Conquering Imposter Syndrome as an Aspiring DJ

Conquering Imposter Syndrome as an Aspiring DJ: What It Is and How to Overcome It

Introduction: The DJ's Silent Struggle

Ever felt like a fraud or doubted your skills? Do you sometimes feel like you don't belong or are scared you're not talented enough? There’s no shortage of challenges for an aspiring DJ but there is one that undermines many careers: Imposter Syndrome.

Don't worry, it's surprisingly common for aspiring DJs and music producers to feel worried they don't fit in. In fact, any creative expression comes with a shadow of self-doubt. Imposter Syndrome is real, in this blog we seek to demystify these negative thoughts and encourage you to unapologetically express yourself.

What is DJ Imposter Syndrome?

For many aspiring DJs and music producers, stepping into the world of self-promotion, live performance and sharing creative work can be exhilarating yet nerve-wracking. Growth as a musician, DJ or artist is a bumpy road peppered with insecurities, self-criticism, inner conflict, uncertainty, low self-esteem and general doubt in one's abilities.

The psychological phenomenon of imposter syndrome can cast a dark cloud over your confidence. So, what exactly is imposter syndrome, why does it happen, and how can you combat these thoughts to thrive as a DJ or music producer?

DJ imposter syndrome is the feeling that you're faking it or that you don't deserve success or the achievements you've made. This can often be despite external evidence or validation proving otherwise. It's as though you think people will think you're not skilled enough to be a DJ or producer and you feel like they are judging you behind closed doors.

These feelings can manifest as:

Feeling like you're a fake DJ or you're playing the 'fake it till you make it' game.

Believing that you've taken shortcuts and cheated in some aspects of your career.

Fearing others will talk behind your back about your lack of talent.

Feeling like you will be 'outed' as an imposter and not taken seriously.

Fearing you will 'mess up' in public and bring shame upon yourself.

Allowing your inner dialogue to constantly criticise, undermine and belittle you.

Generally feeling negative about your DJ or music production career.

Why Does Imposter Syndrome Happen to DJs and Music Producers?

Imposter syndrome is common in all creative fields of work, including DJing and music production. In these fields, success is often subjective, and the creative industries are highly competitive. Here are some reasons why DJs and music producers experience imposter syndrome:

Constant Comparison Online: The number one reason imposter syndrome is on the rise is social media. The age of social media has only amplified imposter syndrome by constantly feeding artists images and videos of other people's successes. It's natural for humans to compare themselves to other people but it can become a dangerous habit.

Social media is one-sided, with artists mostly displaying their positive moments and never the truth. It's a gilded veneer of what is really happening behind the scenes. It's also addictive, scrolling online drips feeds doses of dopamine that further entrench your feelings of Inadequacy. You'll become addicted to negative thinking, constantly rewiring your brain to reinforce your negative thought patterns.

Artistic Growth: Interestingly, imposter syndrome reaches its highest level when you're growing as an artist. In that sense, you can consider imposter syndrome as a positive indicator that you're growing and facing natural headwinds. Now you can see that it's actually a good sign!

Self-doubt and Perfectionism: DJs may develop an inferiority complex around their DJ or production skills. This can stem from comparing oneself to others but it can also be an internal drive for perfectionism. Pushing yourself to refine your craft is a good thing, in small doses. There's a fine line between motivating or challenging yourself and simply punishing oneself.

Pace of Technology: As new technology arises, some older DJs will have feelings of being left behind. The industry's rapid evolution and expansion into new digital realms are providing DJs with new ways to feel left out.

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How to Combat Imposter Syndrome as a DJ

Imposter syndrome is your primal brain's way of hitting the brakes to help you avoid potential dangers. Your primitive self wants to shy away from the spotlight and retreat to your comfort zone, where it perceives things to be safer.

Seeing that we're no longer being hunted by saber-tooth cats on an African savannah, we can safely assume that this evolutionary throwback is simply something our more evolved selves can overcome with the right mindset.

Here are some ways DJs and music producers can adjust their mindset to reinforce positive thinking:

Switch Off the Ape Brain: Realise that imposter syndrome is simply a sign of artistic growth that everyone encounters. Once you acknowledge this, utilise your evolved mind to ring-fence your ape brain's knee-jerk retreat mode. Relegate those intrusive thoughts to the far corners of your mind, far away from the driving seat.

Stop The Doom Scroll: Don't use social media to compare yourselves to other artists by benchmarking things like likes, follower counts and plays. Acknowledge every artist has a different journey to take and no career will look the same. Spend more time practising and honing your craft and less time online.

Give Gratitude: Spend two minutes a day simply giving gratitude for the positive aspects of your life and career. Close your eyes and give thanks for one positive thing each day. Giving regular gratitude can reinforce positive thinking and literally rewire your brain to be more optimistic.

Track & Acknowledge Your Achievements: One of the best ways to combat imposter syndrome is to track and acknowledge your achievements. Often we don't realise how far we've come and what incredible work we've accomplished. Take the time to write down and give thanks for your successes. Celebrate your milestones and build rituals around positive events.

Embrace Continuous Learning: Never stop learning or challenging yourself, even if your ape brain tells you to stop. Just reading a page of a book or learning something new every day can give you a sense of growth and progress. Small regular gains are the surest way to develop your craft and artistry and confidence over time. Embrace new technology rather than dismissing it as something for younger generations.

Find a Supportive Community: As artists, we're all in the same boat. Imposter syndrome happens to anyone who attempts to learn a new skill. It's totally natural and part of the human experience. Why not share your feelings, achievements and joy with friends and artists in the same community? Find your tribe!

Accept Imperfection: Perfection is the antithesis of creativity and only seeks to numb the artistic experience. Embrace your flaws, quirks and imperfections because they are what make you unique.

Don't Replicate, Be Yourself: Accept that you'll never be able to copy what another artist is doing, and even if you did it would be too late! Forge your own creative path and find ways of doing something unique to you. Trying to emulate another artist is a way of comparing yourself to them, and you're never going to be as good as the original. Instead, do your own thing and walk your own path.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome is an imposter in itself. It's impossible to be an imposter if we are all unique artists. You can't impose on yourself! Everyone has the right to express themselves in any way they see fit. What other people think of you is none of your business and shouldn't stop you from being creative. The world created you and you owe it to the world to return the favour. Embrace imposter syndrome as part of the human experience and learn how to switch it off and practice positive thinking.

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