What is Imposter Syndrome?
I am a firm believer in if you want to address something you have to be able to define it. So, let’s do that now.
People who struggle with imposter syndrome believe that they are undeserving of their achievements and the high esteem in which they are, in fact, generally held. They feel that they aren’t as competent or intelligent as others might think—and that soon enough, people will discover the truth about them. (Psychology Today)
Allow that to sink in for a moment. Imposter Syndrome is being afflicted with internal doubt about being deserving of something. When other people don’t share that opinion or perception. That said once you put it out there we all know there are going to be people who are more than happy to run with it for their own reasons.
The pitfalls of Imposter Syndrome
Overcome feeling like you have to have it all figured out on your own. Only feeling comfortable stepping out into your purpose once you’ve got things perfect and polished.
Attempting to avoid the growing pains of criticism and judgment. When in reality we’ve all been there several times over. Running from the awkward feeling of stepping outside of your comfort zone.
It’s understandable to want to dot I’s and cross T’s so that you’re not walking around full of yourself for no logical reason. But when it becomes something to your detriment and limits your ability to take steps toward growth, purpose, and fulfillment. It becomes something that needs to be addressed.
The battle with Imposter Syndrome
If you’re like most people struggling with imposter syndrome the real battle is with the voice in your head and analysis paralysis. We all have our examples of the struggle. It could be feeling like you need to lose weight or work up your cardio and or strength before you go to the gym.
Personally, I know that I’ve gotten comments “You’re a big guy is that all you can lift?” In the right mindset, I can keep it moving in the wrong mindset I’ll internalize it. Create obstacles that prevent me from going back or doing too much and then being too sore to go back. Killing any momentum that I’ve built up and leaving me feeling awkward every time I go to the gym because I don’t want to be judged.
Meanwhile, there are people focused on their workouts and I’ve spent the better part of the time in the gym looking to see who’s looking instead of focusing on my workout. The voice in my head can take over and serve as a distraction and excuse maker that blocks me from accomplishing my goals. Who wants to live in that kind of constant uncertainty and insecurity???
What I’ve learned about Imposter Syndrome
The more people that I spoke with people the more I realized that imposter syndrome is common and an ongoing thing that we battle in our lives. The goal is to turn down the volume by covering the fundamentals so that we can see the wins and the progress. Small wins and breaking things down into bite-size portions allow us to focus on the things in our control.
In fact, you may have seen a previous article that I shared that 1 in 3 Americans struggle with imposter syndrome. You can find that article here… The fear of making a mistake and not feeling ready or good enough There are so many business owners that wish they could go back and tell themselves not to skip this step or that step.
There’s a great quote in an article by Jennifer Bourn (The Number One Reason To Ditch Impostor Syndrome And Own Your Brilliance) by her husband Brian addressing her initial imposter syndrome and her internal battle with self-sabotaging.
“There will always be someone fatter than you and someone thinner than you. There will always be someone richer than you and poorer than you. There will always be someone better than you and worse than you. There will always be someone who knows more than you and less than you. GET OVER IT.”
The reality is we are our own worst critics and for the times that we can’t catch our own self-sabotaging triggers. We need to have someone we can trust to step in and help remind us of what we bring to the table and that we can’t always see the picture from within the frame.
How I help to address and overcome Imposter Syndrome
That’s why with the Business Model Evaluations and Brand Clarity Assessments that I perform for my clients. We start by reviewing your brand journey and what lead up to your business idea. Confirming the need in the market and that your reasons will resonate with the audience you’re looking to help with your product/service.
Review the business model to make sure that it is sustainable and allows you to meet your goals and definition of success whatever it may be.
The evaluations and assessments are designed to help build up your confidence and mitigate the risks. So that you can focus on the next right move.
The only thing stopping us is the lies we’re telling ourselves in our heads. Putting limits on what we can accomplish based on not wanting to feel awkward or uncomfortable.
In business and as entrepreneurs we can have that same feeling and struggle with imposter syndrome. Creating obstacles that block us from starting or bettering our businesses because we have fears and lack the confidence to move forward. Melting under the questions that people may ask or that we ask ourselves feeling like we need to have all the right answers.
3 Benefits of overcoming Imposter Syndrome and why they matter
1. When you have the fundamentals in place it builds confidence and allows us to see the progress that we’re making.
When you can see the progress that you’re making you have a frame of reference to go to when you feel imposter syndrome kicking in. You can remind yourself that you’re not starting from scratch or from the unknown. You’ve done your due diligence.
2. When you can keep your imposter syndrome in check it allows you to build up your credibility and authority in your market.
If you seem half-hearted or lacking in your messaging they have no reason to believe in you or the results that you can deliver.
3. Belief in yourself allows you to strengthen your brand messaging for your target audience
When your brand messaging resonates with your target audience. It can’t make you the logical choice. People invest in and purchase from people that believe in their offerings.
Words of Encouragement for moving beyond Imposter Syndrome
If you want to overcome feeling like you have to have it all figured out on your own. Avoid only feeling comfortable stepping out into your purpose once you’ve got things perfect and polished. I invite you to invest in yourself and your business by setting up a free consultation call to discuss your business and goals.
Book a free consultation to learn more about the services. Let’s see if I’m a good fit to help you accomplish your business goals and guide your success.
