The Content Creation Gym: Building Mental Muscles to Overcome Impostor Syndrome
By Narawastu Indrapradna
Narawastu Indrapradna is a newbie writer who sketches comically bad stickmen to unwind while navigating the daily grind of building businesses. Find Narawastu on X at @narawastu.
The first time I decided to post on Instagram for my personal branding account, as my finger hovered over the Share button, suddenly my brain considered the worst-case scenarios:
What if people say, “Wow, this is so ugly. Why would you post something like this?” What if they say, “You’re an incapable business leader, no one trusts your company, it’s going to go bankrupt, you’re going to end up on the street, no one will love you”? And so on and so forth down the slippery slope of anxiety.
So, what did I do? I chickened out... Well, sort of. I posted, but I did so under a fake name. They can't judge the real me if they don't know it's me, I thought, clearly outsmarting the entire internet.
And you know what? Turns out people liked a post about marketing from a guy named “Bald Bastard.” I guess they thought it was a media account or something else. I imagined they didn’t think about who posted it as long as the info is good. They saved the post, some even reposted it! They didn't leave a single mean comment! It was going great until... I ran out of ideas. Turns out, being a fake person limits your experiences. Who knew?
So, I took a deep breath and started posting as the real me. I showed ‘em my face and used my real name. I told stories about who I am and offered my real points of view. And instead of the expected public shaming and exile, I found myself growing more confident. Each post was like a little hug to my inner child who was trembling less and less.
As I grew more comfortable sharing online, I realized this newfound confidence was spilling over into other areas of my life. It was as if facing one fear had given me the courage to tackle others. This realization hit me particularly hard during another vulnerable moment in my life: my first trip to the gym.
I kinda forgot why I went to the gym. Always hated it before. I forgot whether it was hate or fear. But whatever. I went because of a broken heart and an intense self loathing period. It was my quarter life crisis. You know how it is, right?
At first, I was convinced everyone would point and laugh at the chubby kid trying to lift weights. Spoiler alert: they didn't. Turns out, gym bros are surprisingly nice; they respect people who are brave enough to try. And besides, most people are too busy admiring their own biceps in the mirror to notice you.
It was because of the friendly, intimidation-free environment that I was able to start putting my reps in. Day by day, I could see that I was progressing. The weight stayed the same, but the reps felt easier. I got stronger.
That was when I found my eureka: Becoming a content creator and posting your thoughts online is a lot like going to the gym, but for your mental muscle. You use those muscles to fight against fear and impostor syndrome. My fears of being harshly judged online and at the gym were overblown—but I didn’t know until I dove in head first.
In case you’re like me, this essay is for you.
The content creation workout
There’s this thing in psychology called exposure therapy where you gradually expose yourself to things that make you anxious. This can help you conquer a fear of flying or, say, fear around going to the gym—or even posting content online. Each post, tweet, or article is a rep in your mental gym. You're building resilience against criticism, strengthening your self-confidence, and toning your ability to express ideas clearly.
This process is particularly powerful for combating impostor syndrome—that nagging feeling that you're not qualified or “good enough” to be sharing your thoughts. Each time you hit Post, you're telling that inner critic, “Actually, I do have something valuable to say.” Over time, those small acts of bravery accumulate, gradually silencing the inner voice of self-doubt.
And here's the best part about this whole online content creation thing—it's like training wheels for your ego. You can try out new ideas without worrying too much. Think about it: If you mess up a post, what's the worst that could happen? A few people might scroll past it, or maybe you'll get a comment from your aunt saying, “I don't get it, sweetie.” But that's it! No career-ending disasters and no public shaming. There might be a teeny weeny little possibility that an online troll leaves a bad comment. But I still think the pros outweigh the cons by a lot.
How much content have you scrolled past already today? How much of it do you remember?
See?
