Imposter Syndrome is Selfish.
And how to kick it once and for all.
Imposter Syndrome, ever heard of it? Chances are that even if you haven't, you know the feeling of it. That what you do, create, write, say, what you produce, and what you are is an illusion. That you really don't know what you're claiming to know and have knowledge in and that you're a fraud. It can sometimes masquerade itself as an overall nervousness that people won't understand your message. Or that they won't connect with it. And that it's just a matter of time before someone calls you out and shows how very little you know about your profession.
Crazy thing is, it's all in your head. But it's not a mental health issue. In some ways, that would make it seem more accessible and treatable. But really it requires inner work and reflection to not allow this to affect your prosperity. Because if we create or make big decisions from this place of fear, our message really won't come across to our preferred audience, and our fears will be fulfilled prophecy. Ugh, it's madness!
But maybe the most important point I want to communicate is how selfish all this talk about imposter syndrome is. If you notice, all the negative and limiting thoughts center around one thing:
YOU
I know it sounds harsh but why beat around the bush? If you’re reading this you either have your own business or you’re wanting to start one but time is not in a surplus. So why draw it out?
The women I’ve mentored all have one thing in common when they seem to be struggling with imposter syndrome: they are too focused on themselves. This isn’t to say that they are terrible, self-centered people. Not in the slightest. But typically, their vision is very “me” centered when they are in this season of second guessing what they bring to the table. We all are capable of doing this so don’t take it as a character flaw if you find yourself in the throws of it right now. Just recognize where the focus is and adjust. Sounds pretty flippin simple. I wish it was.
But through all of this we still have one more aspect of Imposter Syndrome to look at. And that's WHY you feel this way. I know you were hoping to avoid this section. “yep, I can admit I feel this and I'll just stop it. No need to get real deep with my feeling about this. “ But that feeling of wanting to steer clear of this next step is a sign that you're on the right path. Maybe an uncomfortable path, but a necessary one at that. Take ten minutes to sit with the question of “why.” Why do you feel this way? When does IS come up in your work? Or projects? Write out a very honest answer of what comes of it.
My proposed work in breaking these unhelpful thought processes is to write out little messages to yourself. Dare I say “affirmations?” Focusing on what you are good at and your skills will help to build up that confidence and help you focus on the positive. Then create a list of how your expertise HELPS others. How you have been blessing to someone in your line of work.
Kind of like a little pep talk. You might feel even more like a fraud but trust me when I say, this works. Keep them somewhere you will see them often; bathroom mirror, fridge door, dashboard of your car, computer, ect.
Every day you should aim to create more of these affirmations. I suggest three a day. Especially if you are on the negative struggle bus. As your day needs, look them over and read them out loud. So for those real shit days, read a few more than normal. You get the drift. I can't wait to hear how this positively impacts your decision making, confidence, and work flow. Get workin'!
I hope you found some comfort and solace in knowing that what you’re feeling is normal and also temporary. It’s my heart to support as many entrepreneurs as I can through important work like this!
I suggest you check out my blog “How to Grow Your Brand on Pinterest.” You can read it here!
