From "I Can't" to "I Can": What a Drawing Class Taught Me About Imposter Syndrome
- Cécile Hemery
- Sep 30, 2024
- 5 min read
How a simple drawing changed my perspective
The Belief I Never Questioned
For as long as I can remember, I've told myself, "I can't draw." It was a belief I held without question, a skill I assumed I simply didn't possess. I was content with this self-assessment, accepting it as an immutable fact about myself. After all, some people are artists, and some aren't - or so I thought.
This belief remained unchallenged until the unexpected happened during lockdown. A friend, honing her teaching skills, asked for volunteers for her practice drawing class. With time on my hands and a desire to support a friend, I joined - purely to help out and perhaps have a bit of fun. Little did I know that this casual decision would lead to a profound shift in my perspective.
One Hour, One Cup, One Shift in Perspective
The class was just an hour long, but in that short time, we explored the fundamentals of drawing. We learned how to hold a pen properly, not just for writing but for creating art. We practised moving our arms in fluid motions, understanding that drawing involves the whole arm, not just the wrist. We delved into the concepts of shading and light, discovering how these elements bring depth and dimension to a simple sketch.
Then came the moment of truth. Armed with these new techniques, we were tasked with drawing a cup. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. Could I really create something recognisable?
As I put pen to paper, I focused on applying what I had just learned. I started with the basic shape, then added details step by step. To my amazement, a cup began to emerge on my paper.
What the Drawing Revealed
The result was far from a masterpiece, I'll admit. The handle mysteriously vanished somewhere in the process, and I'm certain Da Vinci wouldn't be worried about competition. But to me, it was nothing short of a miracle. For the first time in my life, I had created a drawing I was genuinely proud of. It actually looked like something!
This Wasn't About Drawing. It Was About Imposter Syndrome.
This simple exercise taught me a profound lesson: I hadn't been unable to draw; I had never truly learned how. My long-held belief had prevented me from even trying. I had accepted my perceived lack of ability without question, never giving myself the chance to improve or discover hidden potential.
The Questions This Raised
This realisation sparked a series of questions that extended far beyond drawing:
What other limiting beliefs have held me back throughout my life?
What other skills have I dismissed as innate talents, never considering they could be learned?
How many opportunities have I missed because I convinced myself I wasn't capable?
What could I achieve if I approached other challenges with the same openness I had in this drawing class?
It Wasn't Talent. It Was Method.
As I reflected on these questions, I began to understand that the key to my newfound ability wasn't some hidden artistic talent suddenly emerging. Instead, it was about method, guidance, and a willingness to try:
Breaking the task down into manageable steps: Instead of trying to draw the entire cup at once, we focused on one element at a time.
Learning where to start: Having a clear starting point eliminated the paralysis of not knowing how to begin.
Focusing on specific parts rather than the whole: This approach made the task less overwhelming and more achievable.
Following clear instructions: Having expert guidance provided a roadmap to success.
Progressing step by step: Each small success built confidence for the next challenge.
Why This Matters Beyond a Drawing Class
This experience served as a powerful reminder of the lessons I've learned throughout my personal and professional journey.
As a meditation practitioner, I've discovered the power of mindfulness in challenging ingrained thought patterns.
My training as a hypnotherapist has shown me how deeply our subconscious beliefs can impact our actions and perceived abilities.
And as a coach, I've witnessed firsthand how guiding others through their limiting beliefs can lead to remarkable transformations.
But this simple drawing class provided something unique - tangible, immediate proof of concept. In just one hour, I had challenged a lifelong belief and discovered a new ability. It was a powerful reminder that with the right guidance, patience, a hopeful mindset, and self-compassion, we can achieve what we once thought impossible.
Challenging Your Own Imposter Syndrome
In our personal and professional lives, we often hold ourselves back with self-imposed limitations. We tell ourselves we're not good at public speaking, that we can't learn a new language, or that we're not cut out for leadership roles. But what if these beliefs are just like my belief about drawing - unfounded assumptions that can be overcome with the right approach and guidance?
If you look at things from this perspective, what limiting beliefs might you be ready to challenge? Remember, sometimes all it takes is one hour, one class, one new perspective to unlock potential you never knew you had.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Are you prepared to challenge the beliefs that have been holding you back in your career? If imposter syndrome has you overthinking every move, second-guessing decisions you're qualified to make, I'm here to help you find clarity and take the right next step.
Together, we can:
Identify the limiting beliefs that are holding you back
Develop strategies to challenge and overcome these beliefs
Unlock your hidden potential and talents
Build the confidence to pursue opportunities you might have previously dismissed
Don't let another day go by accepting limitations that may not be real. Reach out for a free consultation, or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on personal and leadership development.
Remember, just like my unexpected drawing ability, your potential for growth and change is real. All it takes is the courage to try, the right guidance, and the willingness to see yourself in a new light.
About the author:
Executive Coach ･ Supervisor ･ Psychoanalyst ･ International Speaker
Cecile Hemery is an ICF accredited executive coach and international speaker who helps overthinking leaders stop walking on eggshells and take the right next step.
Her blend of psychological depth and practical coaching means you uncover what's really driving you and leave each session clearer and ready to act.
She draws on 15 years leading teams in tech and gaming, as well as her training and experience as a coach, a supervisor and a psychoanalyst to help leaders see their patterns clearly and take the right next step through 1:1 coaching, group programmes and workshops.
She helps leaders feel enough without having to prove it, so they can lead, and live, as who they really are.
