How I'm winning against imposter syndrome

It's a test and this is how I win.

Hello👋🏽

Some housekeepings.😎

As I pointed out in my previous post, I’ll be writing on:

• Lifestyle as it relates to UX writers

• Hands-on UX writing sessions

• Scenario/Case studies

• Working in content

• Managing content

Each will be a series. Today’s post is the first in the lifestyle series where I write about how imposter syndrome affects how I function in my capacity as a UX writer and what I am doing about it. So let’s get on the ride.➡️🚌

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I’ve been in the design and UX field for more than two years. I worked on several projects in that period, from e-commerce to web3. However, a quick check on my Twitter profile or LinkedIn account only tells you I am a UX writer without concrete evidence. As an employer, I’ll be more convinced by someone else’s profile showcasing their work.

What’s the problem?

To not show proof of skill is down to several variables. In most cases, though, the number one suspect is imposter syndrome. It’s a bane of people who need to tweak something a little here and there until there’s a perfect work to show. But there is no perfect work anywhere. The best works go through an iterative process.

Tell by showing

When the first iPhone launched in 2007, it was the dawn of a new era. As influential as it was, Apple did not stop at it. A few weeks ago, they launched the 14th iteration of the original iPhone. The product has come a long way, but you know what? Apple is already miles ahead on their 15th iteration.

What if Steve Jobs and co feared what people would say or how other companies would mock them? Apple would not have become the world's most valuable publicly traded company today. Apple’s valuation means it’s more prosperous than the UK (by nominal GDP). There’s no harm in telling by showing.

Here is my strategy

I’m set to do the opposite of my fear.

• Where imposter syndrome says to talk about what I can do, I’ll let my work do the talking.

• When others criticise my work, I’ll see it as a blessing in disguise, an opportunity to learn and improve.

• When I feel like this is the best I can show, I’ll say the best is yet to come.

The list is not exhaustive, but you get the picture. You can add yours in the comments.

Up ahead

I believe nothing beats a determined mind. Dreams are only realised through action. So I’ll dive straight in, starting with what a UX writer does.

Have you had an experience with imposter syndrome? Share with me in the comments; I’d love to read and learn.

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