Imposter syndrome is the worst. It is also an everyday part of living a creative life and making your art.
Someone connected me with an individual in the altMBA network who was interested in learning more about fundraising. I was flattered that they thought of me and I reached out to ask how I could help. We setup a call and I sent some links over from my favourite fund development/philanthropy blogger and thinker.
As I prepped for the call today I started to think to myself: "what if you have nothing of value to say?" and "this person probably knows more than you do about this topic". I tried to just let these emotions be, stay open to the conversation and trust that I would listen and know what to say. Knowing what to say could range from helpful advice to it sounds like you're doing an awesome job, keep it up. I decided I was totally cool with either. I actually managed for a change to detach from the outcome.
It turns out it was the former. I pulled from my own experience and while I think I only imparted a bit of new knowledge, I think I helped to quiet her own imposter syndrome. To remind her that while this is the first charity she founded that she has a lot of great instincts around how to approach this and other valid experience to draw on from her life as an entrepreneur.
The imposter syndrome is a part of making art. It's unlikely it will ever go away and if it does we should probably take a look at if we're being risky enough with our art. Today though I danced with it. Instead of trying to push it down or letting myself get pushed down by it, I stepped onto the floor as its equal and just had fun.
Being a Force for Good 