Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough to be a designer? Have you ever thought, “What if my clients discover that I’m not as skilled as they believe I am?”
In this final episode of the Mindset Shift Series, I discuss the real struggles that new designers face, such as feelings of insecurity and imposter syndrome.
These feelings are completely normal, and even experienced designers go through them.
So, I share simple yet powerful strategies to uplift you when you’re feeling down, help shift your mindset, and boost your confidence. Plus, I also share real stories from my own journey.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t know enough, don’t have a signature style, or wonder why anyone would pay you for your design work, this episode will help you feel seen and supported.
This is also your reminder that you can do hard things, and you don’t have to do them alone. 🎧 Listen now and share it with a designer friend who could use a little encouragement, too!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
Learn how to reframe negative thoughts so you can feel more confident
Leverage community and connection to help you beat burnout and self-doubt
Start seeing your progress even when it doesn’t feel like a straight line
Check out these episode highlights
02:13 Common Thoughts and Limiting Beliefs in New Designers
New designers often feel:
Not good enough.
Lacking in knowledge or skill.
Insecure about charging for their work.
Lacking a signature style.
Reminder: These thoughts are normal and don’t disqualify you from design.
Common limiting beliefs:
“I don’t have enough experience.”
“I don’t have a signature style.”
“Clients will see right through me.”
Signature style isn’t required; it often emerges over time.
Be honest with clients about your level of experience.
6:49 Age, Comparison, and the Myth of Being “Behind”
Feeling “behind” because of age or career changes is common.
Life experience adds value to your design work.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Social media and industry highlight reels can intensify feelings of inadequacy due to comparison.
Reminder: Don’t let social media steal your confidence.
08:29 Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is:
The fear of being exposed as inadequate.
The byproduct of growth.
Feeling like a fraud stems from stretching beyond your comfort zone.
A key mindset tool: the Thought Model – thoughts → feelings → actions → results.
11:00 Building Community and Support Network as a Solution
Building Community
Her experience with the Sacramento Design Business Collective, a local group she founded for mutual support and learning
Started six years ago to fill a gap in peer support.
Designers meet monthly for mutual learning and encouragement.
Reminder: Community can be in person or through My Design Mentor.
Peer groups help in:
Sharing resources and referrals.
Lifting each other during tough times.
Reinforcing that you are not alone in this journey.
15:19 Tools for Combatting Imposter Syndrome
Suggested strategies:
Reflection: Identify fears and evidence of your growth and success.
Confidence File: Save compliments, testimonials, and kind messages.
Affirmations: Post them near your workspace for encouragement.
Reminder: Designers don’t need to be always confident to be effective; you need to keep showing up and supporting each other.
16:45 Navigating Nonlinear Progress
Success isn’t a straight path.
Even celebrity designers feel doubt before speaking engagements.
Build routines to support mental wellness (e.g., quarterly retreats).
Give yourself the same grace you offer clients.
Reminder: Progress in a design career is not always linear.
19:45 Action Steps for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Write down 3 things that make you a unique designer.
Save a kind message/testimonial in a confidence file.
Reach out to a designer friend and remind them they’re not alone.
21:44 Wrap-Up and Invitation
Replace negative thoughts with uplifting ones.
Share the episode with someone who might be struggling with imposter syndrome.
Announcement: She’s planning a designer retreat in November—local designers can reach out.
Next Steps
- Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
Leave me a rating and review! Click here.
Thanks for listening. I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…