Now, here's where it gets really cool. Remember how I mentioned gym bros being surprisingly nice? Well, imagine having a personal trainer who's available 24/7, never gets tired, and doesn't judge you for eating that fried rice that one Sunday morning. That's basically what AI tools are for content creation. They can give you personalized feedback and suggestions, helping you prep before you publish a post for real. It's like having a practice round before the big game, except the big game is just... more practice.
AI feedback is always well-intentioned. It's not trying to bring you down or make itself look better than you. It's just there to help you grow, unlike those trolls that leave comments just to hurt someone’s feelings.
Different ‘fitness goals’ in the content gym
I believe creating content online is not only for the so-called influencer wannabe. The act of content creation is itself beneficial for everybody. Here’s my take on roughly three categories of people:
A. The aspiring influencers
These are the folks who eat, sleep, and breathe content. MrBeast is probably their hero. They're the ones who probably want to have a cameraman following them at all times—even to the bathroom. Okay, maybe not that far, but you get the idea.
Now, when this content creation gig works out, it's like hitting the jackpot in a casino. Brands are throwing money at influencers like it's confetti at a New Year's Eve party. In 2023, the influencer marketing industry was worth a whopping $21.1 billion, according to Statista. It's like someone took the GDP of a small country and decided to spend it all on Instagram posts and TikTok dances.
But here's the kicker: Being a content creator isn't just about making silly videos anymore. It's become a legit springboard into the world of "serious" entertainment. You know, the kind your parents might actually approve of. We're talking actors, actresses, the whole Hollywood shebang.
B. The casual creators
Now, not all of us are aiming to be celebrities right? Some of us are just here to have fun and maybe make a few new friends. And guess what? That's totally cool too!
In fact, did you know that the little guys and gals often pack the biggest punch? Nano-influencers, the folks with fewer than 5,000 followers, have an engagement rate of 2.53 percent. Meanwhile, those celebrity influencers? A measly 0.92 percent. It's like David and Goliath, but with likes and comments!
And here's a fun fact: 65 percent of all Instagram influencers are nano-influencers. It's like a secret army of content creators, each with their own little passionate following. Think about all those hobby photographers on Instagram. They're not trying to take over the world, they're just sharing their love of capturing moments. And sometimes, that leads to cool local gigs or small commercial work. Not too shabby for a "casual" content creator, right?
C. The professionals
If you only do content creation as a hobby outside of your professional occupation, that’s also okay! The skills you develop through content creation are like secret weapons in your career arsenal. Think about it: Every time you craft a post, you're honing your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely. That's gold in any professional setting!
Presenting ideas? Your experience structuring blog posts or creating engaging videos translates directly to killer presentations. You'll be the one everyone actually listens to in meetings!
And let's talk about personal branding. In today's job market, standing out is crucial. Your online content showcases your expertise, passion, and unique perspective. It's like having a 24/7 job interview where you control the narrative.
Plus, these skills are transferable across industries. Whether you're in tech, marketing, or underwater basket weaving, being able to create compelling content makes you invaluable. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about building a rocket to launch your career into the stratosphere!
Navigating challenges in the content gym
Alright, let's talk about the challenges we face in content creation. These are real issues that many creators grapple with, and it's important to address them head-on.
First up, impostor syndrome. It's that nagging feeling that you're not qualified or good enough to be creating content. You might think, "Who am I to be posting about this?" Well, you're not alone. About 70 percent of us deal with impostor syndrome at some point. It's incredibly common, but not many people talk about it openly.
I remember the first time I posted an Instagram Carousel post about Business to Business Marketing. My stomach literally spinned on the inside because I thought I was making a fool of myself and people would accuse me of lying, despite the fact that I had professional experience in B2B.
The good news is that every time you create and post content, you're actively combating this feeling. Each post is an artifact that helps build your confidence. I’ve realized that every time my impostor syndrome kicks in, I can just look through the posts I’ve posted, with all their likes and positive comments. Doing this kicks impostor syndrome in the butt. Over time, you'll find yourself feeling more assured in your abilities. You have the right to share your thoughts and ideas.
