Episode 13 - The Truth About Imposter Syndrome (And How I Quiet That Voice)

[00:00] Ever feel like you're one wrong step away from someone calling you out? Like somebody might figure out that you don't know what you're talking about? Or you might get exposed for trying to be something you're not?

That's imposter syndrome. And if you've ever felt it, you're definitely not alone. And I'm here to tell you I struggle with this—big time.

Hey, I'm Jill from Thank Dog We Made It, and if you've been with me for a while, you know I'm not about flashy promises or overnight success. What I am about is helping creative dog lovers like you turn your ideas into patterns you can actually make—and maybe even sell one day.

But I didn’t always feel qualified to say that. For years, I've struggled with the confidence to believe I was qualified to teach about dog wear design—even though I’ve been doing it now for over 10 years.

[01:20] Even after years of helping others, I still get that whisper in the back of my mind: Who am I to teach this? What if someone finds out I’m not legit? What if someone asks me a question I don’t know the answer to?

And yet—I’m here. Sharing. Teaching. Designing. And pushing myself forward through these moments of doubt. And the only way I’ve found to keep pushing forward is to be honest about that struggle—with myself, and today, with you.

[02:24] Imposter syndrome doesn’t always scream. Sometimes it’s just a small, tight feeling. A moment of hesitation. That thought that maybe someone else would do it better, or say it better, or explain it in a more polished way.

[03:25] Here’s the thing—I used to think I was the only one who felt like this. But the more I listened, the more I learned that even the most successful people—people with Oscars and Nobel prizes—admit they’ve felt it too. That sense of “Who am I to be here?”

And here’s what I’ve come to believe: It hits hardest for people who actually care. People who listen. People who practise and prepare and want to get it right. Not because they’re trying to be perfect—although that is definitely something I struggle with—but because they genuinely want to help.

[04:24] That’s how I pull myself through those moments. When I focus less on “being perfect and being the expert” and more on being useful and helpful, I stop worrying about how I’m seen in other people's eyes.

I shift into service. I remind myself: I'm here to guide, not to impress. But it’s tough some days...

[05:25] For me, success isn’t about having the most polished website or the biggest launch numbers. It’s about the messages I get from makers who say, “Your measuring guide finally taught me how to understand dog anatomy,” or “I made my first coat that actually fit.”

[05:57] What helps me keep going? Action over perfection. And structure. Making a plan and sticking to it—even when my confidence is low. Creating checklists so I don’t freeze up. Keeping promises to myself even when it’s uncomfortable.

[07:44] And community. That’s why I created the Creative Circle inside TDWMI. Because surrounding yourself with people who get it—who are figuring it out just like you—makes all the difference.

[08:18] So if you're feeling imposter syndrome right now, I just want you to know—it doesn't mean you're not meant to do this. It doesn't mean you're not good enough. It probably means you care. And you’re stretching. And that is powerful.

You don’t need a certificate to care. You don’t need a marketing degree to teach. If you’re here to help, to guide, to lift someone up—that’s enough. And honestly? That’s everything.