Why the Term “Impostor Syndrome” is Bullshit (Discomfort isn’t Deceit)
The Soulpreneur Series Free Issue No. 21
I’ve been noticing the term “Impostor Syndrome” circulating like wildfire —especially in what many call The Creator Economy — articles, social media posts, newsletters, and so on.
“I have Impostor Syndrome,” they say.
It’s unfortunate because the term is Total Bullshit.
It’s tossed around far too often by writers, creators, and entrepreneurs trying to carve new paths and projects. It also shows up in career transitions, times of change, and taking on new projects.
But the reality is: it’s both misleading and counterproductive.
Let’s break this down.
Two Core Problems with the Term
1. Calling it a “Syndrome”
A syndrome implies something is broken, a collection of symptoms pointing toward a disease or disorder.
But feeling uncomfortable, uncertain, or even scared isn’t a disease.
It’s natural.
Our bodies are wired to do it. It’s what’s kept us alive as a species.
All three of these — discomfort, uncertainty and fear — are also, frequently, precursors to growth.
When we label natural feelings of self-doubt as a syndrome, we pathologize what is an essential part of life — especially when we take on new things.
The blatant reality here? Every day is a new day that you have not experienced before.
Thus, any entrepreneurial journey, or life change, is experiencing something new, often for the first time. This does not mean you are deceitful or fake.
Discomfort isn’t a signal of something wrong—it’s often a sign of levelling up in life.
2. The Term “Impostor”
This implies deception like you’re faking it or pretending to be someone you’re not. But that’s not the case.
Most of us are simply in the process of learning, of becoming, of unfolding across a life. You’re not an impostor—maybe you’re a beginner, or an early-stage creator, or someone entering uncharted waters.
Remember: every day is a day neither you nor I have ever experienced before.
The feeling of “I’ve never been here before” is a natural response to growth. It is not fraudulence. If anything, it’s evidence.
Maybe even evidence you’re on the right path.
The Myth of the “Impostor” in Writing-centred Businesses
When I made a quick transition into full-time Soulpreneur and began establishing digital writing businesses from scratch — I had many moments of doubt. I didn’t secure my first client until months into the process.
Some days, I still have doubts.
This does make me an impostor.
When I walked away from a good solid salary in the corporate public sector, full benefits, and predictable schedules, days and income — I felt uncertainty, discomfort and some fear.
Still do.
This does not make me a fake, or trying to deceive anyone.
Services, like Ghostwriting, involve stepping into the voices, experiences, and stories of others. It’s a delicate balance—capturing someone else’s voice while using your skills and language weaving to help them communicate effectively.
Was I an expert Ghostwriter from the beginning?
No.
Does providing Ghostwriting services make me deceitful? An Impostor?😱
No.
From the get-go, and every day going forward, I’m learning, evolving, and potentially improving with each project. I’m not pretending to be someone I wasn’t, or am.
The moment we label this sort of discomfort as Impostor Syndrome, we miss the essential truth: these are not moments of deceit but of growth.
Is Ghostwriting Deceitful? F*** No.
In my first year as a Ghostwriter, I secured over $700K in funding for a non-profit agency through various writing projects.
Was I an impostor for landing such major deals through writing?
No!
I was using my skills to assist others while expanding my expertise in the process.
Securing funding for non-profit (and profit) organizations is also a pretty good way to keep yourself receiving new contracts (and offers for new ones).
If I had labelled my early discomfort as Impostor Syndrome, I might have hesitated to take on those projects — as well as stop talking with prospective clients about new ones.
(Which has included two in the past week alone)
I simply don’t call my periodic discomfort “impostor syndrome” because it’s a Bullshit term—and, because it wasn’t about pretending.
It’s been about stretching myself beyond what I knew or experienced before — and I’m growing personally and professionally in the process.
Added to this, if I fell into thinking I was an “impostor” then I may very well have taken on projects not aligned with my values and ethics. (And, I’ve had a few opportunities to do that — yet trusted my gut and instincts).