Now, let's discuss the cases of online trolls and harassment. Unfortunately, if you grow a big following, this can be an issue. A Pew Research Center survey found that 31 percent of Americans have experienced some form of online harassment in social media. It can be disheartening and sometimes even demotivating.
One way to deal with this is to not engage directly with trolls. Instead, focus on the positive interactions and constructive feedback. When you do receive genuine criticism, try to view it as an opportunity for growth. Thank the person for their input, consider how you can use it to improve, and then move forward.
Comparison is another big challenge for content creators. It's easy to look at other creators' polished content and feel inadequate. But remember, you're seeing their highlight reel, not their behind-the-scenes struggles. Everyone starts somewhere, and every creator you admire was once a beginner too.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress. Celebrate your small victories. Did you post consistently this week? Did you try a new content format? These are wins worth acknowledging.
There’s going to be ups and downs
Progress in content creation, like anything meaningful really, isn't always linear. It's common to face ups and downs along the way. Many of us start with high aspirations, similar to New Year's resolutions. According to this research, about 23 percent quit in the first week, and only 36 percent make it past the first month. (I have one friend whose resolution was to stop smoking and failed spectacularly on the 2nd of January.) We often abandon our resolutions because we encounter setbacks and plateaus that can be discouraging.
However, these setbacks are actually a normal part of the process. Visualizing potential obstacles and planning responses in advance can help maintain motivation. This strategy, known as implementation intentions, prepares individuals mentally for setbacks, making them less likely to abandon their goals when difficulties occur. This suggests that having a realistic mindset and a backup plan can be beneficial.
When my business took a hit because of losing a key account, all my focus and energy naturally went there. I went on a problem-solving mode and attacked the case head on. Of course my content creation routines and schedule went totally wrong. I’m pretty sure I didn’t post for a month or two. After things got better, I started posting again. Yes, I had lost some momentum. But with a little willpower, things got going again like there was never a two-month posting gap.
When it comes to forming habits, popular wisdom suggests it takes 21 days. However, according to research from a study conducted by Phillippa Lally and colleagues, published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it actually takes about 66 days on average. This means that developing a consistent content creation habit may take longer than initially expected, so patience is key. Those 66 days instead of 21 days changed everything for me. There’s no way I can rely on willpower for 66 days. I always prepare a plan B when things go south.
Small wins can have a significant impact. The Harvard Business Review reported that making progress in meaningful work is the single biggest motivator during a workday. This principle applies to content creation too—each piece of content you complete represents progress. I personally love this and find it effective, so I keep track of the number of posts I have created. Watching the number grow gives me more momentum to keep going.
Your move?
Creating content online is more than just a path to fame or fortune—it's a powerful tool for personal growth, building confidence, and overcoming impostor syndrome. As we just covered, the act of consistently putting your thoughts and ideas out into the world can help you develop resilience, improve communication skills, and gradually conquer your fears.
Here are some key takeaways to remember on your content creation journey:
Start small: Don't pressure yourself to create masterpieces from day one. Even short posts or simple images count.
Embrace imperfection: Your content doesn't need to be flawless. Authenticity often resonates more than perfection.
Focus on progress, not comparison: Measure your growth against your past self, not other creators.
Use AI as a supportive tool: Leverage AI for ideation and feedback, but maintain your unique voice.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge every piece of content you create as a step forward.
Learn from setbacks: View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Stay consistent: Regular creation, even if infrequent, builds momentum over time.
Remember, the goal isn't just to produce content—it's to grow, learn, and become more confident in expressing yourself. Whether you're aiming to enhance your professional skills, share your passions, or simply become more comfortable putting yourself out there, the act of creation itself is valuable.
So, take that first step. Start creating, keep learning, and watch as your confidence grows with each post, tweet, or video. Your unique voice and perspective matter, and the world is waiting to hear what you have to say.