Impostor syndrome is a b*tch

When I landed my first ghostwriting client, I was scared AF.

It was my first 4-figure deal.

I had to ghostwrite a full-length fantasy novel in three months.

While I’ve always had a talent for storytelling, especially in fiction, I had never actually written a complete book.

And boy did Mr. Impostor Syndrome take FULL advantage of that fact.

It took days of anxiously staring at blank screens, my entire body tensed to the point of back aches, and loads of chips and salsa (my comfort food) before I finally wrote the first words.

And eventually, chapter 1 was complete.

I submitted it to the client, which turned out to be even scarier than writing it.

I’d already prepared my speech on how this was a first draft, how we still had a round of edits included, etc.

There were areas that could be improved, and I spent hours picking away at my work, wondering which flaw he’d yell at me for the most.

He called me only a few hours after I’d hit send.

I thought he might hear my heart racing over the phone.

“Hey, did you see the chapter I sent over?'“
(I hoped I didn’t sound as shaky as I felt.)

I waited for the moment he’d call me a fraud.

When he’d expose every error, find a million typos I’d missed, and ultimately unravel everything I’d worked for.

“This is perfect.”
“This is exactly how I’d envisioned it.”
“I can’t wait to see the next chapter next week.”

I’d love to say that was the end of Mr. Impostor. But it wasn’t.

Each week I submitted a chapter.

And each week I waited for my client to realize I had no clue what I was doing.

But that never happened.

And 100,000+ words later, I submitted the final chapter.

How I Overcame Imposter Syndrome (and how you can too)

Honestly, I wish I could tell you there was some secret trick, magic strategy, or fantasy supplement you could use to beat impostor syndrome.

But the fact of the matter is this:

The only way to beat it is to keep going.

Each week I knew I had to submit a chapter.

And each week I showed up and did just that.

Even though I felt like I had no clue what I was doing.
↳ Except I did know what I was doing, and I was good at it.

Even though I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew.
↳ It was a lot, but I was able to handle it.

Even though I had never done it before.
↳ That didn’t mean I wasn’t skilled enough to do it then.

And while I don’t ghostwrite books anymore, I still remember what it felt like to take on such a daunting task for the first time ever and win.

The point is, no matter what it is you’re setting out to achieve:

→ Write a book
→ Sell a new offer
→ Grow on LinkedIn

It all comes down to this:

Take it one step at a time, but never stop walking.

As entrepreneurs, we are pioneers at heart.

There isn’t always a paved road to follow.

Many times we have to get out of our comfort zone and cut a path through the thicket ourselves.

And that comes with a certain level of anxiety and fear.

But that doesn’t make you crazy.

That makes you insanely brave.

And you can trust your skills and expertise to guide you.

As long as you never stop walking.

I’m rooting for you Bestie. 🫶🏽

Your favorite story coach,
Cyndyl