Those who suggest they feel like an Impostor are most likely to engage in tactics, approaches, and expectations that are not genuine and authentic to themselves.
For example, pursuing ‘growth’ at all costs — thinking this will alleviate this notion of being an “impostor”. (Trust me, it won’t).
Revenue projections for the next year of my various writing and educational projections are over $200k. (Not bad considering, when I started in early 2022 my revenue projections were about $20k in the first year)
Growth Sometimes Hurts (And That’s OK)
If you spend any time online, you’ll hear successful people talking about how they once felt like “impostors.”
You’ll hear folks in the midst of establishing something new saying “I feel like an impostor.” Maybe you’ve said it yourself?
Does this mean you or others are pretending to be experts?
No. It just means you, me and others are simply feeling some discomfort - and this is not deceitful.
In my two years of building a portfolio of writing business, including ghostwriting for executives, non-profits, and academics I’ve realized this uncomfortable feeling isn’t a signal that I’m on the wrong path—it’s a signal you’re evolving.
Starting something new, like a business or a high-stakes project, will often feel uncertain, but that’s not fraudulence—it’s self-development.
Why the Term “Impostor Syndrome” Needs to Go
Using this term holds us back.
It leads to dwelling on self-doubt instead of seeing it as a necessary part of growth and change.
It perpetuates binary thinking: you’re either a legitimate expert or a fraud. But life, especially in business, isn’t that clear-cut.
Expertise exists on a spectrum.
You don’t have to ‘know everything’ to start something new—you simply need to have the willingness to try, to grow, and a little courage to face uncertainty.
Plus, appreciate the failures and the further discomfort they bring.
Throw in a dose of authenticity to admit that you don’t know it all — or, better yet, that you (or I) have a shit tonne to learn (and unlearn).
The Pragmatic Wisdom in Discomfort
Starting digital writing businesses and projects has brought its share of discomfort.
When I walked away from a comfortable salary to build something from nothing, I wasn’t entirely sure where it would lead. But I was OK with that.
Discomfort became a part of my process, not something to avoid. It drove me to be more curious, more resilient, and ultimately more connected to my work.
I also regularly stop and think about, reflect upon, and write out the sheer discomfort I feel about the prospect of being forced to return to a 9-5 office existence in toxic organizations.
That ugly discomfort constantly drives me forward on establishing sustainable and enjoyable writing businesses and projects.
If you expect discomfort as part of building an authentic business, it won’t derail you. In fact, it will propel you forward.
Growth Over Guilt
Feeling uncomfortable, uncertain, or unsure doesn’t mean you’re an impostor. Its probably much more a sign that you’re doing something meaningful and real.
Instead of labelling it as “Impostor Syndrome,” recognize it for what it is: a sign of growth and change.
And if you’re committed to building a soul-driven business, you’ll learn to welcome that discomfort and lean into it.
Next time someone says they have “Impostor Syndrome,” ask them (or yourself) if it’s really impostorism—or simply the fear and excitement that arises with stepping into something new.
Because in the world of digital writing, ghostwriting, and authentic business, discomfort, fear and uncertainty aren’t the enemy—their critical allies.
Consider these:
How has discomfort or self-doubt signalled growth in your own life or business journey, rather than deceit?
What would shift for you if you saw self-doubt as a natural part of learning, instead of a sign that you don’t belong?
I initially posted a version of this on Medium, with a different approach. That story got a Boost and is quickly becoming one of my biggest $ makers. If you’d like to read it, this image below is hyperlinked with a ‘friend link’ (meaning anyone can read it).
That’s it for this issue. If you missed it, the first “Behind the Scenes” post for paying subscribers went out this week. If you are a Free subscriber feel free to use your free coupon to check things out.
Man, thanks for painting the picture on Imposter Syndrome. I deal with this a lot! All valid points here.