Podcast 32: How to Stop Imposter Syndrome
Sep 24, 2020
It was the morning of my book launch and I started to feel like an imposter. Concerned that at any moment, someone will see straight through me. Who am I to write a book???
It’s not the first time I’ve felt like an imposter – I kept myself hidden for years. I was always the person in the background, making sure everything worked – that was my comfort zone.
By playing small, I sabotaged myself and my success and starting my own business meant I had to step out of the shadows.
I’ve noticed every time I step out of my comfort zone, this demon pops up. It tests me to see if it can throw me off track and it’s when I need to do some of the inner work on myself.
Working in personal development, this issue haunts so many of my clients, especially women. Maybe they’ more open about it, but feeling like an imposter isn’t fun!
Even the successful, rich and famous who appear to be in complete control on the surface, can feel like frauds.
I don’t think we ever completely free ourselves of it, as long as we continue to grow. It’s a sign you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is where you feel like you’re a fraud and question whether you’re deserving. You doubt your talents and accomplishments and feel you’re not good enough and fear you’ll be found out at any point.
Signs of imposter syndrome
Do you ever…
- Constantly compare yourself to others?
- Feel scared of being exposed or found out?
- That you’re not worthy?
- Like an imposter or a fraud?
- That you’re not good enough or don’t know enough?
- Want everything to be perfect so never finish anything?
You’re not alone!
So many amazing therapists, coaches and practitioners fall into the trap of feeling like an imposter. They constantly question themselves and their inner critic runs rife.
This is often hiding behind the need to be continually learning. The thought that “if I learn that, I’ll be ready”. You learn it, then something else comes along, and so the pattern continues.
It’s time to get out of your own way and recognise – you’re good enough! There will always be more you can learn but at some point, you need to stop and allow yourself to move forward.
You have the skills you need to provide an amazing service to your clients. If you’re hiding away, you’re doing them a disservice.
It’s time to work on your fears and give yourself permission to make a few mistakes along the way.
How to stop imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome tends to show up as soon as you move to the next level, or onto your next challenge. It is a good indication that you are working on something that’s important to you.
Start by recognising, it is just fear talking
Write down what it is you feel an imposter about and what you are saying to yourself: not good enough, got missing skills, don’t want to be visible, fear of failure, fear of success etc. This will help stop it from whirling around your head. Seeing it in black and white, allows you to get some perspective over what you are thinking.
Talk it through
Find a trusted friend and talk through how you’re feeling. Just saying the words out loud to someone will help you get clarity over what’s going on. Your friend can also provide feedback and reassurance that you’re ok.
Make a decision
Decide what you want to feel instead and what you want to achieve. Write it down using positive, descriptive, language. This will provide you with the direction to move towards. Now make a commitment to yourself and display your note somewhere visible.
Appreciation
Recognise what you have achieved so far, and all the work that you put in to do it. This will help you reinforce and accept your unique skills. Keep a file of lovely feedback you have received from clients and colleagues, and read through this if you need a little boost.
Take action
The antidote for fear is taking action. Create a simple plan of action, work out what your first step is and take it. It may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but this shows that you are stretching yourself and growing.
Change your focus
Feeling like a fraud means your focus is on yourself and what is going on internally. Change your focus to working with your clients and providing them with great value.
Get help
Rather than muddling through and keeping stuck, get help if you need it. Contact your coach, or use your preferred approach such as NLP or EFT to address your blocks. Do whatever it takes to stop feeling like an imposter and allow yourself to start to flourish.
My new book has finally arrived! It’s designed to help you deal with some of the common mindset issues as you set up your thriving, sustainable business…
Your Holistic Business Recipe
A handbook created for CAM professionals who want to build a thriving, sustainable practice, their way. Whether they are new or struggling, many find marketing and running a business overwhelming. This book simplifies the process of business and marketing and supports practitioners in making the right choices for themselves.
Podcast 32 show notes:
- (02:44) What is imposter syndrome?
- (03:00) Signs of imposter syndrome
- (04:13) You’re not alone
- (05:20) Things you can do to stop imposter syndrome
- (06:25) Talk it through
- (06:50) Make a decision
- (07:41) Appreciate what you’ve achieved
- (08:27) Take action
- (09:17) Change your focus
- (09:48) Get help
- (10:12) Your Holistic Business Recipe is now available
