My Imposter Syndrome Is Still Hanging Around
More Thoughts On My Creations On Vocal
Introduction
I publish these pieces every so often, partly to let you know how I am feeling, and partly to let others know that others feel this way, and it is fine if you feel like this, and you will get through it.
The music is "You're No Good" by Betty Everett, because Imposter Syndrome makes me feel that I'm no good, amplified by platform treatment.
That Bloody Imposter Syndrome
It is a part of the psyche that tells you you should not be here because you are not good enough, your work is not good enough. I want recognition, and when I don't get it, that just confirms that my work is no good. I want recognition to be explicit, not implicit, that is, I want a Top Story or a Challenge placement, but for that, I know I am one of eight hundred thousand Vocal Creators. However, I seem to see many of my Vocal friends getting multiple recognitions, and that makes me feel proud for them, but I don't deserve to be associated with them.
Then I read the positive and supportive comments on my stories and realise that my work is excellent and the people that matter know how excellent my work is. They confirm my belief in myself.
I still feel that when I produce a short form piece, I am being lazy, then I will see a piece get a Top Story that I don't see as anything special and again, imposter syndrome really kicks in, because I am sure that if I wrote something similar it would not be recognised.
Conclusion
While I have all these issues, I am now in a mindset where I write and publish regardless of what the Imposter Syndrome tells me. I recently published three poems in a row, and that used to be unheard of for me.
So I know I am good, my Vocal Creator friends know I'm good, so all is good.
Thank you so much for reading.
About the Creator
Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred
A Weaver of Tales and Poetry
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Creationati
Call Me Les ♥ Gina ♥ Heather ♥ Caroline ♥
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More stories from Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred and writers in Writers and other communities.
I Can't Be Tipped On Vocal
Introduction Mariann Carroll wanted to tip me for this story, but the tipping option was not available: What Happened? The reason is that my account and backup account are "On Hold" pending review. This is because I have drawn from both accounts, and I had to have the second one during my issues with being unable to post on Vocal on my main account, which was finally resolved here:
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 7 months ago in Writers
Comments (14)
Came here after seeing this story in the leaderboard! Keep it up, Mike! I know how this feels and I'm so glad you overcome this :)
Congratulations on the honorable mention, Mike 👏👏👏👏 I absolutely share your sentiment. You write a story and hope it gets recognition. Then, when it doesn't get many likes, you get disappointed and feel like giving up until one comment comes along, that gives you that little boost to say, don't give up.
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
My theme song, but surely not yours, my friend, for your writing is truly the warm cup of tea on a cold & cloudy day, that friendly chat that begs us to stay.
Oh, the syndrome is such a b*tch, too. Great post, Mike
Imposter syndrome is the worst. It’s insidious and destructive. Glad you’re not taking any notice and continuing to write.
You are absolutely right; you are good! Please don't forget it! 🌸
We are all looking for gratification (most times instant). It is not always there but that does not mean we failed or are imposters, lord knows I have felt like that many times. Over all this platform is supportive and that is why I stay. Keep on writing Mike
You are fantastic writer and not an imposter. I learn from you Mike in this writing craft. I have not had a TS in months, and I know I have not commented and wrote a lot lately for having that other transcription assignment was longer than I expected. I am going to be posting quite a lot starting today after getting caught up with these notifications, I hope more people read my work as well.
You may not remember this, but you were one of the first people that I’d read their work on this platform however long ago, and from the get go, I thought how great your work is. Then when you made comments about my work and how encouraging you were (this man - a stranger from another part of the world and who is a great writer is telling me my work is good) - it really kept me going with it, so thank you. It meant and still means a lot to me that you and, and others as well do that. That’s the best bit about this platform in my mind - the community that we’ve built 🥰
The only judge of how good you are is whether others actually want to be around your page and your work and seeing as there are many people who absolutely adore you on this platform (including me), I wouldn't say that there is any reality in the imposter syndrome. It is simply a syndrome and not a reality xxx ❤️
I agree with Princess Dharr! I have written some damn good pieces that didn't hit T.S. or even get read. We respect you and love all that you contribute to the Vocal community MikeyD!
I stand by what I've always said to you: A Top Story or challenge placement isn't a measure of how good of a writer we are. And like you've mentioned, you know that we know what a good writer you are. And that's all that matters 🥰🥰🥰
Yes you are definitely good! I know exactly how you feel though. You perfectly described the thoughts that go through my head all the time.