Feeling like a fake

At what point does one really become a writer?

That's a question which constantly plagues many of us who want to be writers. We think there must be a set of invisible goalposts somewhere, and once we cross that line we can call ourselves Real Writers, not just aspiring writers or dabblers. In my observation, the place we think the goalposts must be is usually just a little bit further than we currently are, wherever that might be.

I need to finish a story before I can call myself a writer.

I need to get a qualification.

I need to build up a portfolio.

I need to be published.

I need to be (not self-)published.

I need to make an income.

...live off my writing.

...hit the bestsellers list.

...win competitions.

...be invited to panels.

There always seems to be another step to go to feel like we've made it, regardless of how far we've already come. As a result, writers can be quite prone to struggling with imposter syndrome. It's by no means universal, but neither is it uncommon. So how do we wrestle with feeling like we aren't good enough?