Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Take a moment. Pause. Reflect. Look at your business, remember where you were the first day you started, and now see where you are.
“How did I get all the way here?” You know, you know exactly what it took to go from that very first day to growing and developing your business to what it is today. But that gnawing question, it lingers, it’s there, and it’s called Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something that we’re socialised to experience, especially those of us who grow up immersed in girlhood and womanhood. That good, old reliable patriarchy reminds us that “hey, if you’re not a cis-het white man, you probably don’t deserve it” or “it’s a fluke because there’s no way you WORKED for it”.
Newsflash, I’m telling you that the success that you experience, the good fortune in whatever that means both in your business and your personal life, is something you worked hard for and you earned. And you deserve it. Because you deserve good things, and you are smart, you work hard, and every day you show up not only for yourself but the people who work for you, your clients, your customers, and your loved ones.
It takes a long time to fight and dismantle that inner narrative, it takes work, and progress isn’t linear.
Here are some techniques I use to help with those days.
Mantra
A few years back, I started working on how I support myself. I came up with a mantra I could tell myself when I was doubting myself. Now, what I use may not work for you so I won’t share my personal mantra, but make sure you come up with your own.
Brag List
The other thing is to have a list of things to brag about to yourself. ‘Oh yeah, don’t forget! I do this, this, this, and this! And I wouldn’t be doing this project if I didn’t do that project”! Your wins are important, you do a lot to be proud of, so let yourself be proud.
Client Wins
It’s not that my clients’ wins are my wins, but I certainly get really excited when I see them succeed with their finances. For some, they come to me not even wanting to look at their bank balance or statements and others are in their bank all the time but don’t know where their money is going. It’s a great win when they start winning with their finances.
Encouragement from Family and Friends or Employees
Finally, even though our family and friends can be biased, ultimately they want to see us win. When I’m feeling down or a little doubtful, I can absolutely rely on family and friends to remind me how I’m killing it and making massive strides.
Overcoming imposter syndrome can be a difficult task, but it's possible with the right mindset.
One way to begin is to recognize that everyone experiences self-doubt and insecurity at times. Acknowledge that it's okay to feel this way, and then try to move past it. Focus on your successes and the progress you've made in order to build your self-confidence. Additionally, practice self-care and try to reframe negative self-talk into more positive and self-affirming thoughts.
Setting realistic goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable tasks can help you to stay motivated and focused on your progress.
Finally, don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Talking to a mental health professional or a supportive friend can give you the extra push you need to begin overcoming imposter syndrome.