judging your work. Regardless of where imposter syndrome comes from, whether family or work-related, all those who suffer from it share one thing in common: Our response to failure. No one likes to fail … or make a mistake … or ask for help … or not know the answer … or struggle to master a new skill or subject. But when any of these things happen to "impostors," they experience shame. That's hard for the imposter to shake off. Left unchecked, impostor syndrome shapes our behaviors. We create coping mechanisms, such as: - Flying under the radar. If you never put your work or ideas out there, if you never ask questions or try to grow your business, then no one will find out you're a fraud. - Workaholism. You stay longer and study harder than everyone else — not out of the requirements of the endeavor, but out of the belief that you have to work harder because you're not as "smart" as others. - Self-sabotage. Maybe you show up to an important meeting late or unprepared. Or you jump from one job or business idea to another. Or just as you're about to score a big win, you engage in some form of alcohol or substance abuse. - Procrastination. If you wait until the last minute to write and submit your work and it gets rejected, you have a built-in excuse because you know it didn't reflect your best effort. But here's the rub — if you land the gig, you feel undeserving. - Never starting or finishing — the book, the painting, the business plan, the degree, the course … After all, if something is in perpetual process, no one can judge you. All of these strategies work but the bad news is — there's a cost to your protection. The price could come in the form of stress, or losing out on valuable learning experiences or connections. And in almost all cases, there is a financial cost. So how do you deal with imposter syndrome so it doesn't overtake your life? Talking about your feelings is an important step. But be careful because you can spend years sharing your insecurities with others and never feel any different. That's because you can't share your way out of impostor feelings. In addition to talking about your feelings, there are three actionable steps you can take: 1. Normalize impostor feelings. This is where I have to break it to you: You're not special. Researchers estimate up to 70 percent of people have experienced these nagging feelings of fraudulence — nurses, engineers, social workers, executives, even Academy-Award-winning actors and mega-best-selling authors. What you want is to feel confident 24/7. But that's not how confidence works. You're going to have moments of supreme confidence and times when you're scared silly. When you realize that fear and self-doubt are normal, you can stop trying to eliminate impostor feelings, and instead focus on talking yourself down faster. 2. Reframe. People who don't feel like impostors are no more intelligent or capable than the rest of us. The only difference between them and us is they think different thoughts. That's it. Which is actually really good news — because it means all we have to do is learn to think like non-impostors. Start by becoming consciously aware of your own impostor self-talk. Then pause and "reframe" that internal conversation the way a non-impostor would. It's the difference between responding to a huge new assignment with, "Oh my God, I have no idea what I'm doing" and instead thinking, "Wow, I'm really going to learn a lot." As part of that learning, you may receive some constructive criticism. When you feel like an impostor, even a single negative comment among five positive ones can cause you to quit. But non-impostors actively seek out more skilled teachers or coaches because they know honest feedback is the only way to constantly get better. So, the next time someone compliments your writing, practice saying, "Thank you. What's one thing I could have done even better?" Finally, you need to reframe failure. You can feel disappointed, but not ashamed. The only time you should feel shame is if you didn't really try. Allow yourself to be in the midst of a learning curve by reminding yourself that, "The more I write, the better I'll get." Bottom line: If you want to stop feeling like an impostor, you have to stop thinking like an impostor. 3. Keep going regardless of how you feel. Feeling like an impostor sucks. So, naturally, what you want is to FEEL differently. But it doesn't work that way. In fact, feelings are the last to change. That's why you can't wait until you feel confident to take action. Rather, you have to change your thoughts by 1) normalizing and 2) reframing. Then you have to do the thing that scares you. Over time, you'll start to believe the new thoughts and your feelings will slowly catch up. The Bottom Line Launching a new career (or life!) is scary. It's even harder if you've spent your life putting others' needs before your own. All the more reason you need to know that everyone loses when you play small. So think differently. Instead of the proverbial question "What would you do if money were no object?" try asking, "What sort of difference could I make if fear were not a factor?" There are people out there right this very minute who want and deserve to benefit from your full range of knowledge, abilities, and skills. It's time you share it with them. Editorial Note: Squash imposter syndrome once and for all with our brand-new [AWAI LABS]( … You'll become a better writer … gain confidence in your ability … and work on developing impressive writing samples for your portfolio that prove your skills stand up against the competition. Enrollment closes today though – this is your LAST CHANCE to [try it out with zero commitment](! What's Hot at AWAI … 🤓 LAST CHANCE: [Sign up for our brand-new AWAI LABS here!]( 🖐️ Is this you? Five fears writers have in common – [and how to move past them](. 🤩 [Asheville woman pivots to double her income within a year.]( The first impression sets the tone … [Social media post comment about receiving the full payment of an invoice up front] Congratulations, EG! You must have made quite the impression on your first contact with this client. The full payment of an invoice before any work is done means that they left your call completely confident in your ability! Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! Free Training: Inside the Ever-Growing Demand for B2B Writers [AWAI webinar The Surest Route to a Six-Figure Writing Income]Friday, February 9, at 12 p.m. ET 👇 [Access Instructions Here]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Copywriter – Hook Full-time, Remote A great Senior Copywriter is an experienced and articulate advertising leader that's capable of collaboratively guiding clients through the creative process. --------------------------------------------------------------- Copywriter, Brand Innovation Lab, Brand Innovation Lab – Amazon Full-time, Santa Monica, CA Your portfolio must feature interesting, insight-driven campaigns and ideas that solve an advertiser problem through a variety of different media channels including video, social, digital, experiential, voice, radio, and outdoor. --------------------------------------------------------------- Copywriter – Carwow Full-time, London, UK Create B2C and B2B copy for all business channels including CRM, Product, Commercial, Editorial and Performance Marketing --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2024 American Writers & Artists Institute Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? Simply direct them [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- American Writers & Artists Institute 220 George Bush Blvd, Suite D Delray Beach, FL 33444 Ensure your subscription delivery. AWAI Whitelisting info available [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- You are subscribed to this newsletter as {EMAIL}. To unsubscribe from any future issues of The Writer's Life, please click here: [Unsubscribe from The Writer's Life](. To unsubscribe from all AWAI broadcasts click here. [I want to permanently unsubscribe from all AWAI emails](.