Ep 116 Creativity: Understanding the new imposter syndrome triggers from remote work

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 116 of The Crazy One Podcast. I’m Stephen Gates, and this is the show where we talk about creativity, leadership, design, and all the things that empower creative people. You can find past episodes, show notes, and more at thecrazyone.com – that’s thecrazy and the number one dot com. Also, The Crazy One is now on YouTube with career coaching, tutorials, masterclasses, and past keynotes: thecrazyone.com/youtube.

Why This Episode Now?

It’s been a while since the last episode, but I wanted to revisit a topic that continues to affect even the most successful creatives: Imposter Syndrome. Previously covered in Episodes 69 and 96, it’s time to explore it again, now through the lens of remote work and how the pandemic has shifted how we experience self-doubt and creative insecurity.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is the psychological phenomenon where you feel like a fraud. You may feel like your ideas aren’t good enough or that you don’t belong, even when there’s plenty of evidence to the contrary. It’s a deep-rooted self-doubt that leads many creatives to question their value.

Creating is a personal act, and without a “right” answer, judgment and vulnerability come into play. Imposter syndrome thrives in that ambiguity. It affects everyone at some point – anyone who tells you they’ve never felt it is likely not being honest with themselves.

How Remote Work Has Reshaped It

Remote work has added new dimensions to imposter syndrome. Let’s look at three major factors:

1. Loss of Context

In an office, we naturally gain feedback and insight from casual conversations and being around others. Remote work robs us of this context. We’re left wondering: How am I doing? Am I on the right track? The isolation and Zoom fatigue exacerbate self-doubt, which then evolves into imposter syndrome.

2. Environmental Shift

Our homes used to be sanctuaries. With remote work, our personal spaces became our offices. That physical shift affects motivation and creative energy. For example, the studio where I used to record this show became just another office. The creative energy I relied on was gone.

3. Crisis of Motivation

Lack of community and environmental inspiration leads to low motivation. Many mistake it for Zoom fatigue, but it runs deeper. Without feedback and without inspiration from others, we lose confidence in our ideas and direction.

Revisiting the Five Types of Imposter Syndrome

Credit to Valerie Young’s book “The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women”. These types appear in both men and women. Here they are, reshaped for remote work:

1. The Perfectionist

Sets excessively high goals and feels disappointment even when successful. Remote work makes this worse by reducing the opportunity to celebrate small wins or receive feedback. Sharing imperfect work with others can help fight this.

2. The Superwoman/Superman

Feels like a phony among the “real” deal and overworks to compensate. In a remote setting, there are fewer visible ways to demonstrate effort, leading to overcompensation and burnout. Focus on internal validation over external approval.

3. The Genius

Believes success should come effortlessly; otherwise, they aren’t smart enough. Remote work demands new tools and ways of thinking, which may feel like failure to this type. Reframe learning as growth, not incompetence.

4. The Individualist

Sees asking for help as failure. Remote work has amplified isolation. Creating deliberate opportunities to collaborate and ask for help is vital to combat this.

5. The Expert

Feels they must know everything before starting. The rapid pace of change in remote tools and norms can trigger this type. Embrace just-in-time learning and ask for help when needed.

What You Can Do for Yourself

• Acknowledge the voice: Listen to what your imposter syndrome is trying to tell you. It may point to areas where you need more connection or feedback.

• Use logic to challenge extremes: If you think you’re going to be fired, ask yourself what actual fireable offense you’ve committed.

• Welcome discomfort: It’s a sign something needs to change. Whether small or big, use it as a design problem to solve.

• Map your imposter types: Identify which ones show up for you and rate them. Doing this with a team or accountability partner adds perspective and support.

How You Can Help Others

• Create safe spaces: Let others speak openly and offer honest feedback.

• Empower empathy: Make it okay to not be okay.

• Clarify expectations: Don’t demand people to always be “on.” Respect their deep work time.

• Show people they matter: Ensure people feel valued, heard, and appreciated. Not talked at or worked at, but truly collaborated with.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just about remote work; it’s about how we redefine success, work-life balance, and what drives us. I’m working through it myself. This show went on hiatus because I lost my motivation and connection. But through reflection, I saw imposter syndrome in a new light.

We are all figuring it out. Let’s do it together. Share your stories, your wins, and what’s working for you. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter. You can find this episode, the imposter syndrome mapping tool, and more at thecrazyone.com.

And as always – stay crazy.

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